Minneapolis’ new later bar time has forced many scenesters to reexamine their commitment to live music.
On weekends it’s tolerable. But during the work week, shows stretching into the wee hours can lead to miserable mornings and a cranky boss.
But rock ‘n’ roll has always been about living dangerously.
This is why concerts are usually at night. Lurking in the shadows is the spirit of rock. Those who roam at 2 a.m. are a different crowd from those who have their second cup of coffee at 7:30 a.m.
It’s hard to stay up late multiple times during the week. But sometimes it’s just as hard to be motivated to see an all-ages show like last week’s Catheters concert, Saturday afternoon.
It might sound like 4:30 p.m. show is a reasonable time for an all-ages show to start. But on a Saturday, in the summer, it’s easy to be lazy. Get up around noon, take a shower, dress, eat, read or listen to music – already it’s 3 p.m. and it doesn’t feel like you’ve gotten anything done.
And this is a normal person situation. Consider the rock ‘n’ rollers. How can you expect a bunch of punks and slackers to get out of bed in time for sound check?
So can a good punk show really take place on a sunny Saturday afternoon?
The Midnight Evils and the Catheters were undoubtedly fun to watch – lots of screams, cymbal crashes and guitar necks waved in the air. But it was a show that was seen, not actively participated in. The crowd stood with their arms folded or sitting in the back.
Too bad, since the Catheters romp through foot-stomping grooves that should have had all the kids who missed the Franz Ferdinand show shaking their hips.
The Catheters are basically a heavier version of classic garage rock for parties. Though it’s similar to all those other buzz bands riding the neo-rock wave, the Catheters do it with more grit. This difference especially comes out in the band’s live show. Singer and sometimes guitarist, Brian Standeford struts on stage with sexy jerks in his joints. But it’s his relentless, shrill howl that tops off the band.
The Catheters prove punk bands can still rock at any time, but maybe it’s the audience that can’t.
