Less Than Jake, the Ataris & Zebrahead

There was a mad turnout for the Less Than Jake show Monday. Zebrahead opened, but by the time I got there, the crowd was so fierce that I couldn’t fight my way close enough to see them in action. However, I did hear most of their mangled lyrics, courtesy of the drunkard screeching them nearby. What I managed to hear from the stage, kicked ass.

The Ataris were on second, and they brought the crowd to a simmering roar of hormonal charge that only underage kids can achieve while under the influence of sobriety. Thus the draw of the younger crowd for the Less than Jake band, I suppose, since one of the LTJ sensibilities commits the band to affordable shows to all ages. Punks with morals — where is our music industry going? Next thing you know, we’ll have honest politicians.

It was a frightening scene downstairs. There was barely room to walk and hardly enough air to breathe in the sauntering sauna of the energetic orgy of teen moshing monsters in punk haven bliss. In the lady’s room I mingled with a handful of 15-year-old girls who were seeking refuge from the havoc outside on the floor. They had enjoyed Zebrahead and The Ataris, and had nearly pushed their way up to the front to catch a glimpse of the rock-star deities known as Less than Jake. But their helpless and meager attempts to stay a front were thwarted. Hiding from the beast of the crowd on the floor, the girls were passing the time counting the many participants who entered the bathroom war-wounded (evidently there were quite a few — I didn’t stick around to get on the list). No one was safe from the assailants reigning the night, not even the band; overzealous mosh pitters consistently bombarded the Ataris. The pattern had the crowd throwing one of their own on stage directly at the singer; the singer would then proceed to pick up his microphone and impressively continue as though nothing had occurred. I was very happy to return safely to the 21-and-over crowd on the second floor.

Aside from the horrible jackass mauling the back of my chair and spilling his goddamn beer all over me, (then trying to convince me it was water condensation on his cup), it was nice upstairs. Of course, I suppose when you are under 21, the last thing you want to be is content or, worse, secure. You’d much rather be the center chaotic activity.

Less than Jake came forth asking the crowd to please toss crowd surfers to the back of the ring rather than towards them. Suddenly The Brick’s defensive team appeared to relieve the band form the accosting fans. LTJ then brought out their fun and familiar ska and punk sound, along with their confetti machine, costumes and fire breathing monster and rocked into the night.

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