Rancid, Tiger Army, Nekromantix & The Frisk

Unfortunately, this review will have to start off with an apology. Due to complications at the ticket booth, I spent the majority of The Frisk’s set outside the venue. But considering what I thought of The Frisk the last time I saw them play, it’s probably for the best that I missed them.
Freeborn Hall on the campus of the University of California, Davis, is very much like a high school gymnasium with hardwood floors, a large stage sunken in the far wall and an overall hollow feel — even the large, sold-out crowd for this evening’s concert seemed diminutive in the hall’s vast interior. However, with two slightly raised ramps circling the sunken recess of the Freeborn’s floor and a high stage, the venue provided ample room and great views of the performers, which no doubt benefited the theatrical Nekromantix, who were a sight to behold.
Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, the Nekromantix were the first of two psychobilly bands on the bill and probably the most flamboyant act. This is thanks mainly to the three-piece’s bass player/vocalist Kim Nekroman, with his exaggerated, wedge-like shock of hair and trademark CoffinBass (a stand-up bass with a body fashioned in the shape of a coffin) which he proudly dragged about the stage. Playing songs like “Motorpsycho” and “Who Killed the Cheerleader?” the Nekromantix were definitely a campy good time, but proved to be more of a treat for the eyes then they were for the ears. Whether it was a poor mix, sound problems or a complete disregard for their audience, the band’s set was a blaring, disorganized mess, albeit an entertaining one.
Tiger Army was up next, playing their first show since January. Not only was this the band’s first date on their tour with Rancid, but November 5th also marked drummer Fred Hell’s return since being injured in a shooting earlier this year. Tiger Army picked up where the Nekromantix left off, but sounded much more focused and polished, showing little sign of rust after their long absence. From “Power of Moonlite,” which opened their set, to their closing song, “Never Die,” frontman Nick 13 sang spooky-voiced anthems for the psychobilly faithful, who showed their appreciation with raised fists and circle pits.
Without much downtime, Rancid took the stage to the familiar strains of “Ruby SoHo” and brought the show to a fitting close. The band’s camaraderie with the crowd and with each other was easily apparent, and translated well in their performance. Songs like “David Courtney” from their latest album Indestructible were presented in an intensely personal manner, delivered as if it was a story being told to a large group of friends, drawing in the audience, who seemed eager to connect with the band they paid to see.
Though the members of Rancid — especially bassist Matt Freeman — all held their own, Lars Frederiksen really carried the show, standing out vocally and with his guitar. Toward the end of their set, he performed a song from his side project, Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards, “To Have and To Have Not,” solo, filling the large hall with words of youthful alienation and defiance.

– James Barone

Bookmark: