Black Lips: Saving souls, one distorted note at a time

The Hound gives this concert  5 out of 5 stars

 

A four-hour round trip journey on a Monday night is irresponsible in almost any circumstances. In my case, it was very irresponsible.

 

On Sept. 15, despite a test in two days and a mountain of other busy work calling my name, I set forth on an expedition to see one of my favorite bands for a second time, Black Lips, at St Louis’ The Ready Room. A quartet known for defining the phrase “unruly performance,” the seasoned Atlanta garage rock group have released nearly every form of bodily fluid on stage, formed the most raucous of crowd responses, led club workers to trash their own clubs alongside the destructive attendees and much, much more wicked behavior. These shows are not for the light at heart.

 

Instead, Black Lips shows, like many punk shows, offer an atmosphere that is while friendly and welcoming, a bit, well musty. There’s spilled beer in your shoes, hair and pockets. There are kids who most likely have never stepped onto a football field charging into each other at full force, while feet hang above attendee’s heads as crowd surfer’s surf on. Tattoos, tight skirts and some gnarly beards are a guarantee. For some, like me, this is what a fun show embodies.