Mark Oliver Everett, otherwise known as E has a knack for writing bleak tunes. He's been through several traumatic experiences that it's no surprise his songs can make you downright feel like crap. What is surprising is how much fun you can have at an Eels show. The songs are sad, but the way they're played along with the genuine fun the band looks like they're having on stage make for a more than pleasurable experience. This past Tuesday, I got to witness one of alt-rock's most interesting minds as E and his band kicked off their US tour with a bang.
Coming on stage with a backing band dressed exactly like him, complete with sharp suits, beards, and sunglasses, what may have seemed a bit off and unorthodox came off as funny and well done. Along with a brass duo (E referring to them as "The Snatch Brothers"), the band quickly blasted into a terrific opener with "Flyswatter", and for 19 more songs, the showcase of three guitars, impeccable timing on the drums, and some sweet, sweet saxophone entranced the crowd. The songs receiving the most praise were the ones off of the trilogy starter "Hombre Lobo", "Tremendous Dynamite" early in the set was a beer swilling kick in the ass, showing the great ear for catchy and grimy rock and roll that E has always had.
Older fans were treated to some nice cuts off of "Shootenanny!" and "Souljacker" with "Souljacker 1" evoking the biggest and best response of the evening. How could it not, with E screaming out "AWW YEAH" while obliterating his guitar as if to be some hero to the masses. While the show had many songs from the post-2000 output, no fan would go home disappointed, because of how exciting the band came off. The encore featuring the combo of "Fresh Blood" (the closest thing to a hit Eels may see in this decade) and "Souljacker" highlight "Looking Up" sounded like it was closing out an Elvis impersonator show in Vegas...the good kind of impersonator.
While the show was sparsely attended and some weird omissions from the show (I was bummed we didn't get "Mr. E's Beautiful Blues"), it was hard not to wipe the smile off the face of your average attendee to the show. It was loud, it was fun, a cover of Sly Stone's "Hot Fun in the Summertime" was played, there were even crazy introductions to band members, but it made us all feel glad that the live hiatus is done and such a show could be put on even if you have the electro shock blues.
-bro sport
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