w/Michale Graves of the Misfits, Mongrel, Jodi Explodi

Our most recent performance at the Asylum was booked sort of late in the game, so turnout for the entire evening wasn’t quite what we had hoped for, but those who did come got quite a treat: First up, a last minute addition called Jodi Explodi opened the show with an interesting combo of Iron Maiden-esque intros leading to straightforward pop-punk songs. Mongrel were over the top energetic despite being exhausted from their heavy tour schedule, and got lot’s of compliments. Hopefully they will play Portland again soon. We were the dramatic moody band of the evening, and the audience did what they always do at our shows – they stood right in front of the stage and stared at us with nary a peep out of them except for short bursts of enthusiastic applause. Michale Graves and his band went on late and gave their all for the faithful who stayed. Decked out in skull facepaint and lots of duct tape, Graves opened with “American Psycho” and really rocked the joint, playing both Misfts songs and new material. He and his band were total pros, plying their craft on a level few local bands ever rise to. The next day I went to Bullmoose and bought two Misfits CDs.