Brettsky Reviews The Evangenitals @ Old Towne Pub 2/23/07

Just for the record, I am an Evangenital and always will be.

And so... let me say how weirdly enjoyable it was being in the audience as a civilian Genital. I had wondered for days what would it be like if I could get off work early and catch the show. As it turned out, I managed to catch the full performance and I really enjoyed myself. The running gag in the band, I've been told, is that I'm now referred to as "coach" during rehearsal and that the goal was to make coach proud. Funny thing is, that's not the first time I've been called that (here's hoping it's a term of endearment this time).

The full band (minus me) appeared onstage with part-timers Dave Salardino (mandolin) and Jason Chesney on guitar. Everyone was standing, including Juli and Lisa (w/ guitars) and I must say they all looked great. Juli started up with some jokes and banter about me gettin' fired and opened with the Ween cover "Cold Blows The Wind" followed by "Lisa's Song" and "Never Again". Three interesting choices. My first thought was it seemed overly ambitious given the limits of rehearsal time available to the band pre-show (especially Ween) but I also knew The Girls were eager to revisit a few old chestnuts we hadn't championed in a long awhile. Ultimately, I gave in to the performances, thanks mostly to the fine vocal performances. Next up was, I think, "Quee Queg". This full band version definitely had legs and it was good to hear after all these months (drums!). "Hello" featured some nice guitarwork from Chesney. I missed my own presence most on "Drunk That Way" but when the set segued into "Irene" the band unexpectedly reclaimed what I thought was my own brand of special mountain magick. "Diggin It" was still good times though even sloppier than ever. The second heavyweight moment was "Fuck Em All". The band really finessed that song and I was definitely taking notes. George and Salad get extra points on FEA for the tasty flavors. "Sun Is Shining" (a song that we've always struggled with live) communicated, especially during the verses and managed to muster a healthy dose of applause. Last up was "Gasoline" (surprise!). This song was pretty faithful to the original and still carried plenty of energy. It was the right song to close with.

All in all, it was a good night. The band, of course, still had plenty of charisma and delivered an inspired performance. I had a blast. It was great fun and enlightening to hear the songs shimmy and sway, to hear which licks and ideas stayed and which were either reinterpreted or discarded entirely. In the end, I'm pleased to report that I loved it all and I still missed me very much.

So, Brettsky quit the band... but the show must go on!

That's right, folks. It's time for another crazy ho-down at the Old Towne Pub with The Purple Gang and The Evangenitals.



There is a rumor going around that we've kicked Brettsky out of the band, but you shouldn't listen to the rumors... even if we are the ones starting them!

The truth is.... HOLLYWOOD is to blame!

Brettsky's earning his stripes in the wild world of cinema editing, and the Evangenitals are going to have to persevere for one night without their beloved Coach and Master Noodler, Brett P Lyda.

So, here's the plan. We put in a call to some Evangenital Extended Family(tm) and we've got special treats for frequent fliers this show.

Jason Chesney (whom you may remember played bass for us at the infamous Knitting Factory/Trainwreck show) is stepping up on guitar (which you will also hear him playing on the forthcoming 2nd ALBUM of the Evangenitals!) and Dave "Salad" Salardino of UkeFink is making a special appearance on the mandolin!

We're bringing some 1st album gems out of the closet for review (think Quee Queg, Eva!) and also some other tunes that we rarely play for one reason or another.

And if you've been suffering from the short-set blues... we're planning a minimum of 10 songs, starting at 10pm. 10 at 10 sounds good to me.

And then the Purple Gang is going to play, putting us in a delicious aural sandwich betwixt Marty West and the Lower Companions and the Purple Gang. Good company!

And you can see it all for just $5. Be sure to tell them that you're there to see the Evangenitals... because we actually get the money at the door when we play the Old Towne Pub, and that money will help make album #2 come out a whole lot sooner!

So come on out and support us. We need all the good vibes we can pack
into the Old Towne Pub so we can put on a good 'ol show that'll make
Coach Brettsky proud!

xo
julio
the evangenitals
www.evangenitals.com

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