Since Tankboy requested it, and since I don't want this blog to turn into just an advertisement for future South of North shows, I'll give you my synopsis of last Friday at the Mutiny.

It was excellent.

Well what did you expect me to say? I promoted it.

Okay, okay. But honestly. Hotlips Messiah started us off and brought the rock. They set the tone for the entire night and got everyone dancing and drinking. I'll admit, when I first heard them I didn't go ga-ga or anything, but I've seen them a few more times since. I like what I heard enough to want them on the bill; I think they're a band to pay attention to. They've recently grown comfortable enough to ditch the monkey masks as a gimmick and run with the merit of their own music, so you gotta dig it.

The new band on the Chicago map, the Pumps, blew the audience away. There was a little bit of silent awkwardness as Lauria asked her bandmates if they were ready (come on! I asked you girls that two months ago!), and the audience didn't know what to expect. Then the heartbeat came up a la Dark Side of the Moon and brought us full into it. Now, they're a bit slower and softer than Lauria and Sara's old band, Vicki, but that doesn't mean they're either slow or soft. Sultry vocals came in low and snuck punches in throughout the set. Lauria was still in her cast and had to sit through the entire set, but I know from experience with her former band that she'd be all over the stage otherwise. She still seduced the audience from the barstool, though, and oh, does she seduce. The only thing I'd have to suggest, if I were asked, and I wasn't, is that if they're going to use the heartbeat as their signature beginning, they may want to contact Pink Floyd on copyright issues. I'm just sayin'.

With regards to M.O.T.O., my friend and photographer for the night said they were his favorite band. "I Hate My F'ing Job" (sorry, family blog) would be my favorite song, my anthem if you will, if I um, had a job. I think of them as the Ramones with more sarcastic humor. Maybe. What?

I love the Manhandlers, but yes, the bass was a step behind at times. Or was I just drunk? Hey, no one noticed until they started getting a little angry at each other. Then again, they're a punk band and they're supposed to be angry, right? It was still an awesome end to an awesome night.

Pictures by Dan Sachs are here, here, here & here. I'm too lazy and full of spicy food to embed them in this article right now.