Although we had just indulged ourselves with an amazing weekend at NEARfest, there was no way Greg and I were going to miss a chance to see three of the best bands in the intimate atmosphere of a small club. We sacrificed some much-needed sleep, but it was more than well worth it. There was an excellent turn out with 108 tickets sold.

Bridsongs of the Mesozoic took the stage about forty minuets late, despite the best intentions to start promptly at 8pm (does anything ever start on time in a club?). They would follow their same set as NF, ripping into “Petrophonics”. The sound was great, and as many of you know, we are big fans of this band, and were delighted once again to see them up close, having been front and center for their show at the Tonic in NYC back in March. Other highlights of the set included the title track from Dancing On A’A, which burned, “Faultline” and “Beat of the Mesozoic”, which included the four-member percussion attack (pictured here). I of course enjoyed every minute of this set and hope to be able to see the band live again sometime soon, where their witty sense of humor gives them a great stage presence.

With the new addition of ‘monster bassist’ Aaron Kenyon, stage presence is not something Djam Karet have to worry about. He brings plenty of energy to this group of subdued and anonymous fellows. They wasted no time in ripping our heads off, starting the set with the amazing Devouring material, “Forbidden By Rule” and “Night of the Mexican Goat Sucker”. Some tracks had to be omitted from their NF set to accommodate the hour they had tonight. The material from New Dark Age was excellent, and had a wonderful added texture with Mike Henderson playing 12-string. The band finished the set with some older material, “Burning The Hard City” and the Crimson like “Technology and Industry”, which was new for this set. Considering the band had one of the best sets at NF, I’m hard pressed to decide which was better. Either way, I loved being able to see these guys.

Many thought Deus ex Machina’s set at NF to be a highlight of the weekend. I thought the band was a bit uptight, and the guitarist wasn’t as good as he could be. I was expecting them to come off better in a smaller venue, and they exceeded those expectations. They we’re extremely tight, very comfortable and loose on stage (actually, they are a bunch of clowns), and the guitarist was definitely on tonight. They smoked, and easily topped their NF performance, and were the highlight of the night. They played the majority of their NF set (including the funk-ay song, which was much more funky tonight) and even included some extended jamming. Alberto Piras was amazing again, pummeling the audience with his voice, and amusing them with his antics. Another outstanding set.

It was great to be able to see three of the best bands from NF again. If Banco played here as well, it might have even topped NF! Thanks to Steve and Cuneiform, and Downtown Music Gallery for organizing this!

- Mike Prete [June 2001]