The Breeders: Recap

I didn't expect a huge turnout at The Depot tonight for The Breeders first SLC appearance in several years, and the crowd that did show was probably big enough to pack the Urban Lounge. Perhaps next time they'll scoot the seminal rockers into a smaller, more intimate club. The Deal twins certainly acted in a manner appropriate for a cozy house party, trading witty--and just plain sisterly--banter with each other and with the audience members who walked right up to the front of the stage and stared mouths agape at their down-to-earth heroes. The turnout was mixed, but mostly a throwback to the 90s. I even saw a dude with a flannel tied round his waist--and it made me smile with nostalgia, not cynical, mean-spirited derision. Yes, we music dorks came out in full force for a taste of Pod, Last Splash, Title TK and the new Mountain Battles. Kim proudly announced to covers from fellow Dayton neighbors Guided By Voices and the Tasty's. When Kelley took over the mic, Kim and a temporary guitarist (whose name I can't recall but she rocked with her bright red dreadlocks out) jumped off the stage and into the audience to "silently judge" the typically back-up vocalist. It was all fun and games and serious reverb. The wall of Marshall stacks lining the wall helped us to sufficiently "feel the noise." Sure, The Breeders are a little bit older and a little bit wiser, but they obviously reap every bit of joy out of playing pure rock and roll as they have from the day Kim started her "Pixies side-project." As much as I hate to sound like the guy in the back of the room who kept shouting incessantly, "I love you Kim!!!" (we got it the first time, dude), I have a serious crush on both of them.
Oh, and kudos to local openers Future of the Ghost, now featuring Sean Jones on bass and recurring touring member Scotty Fetzer joining Will Sartain and Cathy Foy who is absolutely fierce on the drums. You go girl! Did I just say that? Oh man.

(Jamie Gadette)