James Alex, singer/songwriter/guitarist for Beach Slang, loves Jawbreaker more than many. So it was the thrill of a lifetime for ‘Slang to be able to share the Riot Stage with them on Sunday. Despite having to wake up early to play a show, James has some fond memories of the night, and we’ve asked him to share them with us here. Then, below, watch a recap video of Beach Slang’s set.
You wait 21 years. You have to wait a few minutes more. It feels permanent. But the kind of permanence you don’t want to let slip. So you suffocate on anticipation, revel in impatience and keep stuck to the same good feeling we’re all feeling. And then, bang! The lights drop and it happens—the release of clenched teeth and scratched hearts. Right now, it’s like the whole world knows it’s allowed to stall and everything will be alright.
“Boxcar” into “Sluttering (May 4th).” Feedback swinging, Blake murmurs “Dance. And be nice.” then smashes into “Want.” Everyone is singing. Everything is shaking. This whole place is blissed out, a punk rock choir. And I don’t ever want to be anywhere else.
This was the whole deal:
BOXCAR
SLUTTERING (MAY 4TH)
WANT
THE BOAT DREAMS FROM THE HILL
WEST BAY INVITATIONAL
SAVE YOUR GENERATION
JET BLACK
IN SADDING AROUND
ACCIDENT PRONE
MILLION
PARABOLA
CONDITION OAKLAND
CHEMISTRY
KISS THE BOTTLE
BIVOUAC
During “Bivouac,” Blake screamed into his guitar pickups. It fucking howled. After “Bivouac,” Adam demolished his drum set. It felt necessary. It was like all the bottled-up junk finally exploded. It deserved to. Maybe it needed to.
You know, sometimes I forget there are people in the world who have never heard of or have never listened to Jawbreaker. And I think, “Fuck, you are missing everything.”
Blake, Chris and Adam: THANK YOU, from all of us.
Beach Slang returns to Chicago on November 25th for a show at the Bottom Lounge with Dave Hause & The Mermaid and See Through Dresses. Tickets are on sale now and available here.
Enjoy this visual recap of Beach Slang’s early set at Riot Fest last Sunday.
The Related Rabbit Hole
