Oracle Online

One of those leading the crusade against today’s bland nu-rock renaissance is Jim Heath, better known as The Reverend Horton Heat. The Reverend, along with brooding rockers Murder by Death and Chicago hooligans the Tossers, brought his wild rockabilly revival to a packed First Avenue crowd last Monday night.

The Tossers kicked off the show, playing a hybrid of old-school punk rock and traditional Irish folk music. Frontman Tony Duggins, clearly living the lifestyle depicted in his band's raucous bar anthems, led the crowd in a set mainly composed of tracks from the band’s new album, Agony. The band's party-time atmosphere seemed to carry over well, as most people in attendance were cheering, dancing, and singing along.

After the Tossers were finished, Indiana’s own Murder By Death quickly shifted the mood with their apocalyptic fusion of American folk music, old school punk rock, and epic orchestral arrangements. The band played many songs from their newest release In Boca Al Lupo, as well as a large portion of 2003’s Who Will Survive and What Will Be Left of them? (an epic concept album detailing a battle between the residents of a small western town and the devil, which this reviewer highly recommends).

Many in the crowd who were unfamiliar with the band's material seemed to be won over by their dark storytelling and rich sound, as vocalist Adam Turina spun tales of lost hope, newfound redemption, and advancing undead hordes. Turnia’s ominous vocals were perfectly complemented by cello player/keyboardist Sarah Balliet, whose haunting accents further intensified the nights set.

For many bands, the previous acts would have both proven hard to follow, but after more than 20 years of preaching the gospel of rock and roll, the good Reverend and crew had little trouble stealing the show. Front man Heath pulled off electrifying solo after solo, backed by the driving rhythm and ridiculous showmanship of upright bass wizard Jimbo Wallace and new drummer Paul Simmons. Throwing caution to the wind, the Reverend decreed that most of the nights 2 plus hour set would be composed of audience requests, much to the delight of those in attendance.

This resulted in a fun-filled night for all, featuring material spanning the band's nine album catalogues, with the audience dancing like mad to songs such as “Galaxy 500,” “Its Martini Time,” “400 Bucks,” and a blistering rendition of fan favorite “Psychobilly Freakout.”

The band complemented their musical skills with outlandish displays of showmanship, from the subtle (Heath’s various road stories), to the downright ridiculous (Wallace throwing his upright bass high into the air, only to catch it without missing a beat). This made for an unforgettable experience to those who had no previous knowledge of the group.

After all was said and done, the three bands succeeded in showing those in attendance that some old formulas still work well without being tampered with.

Those who missed this show should fear not, as the Reverend will be back Aug. 11 at the 7th St. Entry. Murder By Death will once again be supporting.