[Anecdote about what a madcap time I had trying to get to the show]. Was that ever a madcap time! When we arrived These Arms Are Snakes were already playing, and we managed to catch two of their songs. Those two, however, were aural gems. The band was getting pretty into the songs, as well. I would have liked to see their whole set, but I couldn't have due to the madcappery I endured. If you go to this show, make sure to catch their entire set. You might even get to see TAAS' lead singer deepthroat a mic!

Next up, The Lawrence Arms. Why they were playing before A Static Lullaby confuses/angers me. I don't even want to get into it, or else you'd be reading this rant until next week! Having seen them a few months before, I knew what to expect, but I figured the show would be better since it was in the city and not Hole-In-The-Wall, Connecticut. Get this: the show in the city was better. They opened with "The March of The Elephants" (a good opener at that) and (assumably) half-drunkenly tore through nine more songs, but without any flaws. Heck, Bren-man even had two brews sitting on top of his amp! Considering their short set, they played a good assortment of older, not as old, and new stuff. I really would have liked to see them as the last opener before Hot Water Music, but I guess you can't always get what you want (but if you try sometimes...just kidding!). Their set list was: The March of The Elephants, The First Eviction Notice, Turnstiles, Alert the Audience, Drunken Mouth Kitchen Smile, Porno and Snuff Films, Chapter 13: The Hero Appears, Chicago Is Burning, The Ramblin' Boys of Pleasure, and Nebraska (what I think might be their standard closer [coming from a kid who has seen them twice]).

A Static Lullaby was next. I really don't have much to say except: lots of unnecessary/unskilled screaming, their fans seemed to like them, and they had an encore. As an opening band. Before Hot Water Music. A Static Lullaby played an encore before Hot Water Music went on. I don't think I need to say anything else. This is what Brendan Kelly had to say about those boys: "They're all brothers, and they have sex with each other, and the parents are totally okay with it." Brendan, you hound from hell!

I had heard that Hot Water Music had a great live show and a dedicated fanbase, but I hadn't realized to what extent. I'll tell you to what extent: a great one! They started off with "A Flight And A Crash" and for the next hour or so I experienced one of the better shows I've been to in a while. With them having such a large library of music, I didn't really know what to expect, but they played a good variety of songs spanning most of their albums, although they played the most songs from their most recent full length, "Caution." Some standouts were "Jack Of All Trades," "Rooftops," and one more that was simply outstanding. After the "closer," the band came back after a minute or two of the crowd chanting, with two surprise guests: The Pete and Bryan Kienlen of Bouncing Souls fame! Hot Water Music and the Souls are good friends, apparently, and the six of them stormed into a fantastic rendition of "True Believers" (that was the outstanding standout I was speaking of). It was simply great. I know it. You know it. We all know it. They played a couple more songs, including a Circle Jerks cover (Wild In The Streets, I believe). This was truly a great set. The guys in the band seem like such honest and dedicated people, you can't help but like them. This tour just started so be sure to make it to this one, if you can find some way to kill time while A Static Lullaby is playing (ba-zing!). Aside from them, this is one show you don't want to miss.

Hot Water Music's set (not in exact order, may be missing a few):
A Flight And A Crash
Wayfarer
Free Radio Gainesville
Jack of All Trades
Trusty Chords
Three Summers Strong
Just Don't Say You Lost It
Rooftops
Swinger
Alachua
I Was On A Mountain
We'll Say Anything We Want
Remedy
Turnstile
True Believers
Wild In The Streets
Manual