Images: The Lawrence Arms, Nothington, ИO / / / sé May 24, 2013 at the Las Vegas Country Saloon (Punk Rock Bowling)

During a festival stacked with legendary bands like FLAG, Bad Religion, Devo and 7 Seconds (to name just a few), I was actually most excited for the bowler kickoff show with Lawrence Arms, Nothington and ИO / / / sé. The Lawrence Arms has long been one of my very favorite bands, ever since I first saw them open for Bouncing Souls and Alkaline Trio at Punk Rock Bowling 2002 (sort of, since the show was changed to 21+ last minute so I had to watch through an open door). They’ve accomplished a rare feat of four perfect albums in a row, highlighted by the masterpiece that is 2003’s The Greatest Story Ever Told. It’s been an agonizing 7 years since they played Vegas, with their last appearance being one of the best shows I’ve ever been to, with Lagwagon and A Wilhelm Scream at Jillian’s in 2006.

So yeah, I was more than a little excited to see them return to Vegas, and being that it’s PRB, I knew the crowd would be going crazy for them. And the crowd that was there absolutely did. Regrettably, what was supposed to be a sold out show was slightly underattended, due to a large number of tickets being held for bowlers that didn’t show up. It was unfortunate since I knew a lot of locals who were dying to get in, but for the crowd that was there, it was mania. The County Saloon erupted with enthusiastic fans crushing against the barricade to scream along right from the opening notes of “Great Lakes / Great Escapes.” It was the perfect song to start with as it showcases the band’s biggest strength, the way frontmen Brendan Kelly and Chris McCaughan differ from each other, both in singing styles – Kelly has the scratchier, more traditionally “punk” voice and McCaughan’s singing style occupies a more melodious space – but also in stage performance. Kelly is boisterous, manic and always creeping up to the barrier for fan singalongs while McCaughan likes to hang back and let his guitar do the talking. “Lakes,” which features equal parts Chris and Brendan, showed off those sides perfectly.

Songs from the band’s last proper full length, 2006’s Oh! Calcutta!, made up a big chunk of the setlist. Along with “Lakes” we were also treated to “The Devil’s Takin’ Names,” “Lose Your Illusion 1,” “Like a Record Player” and set closer “Are You There Margaret? It’s Me, God.” I was excited to sing along with newer cut “The Slowest Drink at the Saddest Bar on the Snowiest Day in the Greatest City” from their 2009 EP Buttsweat and Tears, which was particularly fitting in that booze-soaked atmosphere. And it was pretty amazing to see the entire crowd with one arm around their friends and the other in the air during the band’s signature “100 Resolutions” from their split with The Chinkees.

I would have loved to hear more older songs like “Light Breathing” and “106 South,” though I’m probably dreaming on that last one. But they did take one request for “Hey, What Time is ‘Pensacola: Wings of Gold’ on Anyway?” which Brendan Kelly dedicated to “that one person who requested it” that he couldn’t remember (great pick, by the way). It was around this time in the set that Nothington’s Jay Northington started the stage diving, launching himself into the frantic fans up front and singing along with the Chicago trio while being held up by the crowd.

After commenting that all the songs they were playing had been written so many years ago when “the men in the audience didn’t have beards and the women had not yet grown tits,” the band treated us to the debut of a new, untitled song that will be on their upcoming, still untitled album. The new song sounded amazing, continuing the Oh! Calcutta! style of Brendan and Chris sharing lead vocals. Despite the band member’s more folk-based side projects the Larrys haven’t lost their punk edge, and I couldn’t be more excited to hear their new record. And hopefully it won’t be another 7 years until they come through Vegas again.

Nothington, who last played the Country Saloon a year ago with Lagwagon and Cobra Skulls, sounded amazing as always. The band was on point with favorites like “Far to Go,” “A Mistake” and “St Andrews.” Like The Larry Arms, one of Nothington’s biggest strengths is the contrast between gruff vocalist Jay Northington and his melodious co-vocalist Chris Matulich. Songs where they share the lead spot – like “Don’t Have To Wait” – are always such treats to hear live. They got the very slippery pit started during that one and later the whole crowd had fists in the air singing along, especially on the “whoa-oh ohs” of “Ocean.” They mentioned that they’ll be slowing down with shows while they’re working on a new record. Their last, Borrowed Time, is one of my all times favorites so I’m setting my expectations pretty high for what they come up with next.

In the opening slot was the nearly ungooglable ИO / / / sé. I really didn’t know what to expect going in and ended up being really impressed. They’re definitely in the same wheelhouse as show companions Lawrence Arms and Nothington, with fast, gruff multi-vocaled melodic punk. They add a bit of a low-fi rock tinge to the mix and the main vocalist reminds me a lot of Comadre, only with slightly better enunciation than Juan Gabe. They had some fans up front who clearly came down just to support them and it was nice seeing an opening band get that kind of reaction, even from those who had never heard of them before. I’m definitely excited to see more from this band.

This show was a pretty fantastic way to kick off the 15th annual Punk Rock Bowling Music Festival, setting the bar high for what ended up being a whirlwind of a weekend. Check back for more PRB coverage throughout the week.

-Emily Matview | https://www.flickr.com/photos/holdfastnow/