It’s no secret that pretty much everyone that writes for this site holds much respect towards Toronto’s punk saviors Fucked Up. Last year’s Hidden World (Jade Tree) totally rewrote the rules when it comes to modern day hardcore. While it’s deservedly received a fair amount of praise, it just seems like one of those records that will people will be appreciating more with each passing year.

Saturday marked the return of the band to the NYC area for the first time since the release of the album over the Summer (they were denied access at the border while trying to cross for CMJ ‘06). I must say, I was fairly surprised when it was announced they would be playing the Mercury Lounge. On one hand, I think it’s amazing to have a show at the club where people will be stage diving and moshing (I think Saturday was the first time I saw this there). But I also didn’t know how the band would come across in the new settings.

I’ll start off with another punk band making some noise of late, Government Warning. The band, who released No Moderation(Feral Ward) last year, doesn’t take a very expansive take on the hardcore punk formula but they do it well and with all that pissed off angst and attitude we crave. I think a lot of people there that night were excited to see them as well.

The band still pulled their usual stunts (loss of shirt, blood oozing from head) but it didn’t seem as dangerous at the Mercury Lounge. It almost, however, seemed kind of controlled, like it was necessary to do such things to bring some sort of normalcy to the show. I don’t know how many 21+ shows the band has played in their history but I am assuming it has to a rare thing.

Regardless, the band played a solid set of music from all of the 7-inchs and Hidden World. The older material is still clearly the favorite amongst the diehards.

I just can’t exactly pinpoint it but the show was just lacking a bit to make it stellar. I still can’t stress enough that Fucked Up is one of the most important punk bands around today. I just think the band wasn’t totally comfortable in their settings.

Following up the next day, the band apparently seemed much more comfortable playing and said they didn’t feel like the night before was a great show. I don’t think this is the last time the band will play a venue like the Mercury Lounge, but they are just patiently digging their claws in the dirt right now, instead of going full steam ahead.

Government Warning
Fucked Up

Tags: Fucked Up, Government Warning, show review //