The Oh Sees put on the weirdest show I have ever experienced. Let me bequeath you with some vivid imagery of all the grimy details.
Composed of bass, drums, keys, and a lead – this band appeared quite normal. On the keys was a rather pretty lady, who appeared both scared and severely nervous to be playing at the Casbah. On the lead and vocals, was, well, the devil himself. This guy began the show with a funny comment and then BAM! He began singing and screaming to a pop punk melody that immediately caught my attention. The lady sang back up while playing tambourine, providing me with a snapshot of what the B-52’s would sound like if still around.
Moving on.
In midst of song 1 was when the transformation began. The lead began contorting into these awfully-shaped forms, very akin to having a seizure. He played his guitar up on his chest, strumming, fiddling, plucking like frickin Charlie Daniels. Very talented, but haunting to watch. Contortion after contortion, he then enveloped the entire mic in his mouth while still singing. Not just the ball, but the stem too was lodged somewhere deep in the back of his throat. Disgusting to watch, that is, unless you’re into men swallowing phallic objects.
His female back up then abruptly crashed to the floor. I had no idea what was going on. She decided to stay there till the song ended. My guess was that she tripped but I still had no idea. As they began their next song, everyone in the crowd began to point to the girl, screaming at the lead to stop playing. All of a sudden, a blurred look came over the girl and she fell straight down, again, forcing the band to stop playing and address the situation. At this point I’m freaking out, and beginning to believe the possessed lead was just too much for this innocent girl to handle.
After deciding to sit the next song out – and by sit I mean on the stage – while drinking water, the female just watched the band play.
WTF HAPPENED!!! Not one member, not even her, explained to the crowd what we witnessed.
People in the crowd didn’t give a damn either. One guy in back of me started screaming, “Fuck it! Just Play!” To say the least, everything about the show was weird, horrific, and over the top.
If you like the B-52’s go check out the Oh Sees. If you’d like to refrain from selling your soul – be wary. Obviously The Oh Sees own members can’t even withstand the demonic callings.