Words and Photos by Andrew Parks
It’s nearly impossible to talk about last night’s Boredoms show without sounding like a melodramatic fool. But you know what? Screw it. Standing dead center in the photo pit for the tidal wave intro of the band’s 90-minute set–a much more aggressive affair than their previous Boadrum appearances–we felt absolutely bowled over. As in about-to-cry-but-you-don’t-know-why transfixed. Yeah, we know. Lame. Except there’s simply no denying the universal language of hardcore battle cries and a Thor-like thunderstorm of metallic beats.
You see, it’s all about location, location, location when seeing the Boredoms. That’s why their last Terminal 5 gig was probably more fulfilling for the entire room: because the stage was set up in the very middle, ensuring that everyone would experience the purely viscersal feeling that comes with watching the world’s best drum circle. This time around, the only drummer in the crowd was Yojiro Tatekaw, who was hoisted above us all like an emperor and eventually carried onto the main stage to send his percussion ricocheting across such special guests as Zach Hill, Kid Millions of Oneida, and longtime Boredoms collaborator Hisham Bharoocha.
Somewhere along the way, strands of the next Boredoms 12-inch (Super Roots 10, out on Thrill Jockey September 29) jutted out from the group’s bittersweet symphony, only to be washed away by serrated synth lines and eYe’s inhuman guitar setup.
Incredible.
