#drummer means business
Cool Ghouls at The Know, Portland, OR (Bath Party and Charts not reviewed)
Overall
- Sunday night. Made the trip down to Portland to catch these guys.
- Completely empty venue 10 seconds before the band went on. As soon as they started the place was full (about 40 people). Where did everyone come from? The line at Salt & Straw across the street?
- Dude party. I think my friend and I were the only girls at this show.
Cool Ghouls
- Alrighty then, these guys mean rock n roll bizness. They started the set with their excellent tune “Natural Life."
- Their democratic songwriting process is very evident in their set: each band member (except dummer) took turns taking the lead vocals. The chemistry of the band is palpable, especially in a room so small.
- Tall boys of Rainier were drink of choice. Drink ticket even cashed in by drummer during the set.
- Speaking of the drummer, HE RULES. Probably the first drummer of the year to play like they mean it. He even appeared to have a cement block in place to keep his kit from moving. At least I think that is what it was for.
- All bands reading this should take note and follow Cool Ghouls example of smiling on stage. All band members were happy and full of infectious, genuine smiles.
- This is hopefully the first and last time I am going to comment on farting at a show. I’ve commented on smells before (King Tuff, anyone?) but this was something else. Here is the deal: someone in the crowd was gassing out a shit storm. There was no where to move and no where in this small small venue to avoid the green cloud of outhouse smell. I am sure the band was getting a mouth full with every breath they took. Pretty sure singing during extreme poop smell is worse than getting booed off a stage. Kudos to Cool Ghouls for playing hard enough to take my mind off it.
- Farts aside, Cool Ghouls did not disappoint. Their record (with fantastic artwork by the way) fairly represents their live energy. They genuinely have a fun time on stage and my only complaint is that the set was too short. Do not miss them the next time they come through, PDX.
In Conclusion
I give this show 8 stars. One star for the band all wearing excellent footwear. Five stars for good chemistry. One star for three singers who sound the same and sing interchangeably. One star for such an intimate venue. Minus one million stars for poop smells, but it won’t go against their total since it isn’t their fault.
xoxo A
