throw me the statue, truckasauras - live at neumos (12/4/08)

I was very eager on thursday night, for I was about to finally see my favorite Seattle band, Throw Me the Statue. I'd tried numerous times, but I just couldn't ever seem to make it to one of their shows. However, I was not so excited about their opener, Truckasauras. After seeing them at Sasquatch!, I was left with a decidedly sour taste in my mouth. And so, my intentions were to arrive late and simply miss their set entirely. I wasn't so lucky. Or, rather, I was extremely lucky. 

Unlike the previous show, one of the guys in Truckasauras had switched from drum machines to a drum kit. And, holy shit, they were so good. Like, all of what I thought was simple and bland about the band last time became magnificent layers of electronics whriling above hip-hop, funk and sometimes even jazz, beats. If there is one thing to learn, it's that live drums always, always make things better. The grimy techno was unexpectedly pleasing and I'm glad to have my opinion changed on such a high-profile local band. 

Clad in all white outfits, Throw Me the Statue was celebrating their 100th show with this homecoming show. There was a three piece horn section, and Scott was busy between guitars, bass, drums and his singing duties. Everything about the show affirmed my love for these guys, and I can now say with absolute conviction that TMTS it my favorite Seattle band. They've got hooks upon hooks, amazing musicians, intelligent lyrics and unique vocals. It's strange, because Scott is probably a musician first and a singer second, but I seem to enjoy normal people who sing rather than singers who dominate the music. Highlights included "Yucatan Gold," "Your Girlfriend's Car," and of course, "Lolita." I hope that next near finds the guys getting even more positive press and media attention, as they've got potential to become a very popular indie band. An amazing show to end an amazing year. Welcome home guys.