The Struts w/ Black Pistol Fire
The Showbox, Seattle, WA
11.07.16
Vintage. Throwback. Bygone. All terms referring to a time in our past. In modern terms, a style that is brought back to the trend forefront. English rock band, The Struts, are in a class of their own, bringing back the pageantry, energy, and showmanship of 1970’s arena rock to the mainstream. They delivered that and so much more during their performance at The Showbox.
Opening the show were Austin-based rockers, Black Pistol Fire. The duo of guitarist Kevin McKeown and Drummer Eric Owen casually walked on stage. Owen took off his shirt and resembled Animal from The Muppets when he sat behind the kit. Without warning, they exploded into a turbulent set of what I’d like to describe as “metal rockabilly.” McKeown was a rock n’ roll hummingbird on stage, moving fast, never settling, and slicing like a hammer while shredding impeccably. Owen went from controlled and smiling to full caveman, beating his drums without mercy. Their set was a blur of unyielding energy and fun; certainly a band to be on the lookout for.
As the lights dimmed for The Struts, peppy, upbeat game show-like music began to play and an introduction a la Stillwater from Almost Famous came over the PA. Guitarist Adam Stack and bassist Jed Elliott came to the stage first to pump up the crowd before dynamic front-man Luke Spiller burst forward for their first song, “Put Your Hands Up,” which is exactly what the smaller, yet very enthusiastic crowd did.
This may sound hyperbolic, but Spiller is the best lead singer in music, hands down. He is half early Freddie Mercury and half classic David Bowie, with the energy of a 4-year-old who does not want to go to bed. During “Kiss This,” which is the ultimate “drop the mic” song, he made sure to acknowledge each side of the venue with his frenetic dance moves and infectious energy.
While it was hard to keep your eyes off of Spiller (who was wearing a black and gold sequin jacket with Bowiesque face paint), the rest of the band was just as engaging as they let Spiller do his thing. Highlight of the night was “Put Your Money On Me,” an anthemic tune about rolling the dice and taking a risk on love.
It is still hard to believe The Showbox was only about 70% full for such a dynamic show. You can put your money on this though, they’ll be selling out bigger venues next year and a ticket will be hard to come by the next time they visit our dear city.
Review and photos by Phillip Johnson
The Struts
Black Pistol Fire
