Gig Review
Reel Big Fish
Surburban Legends
Birmingham, Academy
13th February 2009
              

Reel Big Fish             Surburban Legends         
      
There’s nothing like a bit of ska to cheer you up, and this evening was so packed with brass sections and upstroke guitar chords that I’m sure there wasn’t a straight face in the room.

I arrive in time to catch the second supports, Suburban Legends. Very similar in style to the headliners, and hailing from the same sunny climes (California), they are the perfect warm up for Reel Big Fish. They burst with energy and get the whole crowd skanking along (or ‘doing the ska dance’ as they put it). To finish off they perform a ska version of ‘I Just Can’t Wait To Be King’ from the Lion King – an inspired cover, complete with Zazu’s accompanying comments. If you haven’t listened to these guys, they’re definitely ones to watch. I would love to score them a perfect 5/5, but that accolade has to be reserved for RBF, who are, quite frankly, in a league of their own.

The last time I saw RBF, I was far too embroiled in a circle pit (that I’d accidentally got dragged into) to enjoy their set, but finally, tonight, I was able to enjoy them in all their glory.

They finally take to the stage and launch straight into ‘Trendy’ and ‘Another FU Song’. With a lot of their songs clocking in at less than 3 minutes, it’s impossible to get bored, and they keep this wild momentum up for an impressively long set. They maintain their full force, punchy ska for well over an hour. Aaron on vocals and John Christianson (Little Johnny Christmas) on trumpet are the most fun to watch, but all the members of the band are giving it their all. The star of the show, though, is Scott Klopfenstein, constantly switching between trumpet, guitar, keyboard, and vocals. These guys really are the kings of Ska - they are the masters of harmonies, brass sections, and soaring vocals. The highlight of the evening for me is being surrounded by hundreds of people dancing and skanking along, singing every word of ‘Good Time’ at the top of their lungs. It just doesn’t get any better.

Their songs are simple and fun, but RBF take their music very seriously. Their musical talent is astonishing to see - during the performance, Aaron stands at the front of the stage playing an incredible riff – behind his head. And sometimes, when they’re not singing about ‘Beer’ or how ‘Everything Sucks’, their lyrics speak of simple and poignant truths.

They finish off with their best know material; ‘Sell Out’ and A-Ha cover, ‘Take On Me’. When they finally leave the stage, everyone seems to stand stunned for a few seconds, as if hoping that they might do a second encore, but, unfortunately, that’s our lot. It’s an absolute travesty that the venue wasn’t sold out tonight.

Surburban Legends – 4/5
Reel Big Fish – 5/5

Review By Helen Williams
 Reel Big Fish


Aaron Barrett
Scott Klopfenstein
Derek Gibbs
Dan Regan
Ryland Steen
John Christianson

 Surburban Legends


Stuart (Guitar)
Joe (Guitar)
Ryan (Lead Vocals)
James (Bass)
Chris (Drums)

 Band Related Links
Reel Big Fish Myspace
Surburban Legends Myspace
 Review Score Code
- Top Cheese
- Brilliant
- Pretty damn good
- Ok I guess
- What Was That?