Protomartyr - Bologna (Locomotiv Club) 13 November 2023

​

Unlike other concerts, for this reason, I had no expectations or who knows what "emotion" in participating.
Almost transported by my "granddaughter" Martina, having already bought the ticket, I let myself be convinced.
I didn't know much about this band, only the most famous songs.
Before the concert, however, I "studied" and the sound immediately seemed "familiar" to me.

A few days before the event I learned that Korobu would be the supporting band... the ticket price for me was already worth it only for them!!!
I discovered them this summer at a Shame concert and I was fascinated by them.
In Italy, I have never heard musicians like this.
They have a musical research that deserves a much wider space not only in Italy but worldwide.
I picked Martina up at the station and at 6pm, maybe even earlier, we were near the club.
We took advantage of the bar next door to have a drink, around 7pm David also arrived with Camilla and we immediately formed a group.
At 8pm we approach the venue and, on this tour we are not the first but we don't despair because if anything we stand on the raised part of the Locomotiv.

At around 8.40pm the gates open and we still find ourselves in the first row.
It will be around 9.15pm when Korobu take the stage.

These three guys warm up the audience that came there for Protomartyr and win them over.
They perform some crazy songs that I had already heard both live and on their vinyl.
In the finale, they present us with their last song which anticipates the arrival of a new album.
Music, especially new music, MUST be purchased, whether physical or digital (although the former would be better). Follow them they will amaze you!!! 

Listening to songs on Spotify (which I hate and, of course, don't have installed) doesn't help musicians. Follow them they will amaze you!!!
“He who loves music buys music”.
At 10pm the Americans Protomartyr arrive on stage.
I deliberately hadn't seen live videos or photos of them to enjoy the surprise.
Joe Casey, the frontman, appears to me straight away, like the man next door but, after a couple of seconds, I see him more as the man from the next bar, after all he comes on stage with a glass, I think I beer, and he will have about three cans in his pocket.

It's certainly not the usual post punk band image I'm used to by now.
Joe has the image of an everyman in his Sunday suit.
It may be the recent depression or the liters of alcohol that he surely gulps down, he is a little heavy, but this does not prevent him from having enormous charisma and a stage presence all of his own.
He alternates, as in the best post punk tradition, sung and spoken parts.
To the right of him is guitarist Greg Ahee, behind him drummer Alex Leonard, to the left Scott Davidson (bassist) then a guy I don't see in their official lineup.
Joe continues to open beer cans until he pours one directly into his pocket and then throws it behind the stage.
The only one who seems total is the bass player.

I can't see if the audience is involved, certainly a boy behind me is because I feel his hair on me (mine is just envy having had short hair for years now).
Joe's words echo like boulders.
The setlist is almost always the same one they are performing around the world.
Make Way
3800 Tigers
Windsor Hum
Elimination Dances
Fun in Hi Skool
For Tomorrow
A Private Understanding
Maidenhead
Scum, Rise!
TheAuthor
Polacrilex Kid
My Children
Forgive You
Feral Cats
Pontiac 87
Processed by the Boys

 

They leave the scene to return shortly after with three other exceptional pieces:
Jumbo's
The Devil in His Youth
Why Does It Shake?
Of course Jumbo's words sound a little strange in Joe's mouth “I won't have a drink”.
I get a guitar pick from Scott.
How nice when you don't expect anything and you find yourself attending a fantastic concert.
I never thought Americans could capture me like that although, I think it's the fact that Joe grew up in an Irish-American Catholic family...Ireland always comes back to me now.
See you below the stage for another live show.