Local H -- Live at Ego's

Local H

June 2, 2004--Ego's

The Local H concert that I attended with Ty in 1997--when they opened for Silverchair--was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Here we are, 7 years and 3 1/2 new Local H albums later, and I had high hopes for their concert at Ego's.

Due to the nature of concerts at bars, and some technical difficulties, Local H didn't start playing until 11:30 p.m. They started off the set with the 10-minute "BuffaloTrace" off their new record. While the song is relatively rocking, it seemed like they were easing the crowd into the show. I was disappointed that they didn't begin with what to me seems like the obvious opener "Alright, Oh yeah," which they did play midway through the set.

They played a handful of new tracks and mixed in all of the hits from "As Good As Dead:" Bound for the Floor, Fritz's Corner, High Fivin' MF, and Eddie Vedder. Despite the requests, there was no "Back in the Day."

Besides "Hands on the Bible" from the band's last release, only two albums were really represented. No "All the Kids are Right," and no "Sports Bar."

The set was a little loose. Each time the music started to really rock, they would pull it down with a new song or a meandering jam or arrangement. The band played the neo-rock "Hey Rita" from the new album, the worst song from "Whatever Happened to PJ Soles." Fortunately, "Where are They Now?" and "Heavy Metal Bakesale" showed that even the new material can rock.

It is unfortunate that Joe is no longer in the band, but new drummer Brian St. Clair is a no-nonsense heavy drummer. In Dave Grohl fashion he never lifted his head during the entire 60 minute set. NO fills, just straight pounding. Scott Lucas, on the other hand downed a few beers and multiple shots during the set and was dancing and head-banging and shouting at the crowd. "Walking through the set as drunk as we could get" now become more than just a clever line from "All the Kids are Right."

Local H has aged, so has their fan base. Since hard rock is harder to come by these days, it seems like Local H has become an oasis for all of the High Fivin' MFs would still want to mosh. Poor Scott Lucas.

The band ended with an encore "California Songs" and a 10-minute improv rant where Lucas screamed "You got the money, we've got the soul" over and over. The alcohol seemed to be getting to him.

The band did not seem as tight as it was 7 years ago, but still strong, especially if you are a bit intoxicated.