There's nothing more basic in rock and roll than a power trio breaking a sweat on a small stage in a dark, smoky club. Tuesday night at the Bottleneck in Lawrence, Kansas, J. Mascis and the Fog treated rock fans to an hour and a half of the real thing. Scene makers and any others just out to be seen and mingle were out of luck. The sheer intensity and volume of sound pouring off the stage demanded undivided attention.
J. Mascis and the Fog, from left; Mike Watt, George Berz and J. Mascis
Mascis is touring in support of "More Light," his second solo album since disbanding seminal '80s post-punkers Dinosaur Jr. The album is a true solo effort by the iconoclastic Mascis. For live performances, the Fog is augmented by fellow former Dinosaur, George Berz on drums. And on thud staff (bass) Mascis has employed the nicest raging madman in the history of punk rock, everyman Mike Watt of Minutemen and Firehose renown.
Fresh from a SXSW (South by Southwest) showcase with special guest, the legendary founding guitarist of the Stooges, Ron Asheton, the Fog is a band locked and loaded. Watt's intensity offers a wonderful foil for the quiet, laconic Mascis, who stands impassively, directing all of his fire into his fingers. Behind them both is the energetic pulse provided by Berz, the least bored-looking drummer you'd ever care to see.
Mike Watt
The Fog's set was anchored by songs from "More Light," and peppered with tunes taken from his previous solo effort "Martin and Me," from various Dino Jr. releases, and some well-chosen covers sung by Watt.
The Fog opened with "I'm Not Fine," followed by "The Wagon" and Watt singing Black Flag's "I've Had It."
Watt performed under great physical distress, having over indulged in hot Thai peppers before the show. Sweating their noxious chemistry through his pours, the profuse perspiration quickly entered his eyes and nasal passages. In no time, Watt was reddened, eyes swollen and soon was reduced to producing an ongoing barrage of emergency sinus ejections.
During "All the Girls," Watt stopped the band cold when Mascis' guitar went so badly out of tune that he couldn't discern the key it was in. These were the only hitches all evening.
J. Mascis
Mascis shone as a soloist, particularly on the supercharged punk of the Stooges "Not Right," "Raisans" from Dinosaur Jr.'s "Your Living All Over Me," and "Get Me."
The highlight of the show was "AMMARING," a song that opens with a slow groove and built to an intensity where Watt showed what a monster player he truly is.
The band left everything they had on the stage, spending themselves with the final encore of the Stooges "T.V. Eye."
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