Taco Trucks and Rock N' Roll
I wrestled for weeks trying to decide whether or not to do a review for The Continental. I know all the boys from the band and wondered: How ethical is it to review friends? What if I have to say bad things? And if that's the case, will they still buy me drinks?
Luckily, I can still expect a free PBR or two as The Continental played a tight and exciting show on Friday night at Union Pool, in Brooklyn. Over the past few years there's been a dramatic shift in the Union Pool crowd towards Michael Cera-esque NYU kids huddling around the garden bonfire, ravishing down Mexican delights from the Taco Truck and chain-smoking Parliament Lights. Don't get me wrong, I love a good empanada as much as the next girl, I just miss the days when an old lady would walk up and sell them to you for two bucks. Now the experience seems disingenuous.
Luckily though, they put on shows that can contend with any other venue in Brooklyn, and The Continental was no exception - tight and cohesive, without losing the punch and raucous showmanship that has managed to get even the most disaffected Williamsburger to give it up and tap their toes. The Continental has a hard rock sensibility, but with a nod towards the blues which allows them a more classic rock feel.
From guitarist Eric Wais' hard-rock style, complementing the raspy vocals of lead singer and guitarist Thomas Jones, to drummer Sammy Baker (accurately described as “The happiest dude I've ever seen play drums”), and the relaxed cool of bassist Matt Marchese - the sets work best when the boys breakdown their songs in an impressive show of skill and one-upmanship. Unfortunately, this time around the amps were up so high it was hard to hear each member, but the crowd didn't seem to notice.
In fact, I was surprised to see an older and more reserved crowd on Friday night, (punching a bit of a hole in my Taco Truck theory but still). Respectful if not a little standoffish, the audience didn't really start going crazy until the later songs like “Weight” and “For Free”, but made up for it in spades. In fact, my feet took the brunt of it from some kids trying to either crowd surf or dance, it was a sight to see, whichever they were trying for. The band completely fed off the renewed energy, capping off the whole night in true rock and roll form with an encore, a kicked over mic stand, and shouts and whistles from the hyped up audience.
In the end, the show was more laid-back than I'd expected, but still forceful, lively and definitely worth braving the Parliament Lights and empanadas.
Check the band out at: www.myspace.com/thecontinentalny
