Henry and I went to Bottlerocket after work on Tuesday for the Like Roses show. Admittedly, the main reason I bought tickets was because the local phenom Heading North was one of the openers and we wanted to see them again badly (well, maybe “badly” only pertains to me) after they won our hearts (again, perhaps just mine) at Four Chord. No really, Henry genuinely liked them too and said he “wouldn’t mind” seeing them again.

Also, my friend Wendi is friends with them so it’s even cooler knowing that we’re supporting a friend’s friends’ band.

I do like Like Roses, as well, so I knew this was going to be good. The other opener, Ausinette, is also local and prior  to this night, I had seen their name on other show flyers, etc. but wasn’t familiar with their sound.

But the main thing to note here is that all three bands are not only female-fronted, but have TWO women in each. YES. Let’s fucking go.

You’d think that maybe this would mean that there would be more women in attendance but somehow, some way, the bros still managed to make it all about themselves. I know, I know – NOT ALL MEN, blah blah blah, but why does it always seem like it’s THOSE MEN who are always where I need to be or want to be, ruining everything with their manspreading and mansplaining and toxic masculinity in general. THEY HAVE NO SELF OR SPACIAL AWARENESS.

Anyway, we got there early and chilled at the bar watching a loop of vintage Halloween commercials on the TV. I love Bottlerocket for going so hard on their 70s vintage dive bar aesthetic. It feels very natural and organic and not forced or try-hard. And the bartenders are so fucking nice and chill. If I didn’t care about the bands, I’d have just sat there all night (which is exactly what Henry did!).

Ausinette was up first, so I gave Henry a hearty GOODBYE, TAKE CARE pat on the back and hitched a ride behind two other women who were pushing their way into the crowd. Sometimes you gotta just let other people do the work for you. They got me about halfway through the floor so I was pretty satisfied with that position (for now).

Anyway, Ausinette! Great first impression! Amazing stage presence and instantly likeable songs. I loved that the singer Aus was so engaged with the crowd. This part is concerning to me though: she left the stage was walking through the crowd during one of the songs. I couldn’t see how far back she went, but later I saw an Instagram video where she had gone all the way to the bar and was standing behind a man who was sitting like, three bar stools down from Henry. The video ended right when it looked like she was continuing on toward Henry.

So, my reason for the concern is that when we left that night, I asked him if he saw when she was in the crowd because I wasn’t, at that time, sure how far back she made it because every male giraffe in the city was in that room that night and I could barely see a thing. Henry said he knew she must have left the stage, but no, he never saw her.

Then, that video.

BRO DIDN’T NOTICE THE SINGER OF A BAND SINGING AT THE BAR HE WAS SITTING AT??

SHOULD HE BE TAKING A DEMENTIA TEST???????

Literally, I’m aghast over this. I even sent the video to Chooch and said, “HE WAS SITTING LIKE 5 FEET FROM THIS AND SAID HE DIDN’T NOTICE.” And Chooch said, “Wow.”

Fun fact, the person with the ponytail and tie-dyed t-shirt was also at Summer School and Henry said he also noticed them at Dance Gavin Dance so this is how I know I am firmly back into the scene, I guess. When I used to go to Smiling Moose for shows (alone, ugh) regularly, there were about 5 or 6 guys that I began to recognize but we never spoke. You know how it is. Sometimes it’s easier to be respectful and show blatant disregard for people at shows. (Trust me, it makes sense.)

After their set, some guy tapped me on the shoulder and asked me if I was with the guy in front of me who had his arm draped over the woman next to him. I was really confused – why would he think I was with someone who was obviously partnered up? After I said no, he goes, “Oh because you guys are wearing THE EXACT SAME SHOES! I guess it’s just a coincidence!”

The shoes in question?

CHECKERBOARD VANS.

Basically, the official foot uniform for concerts and not an indication of being a couple.

Instead of fighting my way back to the bar, I just stayed on the floor and made moves to get closer for Heading North. Literally every tall motherfucker with their absurdly long necks was firmly planted in front of me so I just sighed and focused on not snagging my sweater on nail protruding out of the wall near my plot of space.

ANOTHER FUN FACT! The guy up there in the face mask was at that Roboto show we went to over the summer where we ended up being the only people unaffiliated with the bands. This guy appeared to be friends with the solo artist who was opening, and was there photographing him. I ended up standing next to him during Like Roses and he was very nice and conscientious so he is not included in my earlier rant about men and the one I’m about to tell you now:

The thing with Bottlerocket is that they have a hotdog cart. So by the time the show starts, you’re being smothered by sweaty bros with arms akimbo sucking the air out of the room and replacing it with hot dog farts. It’s excruciating.

But Heading North!!!

This was when they have everyone crouch down until the bridge and then everyone pops up and dances. It’s my favorite. Henry didn’t do it at Four Chord so I posted a video of him not doing it and then Heading North reposted it and he was like, “Great.” LOL.

Another thing I love about Heading North is that at every show they have SHARK FACT TIME and this time I was able to shout “shark fact!” when they asked if anyone who had seen before knew what time it was. It’s the little things, you guys. I like feeling IN THE KNOW.

I just think they are so talented. They are one of those bands that have great songs but manage to sound EVEN BETTER LIVE. You guys know there are bands that do the reverse. But Asha’s vocals are so fierce and the band just gels so well—they make it impossible for you to take your eyes off the stage (you know, when you get a little opening between the GIRAFFES in front of you.

GREET DEATH shirt sighting!

By the time Like Roses was setting up, I had made it to the stage. There was this petite girl in front of me so I became her shadow and would not let ANYONE BETWEEN US and trust me,  these two tall motherfuckers came in from the back door and thought they could just shove their way in front of us during Like Roses and I was like, “No.” They left after a few seconds, LOL.

I felt very protective of the girl in front of me. And she was so sweet too, she kept turning around to make sure I could see OK and even offered to move over so I could squeeze in next to her but her head literally came to my chin – I was fine! I mean, except for the belly of the man behind me pressing into my back.

It was such a sick show and perfect for blowing off steam on election day. I liked that it kept me thoroughly distracted from checking my phone for results—got to save that joy for later!!

Aus from Ausinette! She was standing next to me and Roboto guy for most of Like Roses. I got a good vibe from her and I will definitely be going to more of their shows. It’s been a long time since I’ve been genuinely excited about local bands and now I have two!

Great bands, great show, great venue, great night. Only complaints:

• the bros
• the photographers (especially the VIDEOGRAPHER there that night) who rudely push and shove people and act like they’re shooting for the goddamn NatGeo. The videographer pushed the girl in front of me out of the way and ruined the last two songs for us by standing there with his giant camera and dripping sweat everywhere.

I’ll end with this song because it reminds me of my cat Penelope, who I lovingly call “Splenny”:

 

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