With the unemployment rate being what it is in Long Beach and the surrounding area; everyone should thank the lads in Smart Patrol, their friends and Alex’s Bar. Saturday January 21st they did the unthinkable for their fans…NO COVER for their show. With the lineup of Smart Patrol (The Ultimate Tribute to Devo), The Issue and The Midnight Screening you would normally be paying at least $10 at the door. However thanks to the generosity of those involved no one got charged at the door which paved the way for the drunken massacre that would ensue.
The Midnight Screening is one of the true hidden jewels of Long Beach, well Signal Hill. The Herman brothers Matt and Chuck play what they call Southern Hillbilly Country. If you have ever seen these boys play you were witnesses to an all-out musical spectacle. According to the bio on their facebook; there is a good chance you could walk into a bar on any given night of the week and just find them playing in the midst of a small crowd; kicking, screaming, belting out down-home melodies that are bound to make a connection with just about anyone who stumbles in to wipe off the day’s struggle. If you’re outside having a cigarette you would hear songs of love, loss, and salvation echo throughout the promenade; touching souls and moving hips as the music bounces backward onto walls that have seen both many a good and bad time. When all is said and done, and the last piece of equipment makes its way to the back of their 1995 Chevy pickup truck, they’ll probably be joking with family and friends at a small table towards the far end of the bar. If you walk up to say hello you would find yourself sitting at that very table beside them talking, laughing, and just simply enjoying life. Their staple songs “The Back Handed”, “Little Black Medicine Book” and “Maybelline” are amazing tales that would make even Hank Williams proud. The Issue is a 4 piece Pop Punk band from Los Angeles signed to Pretty Green Records. This is the perfect band if you’re a fan of Stiff Little Fingers, Cock Sparrer or The Buzzcocks. Tim Fix, Mr. Charles, Steve Ego and Jeffro Lane initiate the havoc through such memorable tunes as “Queen and Country”, “Fairweather Friend” and “Stoli”. “Pretty Songs” is absolutely one of the crowd favorites. As well as both of these bands performed most in the crowd came for one reason; to see Smart Patrol (The Ultimate Tribute to Devo).
Smart Patrol never disappoints when they perform. Thomas McDonnell, Bradley Walther, Dustin Jordan, Kevin Jordan and Brad Lightfoot are one of the most authentic Devo impersonators around. Armed and ready with a 12 song set for this show and enough mayhem around them the lads were poised to destroy Alex’s Bar and anyone who stood in their way. “Freedom of Choice” opened the set and whirled the multitude back to a simple time in their collective lives. The nerdy love song “Girl U Want” followed and paid homage to every nerdy high school boy's feelings for that first love, second love, drunken prom date, college roommate (just the once), and dental hygienist. Next up was “Secret Agent Man” and the place was going ballistic. Everyone who came filled Alex’s Bar with so much energy and enthusiasm. Devo’s largest hit “Whip It” was the 4th song of the set and let’s just say it, there is no better sing along song than “Whip It”. “Mongoloid” was up next and is Devo’s most controversial song with an insensitive, politically incorrect title. As a young nerd, you will never understand the true meaning of this song. As a grown drone, working endless hours, you will come to appreciate the phrase "He brought home the bacon, so that no one knew he was a Mongoloid”. “That’s Good” and “Blockhead” followed and then the heavier guitar ridden “Gates of Steel” kept the dance moving.
The Wall of Voodoo styled “Beautiful World” matched exactly what Mark and Jerry were originally trying to convey with this song and no not the Target commercial version. The brilliant song “Gut Feeling” followed and everyone wanted to slap your mammy down. “Uncontrollable Urge” was the next to the last song of the night and gave those still partying just enough blast of energy to carry them through “Smart Patrol/DNA” as the climatic conclusion to this night.
Once again Smart Patrol proved why since 2005 this tribute band has shared the stage with many of the legendary 80’s tribute bands in California.
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