You know those shows that you will do just about anything to see? Whether it be traveling, waiting in line hours before doors, or getting off of work early, I think any avid concert goer understands that pushing everything aside for a gig is something set out only for the tried and true. This was the case for me on Sunday night when Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers rolled into town to play a SOLD OUT Turf Club show with Mercy Union and Control Top.
I bring up the sentiment of being a tried and true music fan because my journey to get to the Turf Club was not a simple one. However, this was a show I was not going to miss. I had spent the last six days in Washington D.C for an a conference, and was feeling mentally and physically exhausted. But still, I woke up at 5:00am Sunday morning so I could hop on a plane and make it back to Minneapolis well before the fun at the Turf began. Traveling can be taxing. And I feel like after any busy travel day (or week for that matter), the regular, more passive concert goer may have called it a night early to catch up on some much-needed sleep before jumping right back into the work week. But I was not going down that easy. I was ready.
When I arrived at the Turf, I was greeted by the sound of opening band Control Top taking the stage. Without knowing anything about the band heading into their set, I felt like I was quickly sucked in and captivated by their music and stage presence. Control Top offered in your face, female fronted power-punk. With fuzzy distortion and loud vocals, they sounded like the B-52’s punk rock cousin who had come kick your ass and take your name. Their energy was infectious. Lead vocalist and bassist Ali Carter came out unapologetic, seemingly on a mission. This was an opener the audience was not going to forget about anytime soon. I completely dug their set.
The next opener was Mercy Union. Mercy Union’s sound was drastically different from Control Top’s. Offering a more laid back, rock and roll sound, the lead singer’s voice and style instantly reminded me of Brian Fallon of The Gaslight Anthem. Or I guess I should say Springsteen, since the band hails from New Jersey. Mercy Union sounded full, tight, and sonically rich and raspy. While watching them play, I couldn’t help but get a smile on my face. There was something very positive and communal about them, and by judging the faces in the audience, I wasn’t the only one feeling that way.
After two strong opening acts, I was feeling incredibly stoked for Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers. Grace has quickly melded herself into being a personal favorite singer-songwriter of mine. Her album Bought to Rot with the Devouring Mothers features a fresh sound unlike anything Against Me! has ever released, and I was definitely excited to hear songs from the album performed live and with a full band.
There was a heavy buzz generating throughout the room as the band begun to set up their gear. The intimate 350 capacity Turf Club was full of fans who were all stoked to be there. When Laura Jane Grace & The Devouring Mothers started to play, the crowd erupted in smiles and applause.
Aside from Grace’s presence, I was immediately captivated by the energy and precision radiating off of drummer Atom Willard, who had such a powerful sound with intricate drum fills. He was amazing to watch. Meanwhile Grace’s vocals were so strong. The way she commands a room is mesmerizing, but what I love about her stage presence is her deprecating and incredibly sarcastic and lovable dark humor. She engages with the audience in such a jovial way.
The band cruised through a packed set, including a few Against Me! songs and Mountain Goats covers. One highlight was “I Hate Chicago”, to which Grace prefaced the song by telling the audience “a deep-dish pizza is a casserole, NOT a pizza!” Everyone cheered.
After rolling through multiple songs from Bought to Rot, Laura went into a cover of The Replacements “Androgynous.” Watching this song performed live almost brought tears to my eyes. While it’s only fitting that a punk musician pays homage to The Replacements while in the Twin Cities, this was special.
As the main set wrapped up, the audience belted out for more and Grace obliged by playing a cover of Camper Van Beethoven’s “Take the Skinheads Bowling.” The encore ended with Grace being the only one left on stage with an acoustic guitar. She played Against Me!’s “True Trans Soul Rebel”. This was probably my favorite moment of the night, as the crowd sang every single word loud and passionately back to the stage in perfect unison.
I am so glad I made the trek home for this show at the Turf.
