We played at the Strutt in Kalamazoo on the 12th of August with Russian Circles and the Life and Times. It was one of the highlights of our career thus far, and will stick in our minds as a milestone to our successes.
We’ve looked up to RC for so many years, not just because they’re totally badass, but also because they are a successful instrumental band. That is not an easy thing to do by any stretch. We’ve received plenty of poor reviews simply because the reviewer couldn’t hear what we were trying to do, insisting that we were “capable”, at best, without lyrics. So glad they were able to make it, despite the bumpy road that led them to buying a new van just days before
We also got the chance to share the stage with the always incredible The Life and Times. I somehow missed the entire catalog of Shiner (the singer, I believe, was a member of Shiner), but so many people praise that band, and if it’s anything like these dudes, I’m not surprised. Not only that, but they loved our stuff, according to a shout out from the stage, and hung out with us just outside the venue, talking drums, touring, music composition, Words with Friends, and other nerdy topics.
In any case, it was a great experience, despite the unbearable heat. Thanks to everyone who came out and bought a record, listened to us play, and didn’t try to tackle Raf (I’m looking at you, you mustached, drunk prick!).