The '00's Revival Starts Here:
Hot Snakes, Rye Coalition Reunite & Rock 'Boken

Hot Snakes/Rye Coalition – Maxwell’s, December 3, 2011

Hot Snakes were a post-punk band from San Diego active from 1999 to 2005, formed by Rick Froberg and John “Speedo” Reis (of Drive Like Jehu/Rocket From The Crypt fame.) They played a kind of primal hardcore garage punk… not unlike Jersey City’s Rye Coalition, whose career spanned a similar period, between when the band started playing together as high school kids around 1994 until things petered out in the mid-00’s. Both bands reformed and started playing together again in 2011, so when the Hot Snakes booked a date at Maxwell’s, it made sense for them to invite their old friends and touring mates Rye Coalition to open. See my interview with Rye Coalition’s Justin Morey for more background. (Jim Testa)

As the days drew closer to this show, I recalled a September conversation with Michael and Vic of Static Radio NJ about how stoked we were about the Hot Snakes coming to Maxwell's. Here was a band that was both releasing an album and embarking on a European Tour and all they could talk about was a distant Hot Snakes show. A month passed and with all that talk I forgot to get my ticket. Did I not foresee the show selling out quicker than a Justin Bieber signing at an all girls junior high? I don't know. The thing is, I completely fail when it comes to getting advanced tickets to a show. So a few days before the show I begged editor Jim Testa to get me on the guest list by promising pictures, a story and my first born. Surprisingly, it worked.


Rye Coalition

It wasn't until the day of the show that I realized that Rye Coalition were also on the bill. Feeling as if my stomach was performing some kind of sick voodoo ritual, I thought to myself, "Shit, I don't know if I can handle this." Knowing full well that I was being counted on, I sucked it up and headed out to meet my partner in crime Dave.

As we headed in, I couldn't help but feel that there were a lot of friends missing in action. No sign of Mike or Vic, along with a lot of others I expected would surely be there. I made my way up front to find a comfortable spot to get a few pics and enjoy a close and personal vibe. Before long I spotted some familiar faces, including Jenni Matz, the woman behind the epic Rye Coalition documentary, "The Hard Luck Five." All was well and before we knew it Rye Coalition launched into another unforgettable set.


Rye Coalition

The band started with "One Daughter Hotter Than One Thousand Suns" and never once let up from there. Rye Coalition’s energy and passion is boundless. This was my third time seeing them this year, second time at Maxwells, thus matching the amount of times I saw them during their heyday. I can honestly say there are few bands that do it as well. Each time I've seen them they've had me come away with a new perspective on how a band can perform at a peak level while also connecting with its audience on a personal one.

After the set, I ran into an old friend, Dave Sine, who was electrified by the band’s energy. As he tried to describe the look on guitarist Jon Gonnelli's face throughout the set, I intervened and said, "Possessed". That would be my best description of the band’s entire set.


Hot Snakes

Before long it was time for Hot Snakes to take the stage. It had been what, five years since the band was last active? Though I'd never seen them live, I had all the records and was well versed when it came to their songs. As the group took the stage, I took a deep breath and readied myself for what I was about to witness.

The band quickly launched into "I Hate the Kids", "Gar Forgets His Insulin", "XOX" and "Who Died" from the album Suicide Invoice, Rick and Speedo firing away while Jsinclair and Gar kept the rhythm. The pace was fierce to say the least. At one point I noticed that the voodoo that had been working on my stomach all day was either gone or had been reborn in my hips, as I could hardly stand still. As the band closed their set, the already vocal crowd demanded more. Within minutes, the band launched into an encore of around six songs. More than enough to let the band get out of Hoboken unscathed. All and all, it was just another amazing night at Maxwells. Great running into so many friends and finally putting a face to some of my longtime Facebook connections. Can't wait to do it again.

More Rye Coalition Photos: