SEAWEED RETURNS... And everybody's happy

Photos and story by James Damion

This past Friday night my eyes ears were treated to what can only be described as
EPIC. On Friday, April 22nd, Tacoma, WA's own Seaweed blessed Brooklyn's Bell
House with a reunion show for the ages. I got to the Bell House a a few minutes
early and had a chance to stake the place out. I'd heard mixed reviews about the
large bar and performance area from varied sources. Most of which described their
love/hate relationship with the spot. Anyone visiting can't help but notice how
though very large in size they manage to keep a cozy. friendly vibe throughout.
Everyone I met on the staff from the ticket collector to the bartenders were very
friendly and had absolutely no hipster vibe to them. As I made the rounds and ran
into a number of friends and familiar faces I couldn't help but feel I was in for a
memorable night.

(Damn) This Desert Air

(Damn) This Desert Air opened the night and though I don't like to use the word
twice in one week, Their sound was 'EPIC'. Though the members come from such well
known acts as Instruction, Nora and Fire Still Burns to name a few. DTDA's sound is
somewhat larger and deeper. My ears were hearing influences such as Quicksand and
early Thursday. I couldn't help but think the room was the perfect size for what
they were performing. Needless to say it was good on the ears.


All Eyes West

Next up was Chicago's All Eyes West a band I've been hearing more and more buzz
about lately. There are many ways to describe a bands performance and style but the
if I were asked to describe them I'd say "Think of a twister that rolls into town
and levels every mother fucking thing in site" Then add musical instruments. I'll
say this for the record: Jeff Dean is a god damn assassin. I brought a wide angle
lens to shoot the show and Christ, I couldn't keep up with the guy. If you see him
ask him what the deal is with that crazy leg kick. My one and only regret on the
night was that I missed these guys when they played the Court Tavern in New
Brunswick about a week before. Insanely good.

Soon enough the floors of the Bell House became packed as Seaweed took the stage. We
were about to be treated to a reunion for the ages. In all honesty there was not a
sad face in the entire crowd. Complete strangers became best friends while packed
in front of the stage like sardines. There were people like Tracy Keats Wilson who
drove all the way up from Richmond. People I talked to who remember when and where
they bought their first Seaweed 7 inch or recalled that amazing set the played at
CBGB's in 1993. (Yes, I was there too)

The band quickly launched into Antilyrical and from that point never let up. I don't
think there was a soul in the area code that didn't feel something. Aaron energy and
exuberance were unstoppable. That coupled with a song list that captured the bands
finest moments and a crowd that sang along to every song, chorus and lyric and you
had a night that people will be talking about for years. Even the encore was killer.
Though they didn't bring out everyone's favorite Seaweed cover (Fleetwood Mac's) "Go
Your Own Way." They didn't miss delivering any of their own classics. Their foot
print will remain a lasting one but this show will only serve to have casted a
longer shadow. JD