Big Attack of Philadelphia, PA introduced themselves as "socio-political rock music," and probably provided the most highly developed show of the evening, maintaining a high-octane stage presence despite a broken bass string. Drummer Matt the Baptist, a mohawked vegan in short-shorts, said the band aimed for a sound like Gang of Four or the Clash. The rush and activism of the city rushed through their blood throughout the performance, especially in the opener "Forward" which quickly identified them as a more-than-decent talent in the east-coast punk scene. They played their chords like their solos--in spurts of danceable energy, interspersed with the obligatory "oh-oh-oh." The band ended with "Keep Us Apart!" which started off like a half-noted crowd-calmer, but built up to an excited anti-factionalist anthem.
The National Rifle, currently touring with Big Attack, also took a political stance with their music. The pop punk ensemble, a bit more accessible than their co-artists, used diverse instrumentation to arrive at a surfer, let's-party sound, such as in the mosh-inducing chorus of "Rehab." However, because of NR's emphasis on contrast in their songs, the live show almost didn't do the band justice until the minor key finale "Ok hole," a head-banging nod at Cursive-esque intensity.
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