Review Sun Oct 31 2010

Review: The Vaselines @ Lincoln Hall 10/28

By Aharona Ament

Eugene Kelly of the Vaselines (photos by Dave Knapik)

The Vaselines have long been known as 1980's/1990's obscure ghosts of inspiration, an unknown then broken up duo made famous mostly by another band that no longer exists. When music is poured out in to the world by others, it might be difficult to gauge the authenticity of appreciation. That was back in the 90s, now the hype of another's love for the Glaswegian band has died down considerably and all the ears in the room at Thursday's Lincoln Hall show were for The Vaselines only with no memories of how most of us first discovered this band.

The pace of the room was calmer than could be expected. Granted, the band toured last year getting out a lot of pent up excitement for the then recent reformation, but the vibe filling the room was best described as excited chill, people coming together to celebrate the music that got them through high school and remembering that we are still having the good old days right now in this moment. That is one of the strengths of this band, to be able to live in both worlds.

The set started out just like the feeling in the room, only with a a little more oomph as cheers indicated that the band was taking their places and quickly played "Oliver Twisted" as an energetic and classic opener to the marathon set.

Frances McKee of the Vaselines (photos by Dave Knapik)

The band allowed for new songs to be heard and played. "I Hate The '80s" from their new album Sex with An X was mixed in to the early stages of the set. The new album namesake, a sugary, yet bitterly biting self explanatory song was played soon after. It is surprising that this song wasn't written in 1987 because it has the same hard edged punk sound that helped the duo attract attention.

Eugene Kelly politely asked the crowd "Do you believe in God?" leaving a small buzzing in the room as we pondered where he was going with this. As soon as he quipped "nah, me either" they launched in to "Jesus Don't Want Me For A Sunbeam". There was an eerie feeling that blanketed the room as it was played. The band showing their penchant for dark humor followed up with "The Devil Inside Me".

Frances McKee and drummer Michael McGaughrin (photos by Dave Knapik)

The music was only a small part of the delight in seeing the band live. The deliciously biting and surprisingly filthy banter (provoked largely by Frances McKee) in between songs was just as entertaining as the sweet brand of twee indie rock we were all there to listen to. Francis explained to the audience that the reason the Dum Dum Girls canceled the tour was because the rest of the band scared them off with their erections. She went on to explain what her duties were as the only female on the tour and asked for help from the ladies in the audience, as she had a headache and that it was also Eugene's birthday.

The rest of the set continued blending songs from Sex With An X and past century Vaselines. One of the biggest cheers and causes for crowd busting dancing was for "Son Of A Gun". This was the song that reminded you of who they are, because even if the name of duo escapes you, chances are, you have had this song stuck somewhere in your head at some point in your life.

Eugene Kelly (photos by Dave Knapik)

Eugene Kelly, wearing a red and black stripped shirt that reeked of the '90s "alternative" rock scene pulled out a harmonica to play "Let's Get Ugly", a harder edged song that always sounded right with that little bit of folk-y flavor.

After a three song Enter The Vaselines encore and tons of applause, Eugene and Frances retreated to the bar to hang and have a drink with fans, blending in to those unaware of their celebrities and influence. This is one of the many reasons the Vaselines is said over and over again to be a band that has risen from obscurity. The quirky-ness and (at times) humble nature of the adorable duo reaches far and beyond the infectious and now timeless music and in to their personalities. Even without the famous fan base that most attribute to the band's current success and cult like status, the songwriters truly enjoy their gift, gave a tireless and compellingly entertaining show and have earned the right to stand out on their own with what they had all along.