The Pageant, St. Louis

 

Yuck’s self-titled album released earlier this year proved to be exactly what I need in rock music: expert fostering of the guitar/fuzz pedal relationship, a legit display of harmonizing and melody-crafting, and, on a larger scale, the ability to write a song that gives you The Feeling. We all know about it, and we all constantly seek it.

 

I also want that feeling at shows, and at Yuck, I was mostly devoid of it. I was a disappointed parent: I still love you, kid, but your dance recital was boring. Even the Mascis-y “Get Away” couldn’t achieve its intended sonic height. Everything seemed tired and quiet for the most part, but I did notice at times the drums being super loud, mostly during fills. Still, I didn’t get pounded in the face with bliss and excitement as when I heard “Operation” for the first time, although when they finally played it live, it was more intense and the guitars louder than anything previous.  When slow, feedback-heavy “Rubber” followed, the levels went untouched, the vox straightened out, and it ended up being a really solid 15 minutes.

 

The show was good, but didn’t live up to my own hype. I didn’t think of specific things to expect going in, but a general expectation was energy, which was sparse. I like to remember, though, that this is their first year on the road—maybe the live dynamic hasn’t evolved fully. Maybe they’re unaware that louder is okay. Whatever the issue, it’s not the end. I’m still subscribed. With an album that strong, it’ll take more than one lukewarm show to pry me away.  | Justin Curia