Street Dogs – Koffin Kats – Roll the Tanks – and Downtown Struts – at The Highline Ballroom – New York City, NY

Early shows are a tough proposition. It's hard to get people out the door by 5 pm, and even harder to get a crowd riled up at 6, but if anyone can do it, it was the lineup this past Saturday at the Highline Ballroom in New York. The Street Dogs headlined backed by the might of the Koffin Kats, Downtown Struts, and Roll the Tanks.  

The crowd was still filtering in when Chicago's Downtown Struts exploded on stage. Fresh from a European tour which included the Rebellion Festival and dates with Bouncing Souls, this band proved once again that they have the live presence to live up to the promises they make on their albums, which have been instantly popular with critics as well as fans. Their set was short, but electric, drawing the crowd to the front of the room, and despite focusing mostly on their new album, there were plenty of fists in the air, and people singing along. 

Roll the Tanks were up next, followed quickly by the Koffin Kats. Even if they never played a song it would be worth seeing the Koffin Kats just for their showmanship. Luckily for the excited crowd, they play the sort of energetic psychobilly that makes every girl shake it, and every guy take a turn in the pit. Complete with their usual acrobatic bass-standing stunts, Koffin Kats whipped up the crowd before clearing the stage for the Street Dogs. 

After a short stage change, the house lights went out, entrance music hit, and the Street Dogs stormed the stage, launching into their usual high energy set which included "Not Without a Purpose", "Up the Union", and "Two Angry Kids", as well as less often played songs like "Yesterday" and "Free". Frontman Mike McColgan was his usual frenetic self, climbing bass cabs, and shaking hands with the entire front row. The crowd was so excited even a fan in a wheelchair came surfing over the crowd. McColgan caught him, and thanked him for his military service before allowing him to return to the floor. After an hour of high energy rock & roll, the Street Dogs played "In Defense of Dorchester" and said good night. 

The crowd wasn't done, and chants of "Street Dogs, Street Dogs" brought them back on stage. Dedicating one to "old schoolers" the encore opened with Dropkick Murphys' "Never Alone". Minor disaster occurred in the 30 minute encore when a fan attempted to stage dive, but managed to hit an opening in the crowd. The band stopped the show until he was helped to his feet, and McColgan made sure the fan was ok, and then the band played on, finishing up around 10:30, leaving the rest of the night for trouble in the city.

Catch the rest of the Street Dogs current tour dates HERE

Keep up with Koffin Kats HERE

and check out the Downtown Struts HERE

 

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

                                                                          

-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Staff Journalist 

 

 

 

 

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