el paso is not a city with a booming music scene, but the people who are involved in it are really interested in helping it grow and are good about supporting the bands- both local acts and ones that come through town. before the show started, at local bar/venue Black Market, there was a pretty tangible buzz. people were sharing stories about previous shows, showing pictures from their last time seeing them perform, or trying to explain (wild hand gestures included) what was about to happen. and holy crap, did it happen.
i don't know how to explain exactly what it's like- it's intereactive, it's loud and raucous, it's funny, it's punkrock, it's very colorful, and more than a little ridiculous. there are dances and hand motions required of you, there are signs with words to scream along, sometimes you are asked to pick someone up or do a limbo with a giant squid. you'll hear songs about ice cream, ninja high schools, steak- medium rare, about how they are so many mikes in the world. it was probably the most FUN i've had at a show in a while. i've heard better music, to be sure, but for pure entertainment, this was true greatness. you need to make this happen in your life.
here's one video of them playing in the middle of the crowd, with audience musical participation
MAD TIGER!!!!
first picture via BrooklynVegan