In one of the years most anticipated concerts after one of
last years most beloved reunions, New
York City post-hardcore heroes Quicksand returned home
for the first of two sold-out shows at the legendary Webster Hall.
Immediately entering Webster Hall, the anticipation was so
large, you could feel it all around you. Quicksand were a band that never got
their due in the mainstream, after only releasing various EP’s, and two
records, the bands relentless touring schedule in the 90’s got them critical
and fan acclaim, but never achieved the massive recognition they deserved. After
a rocky on again, off again relationship between members, the band reunited
last year for their former label, Revelation Records, 25th
Anniversary. With the success of two sold-out Bowery Ballroom gigs and much
discussion, the band is currently on a small tour of the U.S. which led them back home.
As the houselights dimmed and the band took the stage, it
was a heroes welcome for Quicksand, who for many in the audience was the first
time they were seeing them and for others, a moment that they never thought
they would see again. With a bombastic opening, Quicksand were back, the
members on stage Walter Schreifels, Sergio Vega, Alan Cage, and Tom Capone,
seemed as if they never left each others sides over the years. Schreifels, who
famously started Rival
Schools and Vega who has
been filling the void of Chi Cheng in Deftones, have had successful
post-Quicksand careers.
As the night progressed, it was Vega who became the clear
cut star on stage, as fans crowd surfed, dove off stage and small pits would
break out, in many ways, it seemed the gig would decrescendo in terms of
momentum. The band would break from their traditional chomping sound and into jazzy
space sounds and jams that really would bore many in the audience and had others
run for the bar. While many deep cuts from Slip and Manic Compression were
played, these extended songs and Schreifels altering the sound of his guitar
would lose the bands momentum. Untimely it was Vega who stuck to the script
and would get everyone involved and the crowed amped. Vega, who was wearing a
Morrissey shirt would get to wear it proudly as the band did a very interesting
cover of The Smiths classic, “How Soon Is Now?”
After all the years apart, the new recharged Quicksand seem
to be taking a new direction. Who knows what sound and style they will alter
with next.
