If you were in Austin, Texas last Thursday, April 28th, you probably heard a chorus of melodic screaming coming just southeast of downtown. The yells were none other than the hyped crowd at The Front Bottoms show at Emo’s that night. Preceded by Diet Cig, returning for the first time since March’s SXSW, and Brick and Mortar, known best for their hit song, “Locked In A Cage,” the crowd had plenty of time to loosen up before the headliner.
With Celine Dion’s “Heart Will Go On” humorously playing in the background, The Front Bottoms took stage. Lead singer, Brian Sella, rocked a Texas flag cape marked with his signature, hand written “TFB.” Sella opened his mouth to sing the opener, a fan favorite from their second LP, Talon Of The Hawk, but his distinct voice was drowned out by the anticipating fans, who screamed each and every word.
Most concerts host a core group of day one fans who know most songs, and usually the entire crowd sings the one with the most radio play; but this show was in its own league – no audience member missed a single word. It makes sense though, considering TFB’s most unique draw are its witty and emotional lyrics and the unique voice that annunciates every syllable. It was clear that the audience truly connected to these songs that they belted out.
Watching the crowd mosh, crowd surf, and sing, you could tell that The Front Bottoms were pleased with the energy in the room. It was expected that they encored with “Twin Size Mattress,” but they were joined by Brick and Mortar on stage, who pranced around the stage, just as they did during their show, dressed up as low budget aliens strapped with water guns. If the house lights hadn’t come one, there’s no doubt the fans would still be waiting at Emo’s for the next song to sing to.
Be sure to check out The Front Bottoms at LAVA Music Festival in Virginia and Boston Calling Festival in the end of May – just start memorizing those lyrics.
