About two weeks prior, I received an adorable press kit in the mail with handwritten letters, press information, and CDs featuring the music of all three bands on tonight's bill--Cardinal, Tinklepotty, and Paxil Rose. It was sent by the members of Cardinal. The kit was so fun (and the music wasn't bad either) that even though it meant having to face Saturday-night parking in Belltown, I couldn't pass up a chance to check out the featured bands.
I walked into SAP's back room as Tinklepotty got ready to start. The name sounds so sweet, like they'd supply a set filled with some sort of cutesy-pop. But instead, the set was filled with screams, strange horn and cello sounds, jazzy drumbeats, and hockey masks. I don't know how to explain it. I'm not going to try. But luckily the duo, all the way from Hawaii, announced plans to return sometime in early 2003, so you can find out for yourself.
Paxil Rose, a young local band proclaiming "Crunchy Noise-Pop" as their genre, lived up to any expectations such a description could evoke. Even though I had heard plenty about this band, I had never actually heard them. But they were good, and finally seeing them live was worth suffering through the parking nightmare (and missing Avril Lavigne at the Tacoma Dome).
But I still feel bad about missing Cardinal.
Anyway, here's some unrelated bad news. Kind of. Patty and Brian (the two wonderful people who book shows at the Brick House in Ballard) have been working hard to transform the abandoned Ballard Safeway on 22nd Avenue into an all-ages venue. But after months of hard work, the Man finally shot down the project, claiming the building is going to be torn down in just a couple years and isn't worth the effort. However, Patty and Brian aren't ready to give up. They're going to continue to host two shows a month at the Brick House, while still searching for a more permanent venue (the next show is January 4).
And one more thing! If you love the Paradox and everything it has done in its years of devotion to the all-ages community, then buy a limited edition "I Love the Paradox" pass. The $50 ticket gives you admission to every show at the 'Dox up until its last one on February 1 (that's a whole month of shows). A full concert schedule and purchase information can be found at www.theparadox.org.
Okay, that's all. Sorry again, Cardinal. MEGAN SELING
