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"We're Beach Slang and we're here to punch you right in the heart" is how singer James Snyder introduced his band to the modest crowd assembled upstairs at Analog's small theater. The booming bass from the hip-hop show downstairs was almost as audible as the amplifiers, but the anticipation was high and palpable. Not a single pair of eyeballs rolled as the band played through selections from their humble catalogue and continued to deliver similarly overly-sensitive statements.
When they weren't making gushy declarations of gratitude to the crowd, Beach Slang thoroughly delivered on the recent hype around their energy and raw promise. There were acrobatic, mid-air splits, on-a-dime stops and starts, and nearly every kid in the crowd screamed every word to songs from The Things We Do To Find People Who Feel Like Us, songs that were released to the public only a few weeks ago. The Replacements comparisons are apt but not a single member of the band seemed to have a buzz from anything other than the crowd's adoration. When a fan screamed, "We fuckin' love you," Snyder responded by miming an explosion bursting out of his chest. This was not a show for the cynical.
They only got a few tunes out before someone shouted for the lead single, "Bad Art and Weird Ideas," off the new LP. Though it's certainty a song on the set list anyway, they barely acknowledged one another before indulging the request. It happened again only minutes later when another up-to-date fan shouted for a Jawbreaker song ("Bad Scene Everyone's Fault") that the band have reportedly been covering as of late. "I know you know it," the fan said, putting an already embarrassed Snyder on the spot. The pause was barely more than a moment before he somehow managed to stretch his ever-present grin even wider. Then they launched into it, without hesitation.
Just before closing a nearly flawless performance, the only disgruntled individual in the crowded room mumbled, "This is some corny shit," to no one in particular. It was a disappointing reminder about the realities of any community. There's always someone who has to bring their lousy attitude. Fortunately, no one on stage either heard or chose to recognize the apostate. Perhaps Beach Slang are well aware that their brand of unaffected vulnerability can attract this kind of dissent and that's why none of them gave it any sort of attention. They're only looking for people who feel like them. And, for the most part, we were right there.
All photos by Thomas Teal.
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Willamette Week