Secretions @ Retro

Last night the Secretions played at Club Retro with Kepi the Band, the Phenomenauts, and Vic Ruggiero from the Slackers.

Secretions opened the show with a high-powered set - the kind that leaves you winded. I noticed they were playing more of their punk-punk songs and less of their pop punk songs. They even played a couple rarities like "Mini Suicide" and "Disturbing Analogies". They also played one of their brand new songs, "She's a Robot", which I thought was a perfect prelude to a Phenomenauts set.

Vic Ruggiero followed with a solo set. I was parked at the merch table and couldn't really see what was happening, but I'm pretty sure the man was playing about eight instruments by himself. Everyone seemed to be into his music - and it was pretty awesome - but I honestly think it was the wrong venue for it. I think he'll be better matched at True Love this Monday with Kepi.

Kepi the Band followed with Dino playing bass, Danny Secretion playing guitar, and Lys Mayo beating the shit out of that poor drumset. For someone so small, Kepi sure needs a lot of stage space. He's constantly jumping and flailing and is really fun to watch.

Phenomenauts headlined with Static from the Epoxies standing in for Joebot (who is no longer part of the Phenomenauts due to some wiring issues). You could tell Static was really nervous and things kept going wrong for him (his helmet mic malfunctioned, he broke a string, etc) but he pulled it off wonderfully and sounded excellent. Patti Botox (formerly of the River City Rebels) did some amazing guitar work on some of the songs and Kepi donned an officer's jacket to sing a song with them. As a point of interest, I just reviewed the River City Rebels album that Patti played on "Keepsake of Luck" for Alive & Kicking. Pick one up and give it a read.

All in all, the show was amazing. As with anything Kepi is involved in, it felt like a family event. I didn't get any pictures because I'm too broke to own a working camera. So, if you got some, let me know.

Don't forget to come out this Monday, August 11th at 8pm to see Vic Ruggiero and Kepi at True Love. I think Kevin Seconds is playing too, but I'm not totally sure about that. Either way, it's going to be awesome - don't miss it.