The Atom Age at the Jackpot

The Atom Age

The Atom Age


Far be it from me to deal in superlatives, but I think the Atom Age might be one of the finest live bands currently on the road. As I’ve stated before, they work in a territory that’s pretty narrow — as a “rock band with horns,” they’re going to get lumped in with the likes of Rocket From the Crypt pretty often. Still, it’s not like there have been too many acts to have mined that particular vein. You’ve got the Sonics, Rocket From the Crypt, Cougars, and maybe a couple of tracks from the Meices.

The Atom Age

The Atom Age


The Atom Age are a tightly-wound machine that gets up on stage and just fucking goes. While they were waiting to get some bass issues worked out in the mix during their pre-set sound check, you could see them up there, antsy and nervous, just wanting to play. As soon as they got the okay to go, the guitars kicked to life, and they were off. There’s minimal patter during their sets, as well. It’s a thanks to the bands, a mention of their merch, the title of a song, and then it’s back to high-octane rock ‘n’ roll.
The Atom Age

The Atom Age


The likes of “I Hypnotize” and “Kill Surf City” are dancey numbers, where you want to move your feet and swing your hips. They still have that edge to them, which is readily more apparent in the likes of “Cut, Paste, Kill,” which might as well be shot from a machine gun. Two guitars makes for some serious rock overload, but the way the sax cuts through, providing sharp-edged counterpoint, really makes you stand up and take notice. Go see them. Buy their record. They’re touring machines (this is the second time I’ve seen them since Labor Day weekend), so they’re sure to come through at some point.
The Serotonins

The Serotonins


The Serotonins were playing their last show under that name. I’m none too sure as to what their new name will be, but then again, neither are they. The quartet plays sloppy pop-punk that manages to tighten up somewhere around the 2/3 mark of their set and become — somehow, and surprisingly — credible power-pop. The last three or so songs were remarkably good, considering the slap-dash means with which the early majority of their set was played. One song was about liking someone and wanting a cheeseburger, and it was actually rather sweet and touching. Hopefully, they’ll further explore this aspect of their sound with the new name.