The resurgence of a beloved, but near-dead musical group can feel both hopeful and depressing. Hopeful because of the cloud of nostalgia and time; depressing because the reality of said band (and concert atmosphere) living up to the magic delivered back whenever is not a promising one.

Last night’s three-band bill wasn’t a total exception. Adults moshing, for instance, looks patently ridiculous. (Personal bias: I got hit in the head with a shoe.) But it was a sweet thrill for those of us who romanticize the ’90s, whether we lived/came of age during it, or not. The two main acts, hard alt rockers Helmet and pop-grunge mega-one-hit band Toadies, were well-paired with the first holding down heavier stylings and the latter proving pop sensibilities can still include white noise and dirty guitar riffs. Toadies opened with “I Come From the Water,” eventually making their way through crowd favorites like “Heel,” “I Burn,” and “Little Sin.”

One complaint: To audience members, please don’t yell out a band’s second “hit.” (In this case “Tyler.”) They will play it. Shut up, please.

–Erica K. Landau

To read Sean Piccoli’s interview with Toadies’ Clark Vogeler, click here.

Photos by Valyn Calhoun:

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Helmet, Nineties, Possum Kingdom, Revolution, rock, Toadies, Tyler, Ume