In this week's print edition of DC9, Observer contributor Doug Davis had this much to say about tonight's show with The Thermals at The Loft:
The Thermals are a Portland-based trio (they've gone through a troop of drummers) that retains the energy and anger of punk and grunge that famously flowed out of the Northwest in years past.
Frontman Hutch Harris has always written intelligent lyrics that tackle big issues of sexual tension, mortality and the tension that exists between the individual and institutions like church and state. This year's release, Now We Can See, has received a lot of critical acclaim as it lyrically deals with life and death. It's not all doom-and-gloom, though: The heavy lyrics are wrapped in urgent power-pop that, in live performance, is raucous and exuberant. So far, the set list for this tour has covered the band's entire catalog.
And the good news there: The band's entire catalog? It's pretty great. Which is why we're pretty stoked that the fine folks at AEG Live have hooked us up with four pairs of tickets to tonight's show. Want 'em? OK: Email me right now with the words "Now We Can See The Thermals" in the subject line and, if you're one of the first four to do so, you and a friend will get in for free, Best of luck!
Update: Contest is over. Congrats to our winners.
