Jacuzzi Boys/Hollows/Drugs Dragons @ Frank’s Power Plant

Thursday night marked the beginning of a long, crazy weekend. Frank’s Power Plant hosted Milwaukee’s very own Drugs Dragons, along with Chicago’s Hollows, and the Jacuzzi Boys all the way from Miami, with the Get Drunk DJs on the turntables. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and the evening started off with a housewarming BBQ at the lovely Claire Dactyl’s new abode, conveniently located a few blocks away from Frank’s. Beers were drank, brats were had, and the next thing we knew it was time to head over to Frank’s.

Drugs Dragons were first to take the stage that evening. Fronted by 1/2 of the Get Drunk DJs, Luke Chappelle, Drugs Dragons are a darker psychedelic garage rock outfit formed last year. Luke is backed by Zach Chappelle (Luke’s brother) on bass, Eric Schauwitzer on drums, and Tony Sagger on guitar and back up vox. I gotta say, every time I see these guys, I like them more. The band’s energy is great, and they are anything but boring. Luke is a great frontman, yelling and getting in your face, occasionally rolling around the floor, hair in his eyes, as he savagely whips his head around. With fuzzy, beer soaked vocals, it’s as if Luke is channeling the somewhat eerie, scary part of an acid trip. Zach is forever stoic on stage, while Eric drums with high intensity, and Tony riffs away with the utmost energy. The bar hadn’t started to fill up yet, so the audience was still somewhat sparse, but those there certainly enjoyed themselves.

After the first set, there was a longer-than-normal interval between bands, due to the Hollows getting stuck in traffic (or something like that). No matter. The bar began to fill up and I ran around saying my hellos, also beginning a True Blood debate with the Jacuzzi Boys (one that would continue on into the wee hours of the morning). By the time the Hollows showed up, everyone was ready to rock. These girls (and boy) are an adorable but tough, Phil Spector-era girl group gone bad. Think the Shangri-Las. Joined on stage by their twisted ankle-sporting saxophone player, the Hollows played a solid set. I’ve seen them perform a couple times before, and they are certainly a band I need to listen to more often. I feel like I am selling them short by saying “It was really good,” but I have no complaints about their set, and the number of steady beers and lack of strong familiarity with their music diminishes any particular observations other than I enjoyed myself very much and danced.

The night ended with the awesome Jacuzzi Boys. The trio rocked the fuck out—so much so that one wouldn’t even know they’re in the middle of a rigorous tour. Lead vocalist/guitarist Gabriel played with his long hair in his face for most of the set; it actually sort of felt like Cousin It was singing to us (in a good way). Drummer Diego backed him on vocals whilst bass player Danny danced and played. With a number of 7″s and their latest LP (No Seasons, put out by Florida’s Dying), the Jacuzzi Boys have proven themselves to be one of the better garage rock groups out there, despite being from Florida. I envision Florida as the home to retirees and reggaeton, but I guess sometimes there IS good music from Miami (other than Pitbull, of course). Again, I wish I could elaborate more, but it was one of those nights, so just trust me when I say they were great. And had good shoes and good hair. Their album is great, so you should probably get a copy.