Watchers is another Chicago band that goes to great lengths to distinguish themselves from the rest of the pack. Opening for New York City's Golem didn't come off as strange of a pairing as I thought it would, because Watchers throw a bit of everything into the mix. I don't mean that as a dis' on either group, I guess I'm trying to say that after seeing both bands, it actually ended up being a great blending of bands that complimented each other well in their own quirky ways.

Although they clearly lean towards the raucousness of an early 80's punk band, Watchers deviate enough to let you know its not all "yeah-yeah, oi-oi, rah-rah" punk rawk. The influence of dub, jazz, and reggae gives Watchers a bit more room to work with, and I believe it kept the audience on their toes for most of their set. I've seen the Watchers numerous times in the past year or so (they've been around for much longer, but inexplicably dropped off my radar between 2003-2006), and each performance is full of energy, most of it dictated by vocalist Michael Guarrine and his killer dance moves. This show provided an added bonus, as special guest Dan Nash (of the previously mentioned Jai-Alai Savant) filled in on bass (the band is searching for a permanent replacement), and he was absolutely locked in with the drumming tandem of Damien Thompson and Jess Birch, and complimented the guitar work of Ethan D'Ercole.

Heres a video i took of "Slicker Pays" from their Schubas set, off their latest album Vampire Driver