august 27, 2008

Oh Unwritten Law. It seemed merely months ago that you graced us with your presence. It was like yesterday that Scott Russo strolled languidly about stage tugging at his shirt revealing an emaciated torso with a hint of beer belly, and doing it in such a nonchalant fashion as though he was unaware that each reveal of flesh was sending the slightly chubby, dickies-clad young females squished against the front row barriers into fits of unbridled lust. But there you were again, this time at The Metro/Palace going through the classics from self-titled, Elva and Here’s To The Mourning (and this time even a Grinspoon cover). Thankfully, Unwritten Law going through the motions is not as dull as it sounds. They’re still one of the finest live acts going. Provided Russo has one foot firmly planted on this planet they are one of the most consistent live bands out and their classics like Teenage Suicide and Coffin Text, unlike key tracks from their 90s SoCal skate punk counterparts don’t seem to have aged so badly. Their hardcore fans however (several of which were being ejected in a rather violent fashion from the venue mid-set) are a slightly different story.