After the long slumber of COC since Pepper Keenan moved to devote his time primarily to Down, the original members of COC, Woody Weatherman, Mike Dean and Reed Mullin, took a step back and started kicking it old school by touring around their first 3 releases with songs which hadn’t seen the light of day on stage in close to 20 years. When the trio stormed into New York’s Highline Ballroom on October 10th, their hardcore/ thrash roots stormed through like a Carolina hurricane.
I caught 2 of the 3 opening bands, Keelhaul and Today Is The Day. Keelhaul were pretty good, 90% instrumental but rather impressive. Today Is The Day were intense, with varying styles mixed in every which way, high energy and ear splitting volume. They got the crowd nice and fired up.
The mighty COC took the stage at 10:30 to a nearly packed house. For a full hour, they tore up the stage like it was the 1980’s all over again. Starting off with “Animosity”, the band was in top form all night and didn’t hold back an ounce of energy. Mike’s bass playing was thick and nimble, his vocals pummeling, Woody’s guitar work was smooth and rapid and Reed was a monster on the drums. They played nearly everything from both “Animosity” (go figure) and “Technocracy” as well as some selections from “Eye For An Eye”. There was no mention of Pepper Keenan or any ill will towards him from either the band or the crowd. COC appeared to be having a blast; they were visibly enjoying themselves and playing their classic material. If they intend on keeping up in this vein for some time while Pepper is tied up with Down, it will be well worth it for them as they sound strong as ever. If they do extend this tour, I’d strongly recommend getting out and seeing them, this material may not be featured for too long and it’s absolutely wild live.
Photos: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2052814&id=1574410252&l=48ef4aa4b8
Setlist:
Animosity
Loss For Words
Mad World
Consumed
Your Tomorrow
Doom
Money Changer
Holier
Positive Outlook
Rat City
Prayer
Intervention
Kiss of Death
Hungry Child
Technocracy