Last Rites / False Cause @ Money Plays

By Dean Pascucci

False Cause goes on. This show was the informally called Cooler Lounge Reunion. I happened to be in attendance for one of the last, possibly THE last Cooler Lounge show and witnessed False Cause’s set. At that show the completely nude bass player laid down an onslaught of a crushing set which included his naked ass grabbing drinks off of the waitress’s trays who unknowingly walked too close to the stage, downing the drink and tossing the cup before the waitress could do anything. In the process the bass player somehow pissed off the guitar player, the guitar player storms off the stage kicking over what was surely a difficult to build back lit sign with the bands logo. The drummer and bass/vocalist were un phased by this and continued to lay it down so righteously that the guitar player later returned mid song, exchanging a kiss and make up glance from across the stage. So needless to say I had high hopes for False Cause to cause Punk Rock shenanigans. However none such high jinx occurred but what did occur was a very respectable set with a vocalist they did not have the last time I saw them but who was great. Maybe he’s been in the band for years? I don’t know I've been down range. His vocal tone and delivery were a good fit for the band. At some point during the show the vocalist must have cut his head open because he had blood coming down his face which I grant him cool points for, unless the gash was deliberate, in which case I must retract the cool points and issue dedication points. Bottom line is that this band is awesome to watch, the drummer and bass player make it look so easy and the band rocking and playing together solidly makes me realize this whole band is really good at this hardcore business.

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Last Rites, I do not like these guys personally and that is why it pains me to say they fucking tore the house down. This band rocked! I don’t know why they’re not signed, maybe they are, maybe they were, I honestly don’t know but they flow, with groves and heaviness that’s not always trying to prove how fast they can go but how heavy they can lay it down. I hear influences from Suicidal Tendencies and Deftones in them. This is one of those bands that make dudes with short hair bang their head. My goodness they brought it. I was pumping my fist, banging my head and pogoing, and I even made a brief and ungraceful stint in the circle, which is saying allot for this old man to even get off his ass and stand up when a band plays, let alone all that tom foolery. Loved their Agent Orange cover and the crowd defiantly did too. I saw some skate punks representing during that song. Last Rites is a Vegas gem. I hope they always play shows together, and I am looking forward to seeing their next one.

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