Riverboat Gamblers and Fake Problems at the Ottobar

I'm always afraid to go see bands that have a huge hype built up about their live show. I guess it's because I'm worried they won't live up to it in my eyes and I'll be hugely disappointed. Regardless, I decided to take my chances and went to check out the Fake Problems and Riverboat Gamblers at the Ottobar in Baltimore.

I know things are changing but I always think it will be weird to see a "punk" band setting up on stage with guitars, bass and a cello. It may seem weird but the Fake Problems make it work. While their music isn't particularly aggressive, they were easily the loudest band I've seen in a long time. Definitely a great show. It's very easy to see when a band really cares about the music they're making or if they're just playing for the hell of it. The Fake Problems definitely succeeded in living up to their hype.

And then we have the Riverboat Gamblers. From the opening note of DissDissDissKissKissKiss off the latest album, I knew it was going to be a great show. If you've never been to the Ottobar then let me explain. I read somewhere that it's maximum capacity is about 400 people. I think you might be able to fit 400 people in there if half the people are sitting on the other half's shoulders. It's a little small but that's what makes it great. You stuff a ton of people into a small space and the band's energy spreads through the venue like wildfire. After watching the Riverboat Gamblers perform, I now know why a hamster runs around on a wheel all day. They're trapped in a small space and they have a ton of energy they need to get out. Singer Mike Wiebe looked like he would have done anything to get off that stage. He was running around trying to climb up on the balcony and only being kept out of the crowd by the fans holding him up as he leaned out to sing. I swear he hit his head on one of the overhead speakers at least 10 times but it never stopped him. Even though the stage looks to be about the size of a king size bed, the band even found enough room to run around a bit. I may have lost a bit of hearing but it was worth it.

Final summation...A+ and totally worth it. If these guys come through your town, check them out.