Scott Tady
McKees Rocks — Toadies brought the angsty vibes, Local H added frenzied exhilaration, while Vandoliers supplied an alternative-country stomp with a pinch of punk.
In all, a varied, comprehensive and engaging Wednesday night of live music that pleased concertgoers at Roxian Theatre Presented by Citizens.
Though an 8 p.m. start on a school-night — there were a lot of teens tagging along with their once-hipster parents — proved problematic for a three-act show. Toadies didn’t take the stage (to the theme from “Rocky”) until nearly 10 p.m., blasting through songs in quick succession, leaving little time for chatting with fans or showcasing insights and banter that could have elevated the entertainment.
Toadies’ original frontman, Vaden Todd Lewis, should have lots to say, after all, able to share stories of a band that went multiplatinum right out of the gate with their 1994 debut album; disbanded for five years at the start of this century; and reformed and regained acclaimed despite no post-pandemic singles.
Toadies played a few songs from their four-week-old album release, “The Charmer.” The new ones fit in well with fan faves like the set’s second selection, 1994’s “I Come From The Water,” which prompted an unsolicited and raucous audience sing-along on the chorus.
Lewis on rhythm guitar and Clark Vogeler on lead guitar achieved a layered, loud and mood-shaping sound — alt-rock with a grungy blues base and punk-rock attitude. Fuzzed up vocal effects added a sprinkle of psychedelia.
Nearly one hour in, the band’s 16th selection, “Possum Kingdom,” sounded ferocious and faithful to the 1990s recording that has preserved Toadies a spot on rock radio.
Local H, the chief support act, likewise delighted fans with their 1990s radio hit “Bound For The Floor.” That song title might not register automatically in your memory bank, though even casual listeners of ’90s alt-rock will instantly perk up recalling its chorus with “you’re so pathetic/And you just don’t get it/you keep it copacetic.”
Stripped down to a duo of original vocalist-guitarist Scott Lucas and drummer Ryan Harding, Local H relentlessly rocked, like a less bluesy early-Black Keys. Lucas lurched and hurled himself around the stage while shredding his strings enthrallingly. Harding was equally riveting, bashing his drum kit with splintering force.
The show began with Texas group The Vandoliers playing alternative-country with punk swagger, earning ample applause and cheers that made singer Jenni Rose beam with joy.
Saying it was her band’s biggest Pittsburgh show yet, Rose encouraged concertgoers to support small venues like Pittsburgh’s Club Cafe, where bands like The Vandoliers are the main attraction. The Vandoliers ended their 30-minute set with a cover of The Proclaimers “(I Would Walk) 500 Miles” that careened out of control, but was fun nevertheless.
