Face To Face – Live (June 20th, 2008)

This was a punk show, a true punk show and it had been far too long since Edmonton had seen one. There were no emo kids with swooping hair (there was only one to be spotted) instead it was a crowd of skate punks. It was punks in their mid to late twenties there to drink a few beers and slam in the pit and what better show to do it at than Face To Face? Having recently reunited to play a few shows across the States, this was their only Canadian date outside of the Virgin Festival and the crowd was there to show them it was worth the trip.

Short one guitarist, Face to Face came out as a trio, greeted the energized crowd and then dove into the set. The pit immediately exploded. Circle pits ensued. Fists were thrown. People surfed the crowd as everyone desperately needed the release of a true punk show; and Face to Face delivered that. By the time they had ripped into their fourth song, Bill of Goods, the evening was on a role as it was already one of the best shows of the year.

Trevor Keith said “we’re not gonna talk a whole lot but just try and play as many songs as we can” and that’s what they did. Pastel, You’ve Done Nothing, Disconnected, Disappointed, I’m Not Over, Walk The Walk, Ordinary, Shoot The Moon, Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing, What’s In A Name. They played them all and more all the while keeping Keith’s promise of no talking other than to thank the crowd, apoligize for taking ten years to come back and incite a sing-along a few times on Disconnected and a couple other tunes.

The three piece were somewhat sloppy at times, and Keith’s vocals didn’t always shine through in the mix but everyone in the crowd knew every word. Everyone was there to see them. Everyone chanted for an encore and everyone still had a blast. It was a vivid reminder of what a true punk show should be. Not tons of antics or overblown speeches. No fancy lighting or chaotic stage setups. Just pure energy being blasted out at four four time.