by Joe Jamnitzky
Anybody who was not at Boot and Saddle Sunday night definitely missed out, as opening band Radkey and main act Blood Red Shoes turned in what were two extremely intense, electric performances this writer has ever come across.
Radkey, the young rock/punk trio from Missouri, really got the crowd into things. From the first song to the last, they never let up, while in between songs bassist Isaiah would use humorous comments as a way to both endear the band to us and introduce songs. With their performances on tracks such as “Feed My Brain”, “Start Freaking Out”, “Romance Dawn”, and even a cover of that classic Misfits’ track “Last Caress”, they proved that both rock and punk is still alive and well. Despite their ages preventing them from staying after their set was over, I have no doubts that the city, as well as the whole country, will be seeing them a lot more in the future, a sentiment shared by those in the crowd.
After a short break to change the stage a bit, it was time for Blood Red Shoes. From the very start of the instrumental “Welcome Home”, it was clear that the energy was going to continue, and it could be felt in the crowd. The band played a mix of old and new songs, and the crowd seemed to enjoy each one, with some of them (myself included) singing right along.
Laura-Mary would occasionally flash a smile to us or get us clapping, while Steven would at times stand up on his drums, willing us along. Proving the old saying that “less is more”, the two piece never let up, throwing in surprises such as “You Bring Me Down” from their debut album (which they mentioned they hadn’t played in a long time), as well as “Red River” and “Black Distractions”, both from 2013’s Water EP. Once they reached their final song of the night, they somehow turned the energy level up even more, flying through a blistering version of “Je Me Perds”. Being the last song, they held nothing back, playing and screaming with pure intensity, pushing themselves and the crowd to the absolute limit. If this show was any indication, and if, as Steven said, they’re really focusing on the States with this album and tour, then they’re on the right path.
For both Radkey and Blood Red Shoes, it’s just a matter of time before they break through here.
