P.O.S.

with: Moonstone, St. Paul Slim and The Prof

and Slapping Purses

by: Joe Toeben

 

It took a while for First Ave to fill up but that was most likely because of the little known opening bands that took the stage before P.O.S.  I was not especially happy to begin the night because I was supposed to be on the guest list with a plus one and after giving them my I.D. and two different names it might have been under, none was found and I was forced to pay my way in.  I’m not sure who or what happened that removed my name from the guest list but I know it was wrong because it was confirmed through one of Rhymesavers reps.  Moonstone was the first band to take the stage and get the night running.  They are a sextet from Minneapolis that plays what can be best described as psychedelic post-rock.  Whilst there were words to accompany music, they were spoken words taken out of a book the pseudo lead singer was holding.  Basically the guy with the book would read a paragraph of nonsensical information and then the band would jam for 10 minutes or so while he just stared at the ceiling.  It was one of the most odd, yet intriguing acts I have ever seen.

St. Paul Slim and The Prof were the next and only other hip hop act to take the stage aside from P.O.S. for the night.  These two were just basically a hip hop duo that seemed to have somewhat of a decent following of fans that knew their material.  Their delivery and material was a little bit more mainstream and “gangster” compared to P.O.S. but still very decent local hip hop.  Slapping Purses was next and amazingly one of the most solid electonica acts I have ever heard.  It’s a one man show with just his synth box and a homemade microphone. Yes, I said homemade microphone.  Apparently he made it by himself and is used to distort his voice during the show.  Sadly after a few songs he was essentially booed off stage for the headlining P.O.S.

Here’s the man we paid for. P.O.S. which stands for Pissed Off Stef for those who don’t know.  He took the stage with Plain Ole Bill as his DJ, which from what I understand is a pretty good combination.  He played mostly material from Never Better which is my favorite album by him so that was pleasing.  People in the crowd threw their hats on stage from him to wear and he did wear them indeed.  The highlight of the night and his set was when he welcomed fellow Doomtree members Dessa and Sims on the stage to assist him with one of his best songs “Low Light, Low Life.”  After that song was over those two left the stage and he continued on with his set.   He always had something to say between his songs and it was usually pretty funny too. Overall this was a great concert. I got to see one of my favorite artists and even though there was a few questionable, whiny people there that didn’t get there way it still turned out to be a great night.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/pos