Dead Meadow - High Noon Saloon May 5th, 2008 - by F. Simani (all photos F.Simani)

Monday night was the four year anniversary of one of the finest clubs in Madison. MMR has always been impressed with the line-up of great acts (local and national) and last night was no exception. DC's own Dead Meadow hit the stage with fog machines and warm Orange Amp tubes in full force. After a couple tight sets from local heavy rockers Droids Attack and Chicago's Dark Fog, Dead Meadow’s green backing lights and fog began to fill the air on those of us standing in front and the small projector directed at the kick drum twisted in slow psychedelic dance. Soon the band appeared, Stephen McCarty taking a seat at his smoldering throne, Steve Kille strapping on his beautiful black Rickenbacker, and Simon tweaking random effects pedals and swigging away at a $1.50 Pabst Blue Ribbon anniversary special. Simon's guitar virtuosity was at its peak; using cavernous, gloomy tones which would draw from the droning modal character of Eastern music. The set consisted of quite a few tunes from Old Growth (released February 5, 2008 Matador Records) which still has not left my current playlist. Each musician from this trio is in their own class; acutely in tune to each other and serious about what they do. The visceral psychedelic blues from Dead Meadow was a first time treat for me and I was completely impressed. Apparently this is the first time that they have been in Madison but I'm sure they'll be back again to blow us away.