Though not exactly a prolific era, alternative-rock godfathers Dinosaur Jr. have managed, logistically and qualitatively, to keep the wheels of their reunion on for the past dozen years. Given their conflicted history of deep artistic impact and famous schism, that’s a fortunate accomplishment. It’s good having these venerable, once-extinct beasts roaming the planet again. And even better, it’s great to see that, instead of nice and easy, they’re riding into legacy with what seems like a full tank of rocket fuel and the volume cranked to 11.
Dinosaur Jr. at the Beacham Credit: Liv Jonse
Dinosaur Jr. at the Beacham Credit: Liv Jonse
About that, here’s an unpopular position: Dinosaur Jr. is too loud. Look, I’m no virgin to decibels. Swans, Jucifer, Holly Hunt? Yes, crank it till you blow me back like Marty McFly. But for what Dinosaur Jr. does, it’s just a little gratuitous. Sorry, what? Still deaf from the show.
Dinosaur Jr. at the Beacham Credit: Liv Jonse
Dinosaur Jr. at the Beacham Credit: Liv Jonse
I appreciate the slaying spirit, though. And once you take the thought-crushing edge off with a bar napkin stuffed in each ear, it was clear that their playing is in exceptional shape even after more than three decades in.
Easy Action at the Beacham Credit: Liv Jonse
But, really, the more intriguing underground proposition of the night was opener Easy Action. It’s the 2000s-era project led by singer John Brannon, the Detroit punk legend famed for fronting also-reunited Midwest hardcore originals Negative Approach and blues-punk follow-up Laughing Hyenas.
Easy Action at the Beacham Credit: Liv Jonse
I saw Negative Approach open for OFF! in 2012 and they ripped, especially Brannon. But that was in the up-close and warm setting of the Social next door. This, however, was in the exact opposite condition of the cavernous Beacham. Turns out, it doesn’t matter. John Brannon will boom any room.
Easy Action at the Beacham Credit: Liv Jonse
Even though it’s been positively shredding itself even longer than Dinosaur Jr., his voice is still so ferociously gripping today that it will make bloody lemonade of your guts. A thing of true malice, his singing is one of the most deeply respected forces in underground music for good reason. Look at this serious-ass mug:
Easy Action at the Beacham Credit: Liv Jonse
Well, his voice is 10 times that nasty.
Easy Action at the Beacham Credit: Liv Jonse
Easy Action is more an extension of Laughing Hyenas than the pure violence of Negative Approach. A more integrated combination of grease and rage, they play hard rock & roll with noisy danger and raw punk blood. It’s a sleazy roll where Brannon’s trademark and inimitable menace rides dirty grooves like a fat, black motorcycle. Say what you will about the blunt force trauma of Negative Approach’s hardcore, but there’s nothing quite like being ravaged in slo-mo like the sound of Easy Action. It’s one bad motherfucker.
