AJJ and Joyce Manor Concert Review

Hot off the heels of the release of the glorious weird-indie opus “The Bible 2,” (Side One Dummy Records) the formerly folk-punk band formerly known as Andrew Jackson Jihad embarked on a tour with longtime peers Joyce Manor.

After a short set from San Pedro punks Toys That Kill, AJJ took the stage to much applause. Frontman Sean Bonnette, in charmingly awkward fashion, introduced his band, thanked Joyce Manor, and launched into the first track from “The Bible 2,” entitled “Cody’s Theme.” Despite the lack of distorted guitars and d-beats, the pit formed immediately as fans screamed their heart out to biting lyrics, almost hilarious in their sarcastic depressive gloom.

For whatever reason, self-proclaimed “least important member of AJJ,” a.k.a. cellist Mark Glick, did not perform with his band, leaving AJJ to perform as a stripped-down four-piece. Nonetheless, they didn’t miss a beat, cranking out fan favorites such “Distance,” “Hate Rain on Me,” and “Brave as a Noun” to an enthusiastic and emotional response. Although the set leaned much more heavily towards punker and faster songs, leaving their trademark closer “Big Bird” for another night, AJJ were thoroughly unique and delivered an amazing and cathartic show.