A look behind my eyes

The band Street Dogs formed in 2002 in Boston Massachusetts. Mike McColgan, former front man for the Dropkick Murphys, leads the vocal charge for this intense mix of rock and punk. Their latest record, State of Grace, unleashes a solid collection of heartfelt lyrics and fist pumping rock.

I made the trip to Uncle Pleasants in Louisville to check out Street Dogs on their Crooked, Drunken Sons tour. It was definitely worth the two hour drive on a Tuesday night. Their set started with intro music playing and the band waiting off stage. It was just enough to get the crowd overflowing with anticipation and at just the right time, the band made their way to their places and never gave the crowd a reason to calm down.

When going to shows that are relatively small, it gives the opportunity to really feel like part of the show almost. I think it’s hard to explain if you’ve never been to a more intimate concert, but definitely something I would recommend to any music lover. Street Dogs knows how to use this setting perfectly, whether it be encouraging the fans to sing along or get the pit started.

The set was amazing lyrically as well. With songs like “The General’s Boombox” they remember their predecessors and idols like The Ramones and Joe Strummer. Songs like “Two Angry Kids” and “Not Without a Purpose” have real life, relatable lyrics and McCoglan’s vocal style just draws you in.

I think the best way I can describe my experience is an inspirational punk show that makes you want to stand up and sing along.

Ashers was also part of this tour and sounded even better than the first time I saw them. It makes a huge difference to hear a band in a venue that is more designed for musical acts and has a little more room for the band to move around. The clarity of the music was definitely evident, but I think it’s a real testament to the quality of this group that they were still amazing when they played the basement show in Indy.

Make sure you check these bands out at www.myspace.com/streetdogs and www.myspace.com/asherstheband.