X will be remembered as one of the most important American punk bands of all time. Their 1980 debut ‘Los Angeles’ nailed their flag to the mast geographically and spiritually, becoming a formative west coast record and paving the way for a discography that took its share of fascinating diversions across almost half a century.
Now, the original lineup — singer Exene Cervenka, bassist-vocalist John Doe, guitarist Billy Zoom and drummer DJ Bonebrake — are embarking on a farewell tour alongside the release of their final album ‘Smoke & Fiction’. The key question, of course, is whether it is a fitting farewell for a group of their status.
Ruby Church certainly kicks things off emphatically, immediately arresting any concerns with a tight two minutes of pure rock ‘n’ roll.
Cervenka and Doe’s intertwined vocals still sound strong and reminiscent of the group’s heyday, while the riffs and driving beat still pack a punch. This is X going out the only way they know how.
Sweet To The Bitter End, also coming in just over the two-minute mark, continues in this vein, with swagger, bite and pulsating energy that is hard to resist.
After that opening salvo The Way It Is has more room to breathe as some impressive guitar work and harmonies take hold. Even though this is the group’s final record, they are still more than capable of delivering their trademark punk sound with interesting embellishments.
Flipside captures all that makes X such a standout proposition, with a dirty garage riff to kick things off and the interplay between Cervenka and Doe undamaged by the years. Zoom’s licks are still distinctive and impressive across the whole piece and it is clear how in sync the group is after so long together. It certainly bodes well for their upcoming live sign off.
While many bands at this stage of their career would be content to phone it in and revert to type it is a joy to hear X commit to expanding their legacy with a record that retains the musicianship and quality of their best work alongside a wry sense of humour. This is a group going out on their own terms and at the top of their game, cementing their legacy in the process.
X Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon August 19 2024 - MENLO PARK California - Guild Theatre - Menlo Park (USA)
Tue August 20 2024 - MENLO PARK California - Guild Theatre - Menlo Park (USA)
Thu August 22 2024 - BOISE Idaho - Knitting Factory - Boise (USA)
Fri August 23 2024 - SPOKANE Washington - Knitting Factory - Spokane (USA)
Wed August 28 2024 - SALT LAKE CITY Utah - Depot (USA)
Fri August 30 2024 - DENVER Colorado - Summit (USA)
Sun September 01 2024 - ALBUQUERQUE New Mexico - El Rey Theater - NM (USA)
Mon September 23 2024 - BOSTON Massachusetts - Wilbur (USA)
Wed September 25 2024 - ALBANY New York - Empire Live (USA)
Thu September 26 2024 - ROCHESTER New York - Water Street Music Hall (USA)
Sat September 28 2024 - FALLS CHURCH Virginia - State Theatre - VA (USA)
Tue October 01 2024 - GLENSIDE Pennsylvania - Keswick Theatre (USA)
Thu October 03 2024 - NEW YORK New York - Town Hall Theatre - NY (USA)
Fri October 18 2024 - AUSTIN Texas - Paramount Theatre - Austin, TX (USA)
Sat October 19 2024 - SAN ANTONIO Texas - Charline McCombs Empire Theatre (USA)
Mon October 21 2024 - HOUSTON Texas - White Oak Music Hall - Downstairs (USA)
Tue October 22 2024 - DALLAS Texas - Granada Theater - Dallas (USA)
Thu October 24 2024 - MEMPHIS Tennessee - Minglewood Hall (USA)
Fri October 25 2024 - NASHVILLE Tennessee - Brooklyn Bowl Nashville (USA)
Sat October 26 2024 - BIRMINGHAM AL Alabama - Iron City (USA)
Sun October 27 2024 - ATLANTA Georgia - Variety Playhouse (USA)
Tue October 29 2024 - CHARLOTTE North Carolina - Neighborhood Theatre (USA)
Wed October 30 2024 - COLUMBIA South Carolina - Senate (USA)
We don't run any advertising! Our editorial content is solely funded by lovely people like yourself using Stereoboard's listings when buying tickets for live events. To keep supporting us, next time you're looking for concert, festival, sport or theatre tickets, please search for "Stereoboard". It costs you nothing, you may find a better price than the usual outlets, and save yourself from waiting in an endless queue on Friday mornings as we list ALL available sellers!
.jpg)
