As many of you know, a few weeks ago Matt and I made a very short trip to Salt Lake City. The lead singer of one of my favorite bands recently came out with a solo album was touring, Salt Lake being one of the stops on the tour. Matt had class and I couldn't afford to miss much work so we drove down on a Friday, went to the concert on Saturday and drove home Sunday to be back at work and school on Monday. I think it was worth it to spend some time with my family and see one of the best performers out there, but three days is just not enough time.
I had never heard of Bret Detar before and I didn't really know what to expect. All the times in the past that I've seen Nick 13 he has been with his band Tiger Army (which is darker and more punk than his solo stuff which is a little more country). They've always played with bands like: Rancid, 12 Step Rebels, The Business, etc. I don't think he could how found a more perfect musician to open for him. Bret Detar came on stage and said his style was "sad bastard music" and he didn't lie about that. I thought to myself that I would not want to be the act before Nick 13 but I think Bret really held his own.
Seeing Nick with a new, country band was definitely different than seeing Tiger Army but it was still a wonderful show. He played my favorite Tiger Army song, "In The Orchard" and my favorite song off his new album, "All Alone". Did I mention my mom came to the show with us? She got to see for herself what I've been talking about for years (without putting up with punk kids and mosh pits). I still love my Tiger Army but I think Nick did a pretty damn good job on his own. I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next.
