I Just Read About That…

[ATTENDED: March 26, 2023] Cheekface

I first heard of Cheekface about a month ago.  I’m not even sure what made me check them out, but as soon as I did, I knew I had to see them live.

Cheekface is America’s local band.  They are a trio comprised of Amanda Tannen on bass guitar, Greg Katz on vocals and guitar
and Mark Echo Edwards on drums.

Musically, they fill a niche that is often overlooked : witty lyrics delivered in a talk-sing way, choruses that are impossible not to sing along to, and razor sharp instrumentals with the bass taking more of a lead role than the guitar on a lot of songs (thanks Get Alternative).

Indeed, the rhythm section is outstanding, with Tannen generating a fantastic bass sound as she plays the interesting melodies and Edwards using all parts of his kit to create interesting sounds.  The songs also have lots of parts–so they jump from quieter to louder, slower to faster and back again.

But all eyes are on Greg Katz (who reminded me of Will Ferrell at his most charming).  He does, indeed deliver his lyrics (which are great) in a kind of speak/sing manner.  But it’s a bit more than a poetry recital to music, because Katz emotes a lot as he delivers lines like “Pledge Drive”‘s

This mob of teens with sponges is ready to wash your car
I’m standing in the Wendy’s drive-thru screaming “Fuck all the transphobes”
(Sir, this is a Wendy’s)
I feel nothing and I’m 14-inches tall

The crowd was 100% into this band.  Singing along to everything and recognizing songs just by the opening drumbeat.  (They have been around since 2017).

I loved how clear everything sounded in this basement room.  Wikipedia says that

the band asks sound technicians at venues they play for “no reverb, no delay, [and] lyrics should be clear”. The focus on lyrics over melody conveys a “jittery emotional landscape” that Katz has compared to someone speaking too quickly because they are anxious about something.

I loved the lyrics to “The Fringe”

Success is cringe! Success is cringe!
I wanna be on the fringe

One of the first songs I had heard from them was “Listen to Your Heart” “No.” in which the audience sang the “No” with great enthusiasm.

I am also really fond of “Featured Singer.”  In the live version, he busted out verses from the “Cha Cha Slide” song that I’ve only ever heard at school parties and roller rinks.  And it was hilarious watching everyone do the moves.

“I Only Say I’m Sorry When I’m Wrong Now” is an aspirational song And “I Feel Weird Now” (an original Cheekface composition–as they all are) is all about self-improvement: Look mom, I’m trying I fixed all my problems Why do I feel so weird?.

“Next to Me (Yo Guy version)” has an actual guitar riff at the front.  In fact, I don’t want to sell Katz short as a guitarist.  On a few occasions, he stood on the [table?] at the front of the stage and played a tidy solo (not massive shredding, but good playing nonetheless).  There’s a funny moment in the middle of the song where he says “Yo” and the crowd responded appropriately with “Shut the fuck up!”

Katz acknowleded that moment of community and said there would be more in the next song.

“Don’t Get Hit By a Car” features, in his words, generic chords for a chorus.  he then had half the room sing “Sweet Jane” to the chorus and the other half sing “Jack and Diane” and it was very funny to hear how they fit perfectly.  He had us keep singing while he recited “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” from Cake.

Another favorite song was “Noodles.”  A 57 second song whose lyrics simply repeat “A big cup of noodles, a giant cup of noodles.”  Wonderful.

By this time I was 100% on board with this band and was enjoying myself as much as everyone else (who were all half my age).  No one would appreciate this I’m sure, but Katz’ delivery often reminded me of “Weird Al,” and with his sardonic lyrics that often bordered on the absurd, it was easy to see why.

Katz had some nice things to say about Philly and they played “Sexy National Anthem” for the first time on the tour to celebrate Philly.

He explained that they do not do encores, but that they’d be happy to meet and greet after the show.

After playing the ripping “Dry Heat/Nice Town” they did a reprise of “Eternity Leave” and they were done.  In almost exactly an hour (as they said in their hilarious tweet).

Their mech is fantastic and, indeed, Katz was there to chat.  I spoke to him for a few minutes and he was delightful.

2023
Eternity Leave ¿
The Fringe ♦
“Listen to Your Heart” “No.” ⊗
Emotional Rent Control ⊗
Featured Singer ∞ (With “Cha Cha Slide” interlude)
Pledge Drive ∞
I Only Say I’m Sorry When I’m Wrong Now ¿
I Feel So Weird! ∞
Wedding Guests ⊗
Next to Me (Yo Guy Version) ∞
Don’t Get Hit By a Car ⊗ (With “Sweet Jane”/”Jack & Diane”/”Short Skirt/Long Jacket” audience participation portion)
Noodles ∞
Best Life ⊗
Here I Was ¿
We Need a Bigger Dumpster ∞
Sexy National Anthem ¿ [First time played this tour]
When Life Hands You Problems ∞
Dry Heat/Nice Town ¿
Eternity Leave (reprise) ¿