May 18

May 18 Review: Primus at Rabbit Rabbit

Edwin Arnaudin: I wasn't sure what to expect from a Primus show.

My knowledge of them doesn't extend far beyond the South Park theme and an awareness of frontman Les Claypool as a prolific artist who's generally well respected among fellow performers and fans. But I knew I wanted to find out what they're all about at Rabbit Rabbit on May 8.

What's your history with the band, what were your expectations going in, and were they met?

Violet Dwoinen: I found a Primus shirt at a thrift store when I was 13. Lamely, I bought it, never having listened to them — something my dad later scolded me for. I think it was almost in spite that I started listening to them: “My Name is Mud” off their 1993 album, Pork Soda, became a sort of anthem in 7th grade, and I wore that shirt until it literally fell apart a few years later.

Hearing they were coming to town was super exciting and I really didn’t know what to expect going into it. The show itself was awesome: great music, solid sound, though I wish they played a bit more of their older songs, I’m not the biggest fan of their more jam-band stuff, but the mosh pit was fun.

The crowd was…different than I expected, to put it lightly. For sure more than a few middle-aged Primus elitists, but up towards the front there was a large pack of Juggalos mixed with some young punks. The crowd was almost as entertaining as the music!.

Edwin: I was definitely entertained by the band and the crowd. After a rollicking opening set from Nashville-based rockers All Them Witches, things got a lot more quirky as Claypool & Co. took to the stage.

While I didn’t recognize a single song, I couldn’t help but be impressed by the frontman’s ability to do pretty much whatever he damn well pleased with a bass guitar, and his mastery of banter. Tales of buying new gear for a recent Las Vegas show offered a fun glimpse into his mind, and when a fan attempted to join the band via a hand-written sign, Claypool’s quick wit had seemingly the entire crowd in stitches.

What were some of your favorite moments? And which songs were you happiest to hear?

Violet: Claypool’s crowd work was impressive. He’s so collected on the stage it’s nearly comical compared to the raging crowd.

Some of my favorite moments would have to be the banter he had going. His Las Vegas gear adventure really humanized him and was a great preface to him playing his heavier stuff. Honesty, they didn’t start paying songs I knew word-for-word until around the middle of the set, but those opening notes of “Too Many Puppies” made me lose my mind.

I really appreciated that they played their old stuff. I know it can get mundane for some artists to play their biggest hits over and over, but it made the night super special. I was especially pleasantly surprised to hear ‘“erry was a Race Car Driver,” and the beat drop in the middle of the song was everything I could have possibly imagined live.

Edwin: I kept holding out hope for the South Park theme, but it was not meant to be. Nevertheless, I was enchanted by the musical oddities transmitted by this fully in-sync trio.

Would I see Primus again? Sure, maybe in five years or so. But I’d be more likely to check out Claypool’s other projects whenever they swing through Asheville, and am retroactively kicking myself for not prioritizing the Fearless Flying Frog Brigade last summer.

(Photos by Bryce LaFoon)