Face-melt. Putrid, grimy, filth-death. Mind-blowing time warp. No, these are not segments from the Spike T.V. show 1,000 Ways to Die, but things that I am certain I experienced last night. Let me start from the beginning.
Sunday night, The Knitting Factory in Reno enthusiastically welcomed Rusko who is on tour promoting his latest album “Songs”, released in the US on March 26.
This being an all-ages show, we formulated a grand plan of hiding out upstairs in the 21+ area. Once we arrived at the show, we decided to take our chances downstairs and join the surging sea of sweaty humans, illuminated and shimmering with the warmth of glow sticks, homemade LED signs, and twinkling fingertips.
Our courage was rewarded. We were tucked away in a spot with a prime view of Rusko in all of his energetic, headshaking glory. If you have ever seen him live, you know that his shows are not for the faint of heart. He incites such a fury that can only be released by furious bouncing and fist pumping. The sensory assault began with a solid beat in perfect sync with white beams of light emitted from the stage, which immediately captured the crowd’s attention. Between taking generous swigs from a large bottle of what seemed to be Grey Goose vodka, he managed to hip thrust and jog in place while encouraging the crowd to “get silly”.
Being a member of the smaller, fairer sex, and a frequenter of countless punk rock shows, I know that when things get rowdy, you must stand your ground and be prepared to throw some ‘bows if need be. I am happy to say that reminiscent of those punk shows, the crowd raged tough but was exceptionally kind. Everyone supported their fallen neighbors who were swiftly helped up if they went down. When my flailing elbows collided with someone’s head, my meager apology was accepted with an earnest, “never apologize for partying”.
This show was a ride that was terrifying but left us wanting more. The intensity did not let up until the very last beat and flicker of stage light. We walked away a sweaty pile of exhausted flesh, elated and excited for the next adventure.
