Concert review: Andrew Jackson Jihad at 1919 Hemphill in Fort Worth (August 18)

by Nick of The Indie-verse

Tuesday night, for the first time ever, I had a night off of work that actually coincided with a show that I wanted to attend. That’s not entirely true, but it was the first time that I’ve seen a gig at 1919 Hemphill and it was great.

If you don’t know, 1919 Hemphill is an all ages, smoke and alcohol free DIY venue that has a lot to offer -- it also has the cleanest punk venue bathroom I’ve ever been in. For the first time in a long time, I got to watch a show in a dank, sweaty pit surrounded by underage kids who were having a great time yelling, dancing, and occasionally moshing. I felt 17 again ... ahh memories. There was even a bum (and by bum I mean meth head who aimlessly wandered the parking lot) listening to headphones (a local rock station) who was adding his own unique lyrics to the songs that were blasting off his headphones. (audio proof)

On the bill for the night was County Lines, Spelling Bee, Excretions, O Pioneers and Andrew Jackson Jihad. Everyone was great.

Excretions were a fun, young group playing standard punk -- but well. Spelling Bee had a noisy feel that was very interesting. I’ve heard a lot of negative stuff about O Pioneers, but I must say they were very good. Apparently, they were ready for a tour, but a transmission problem made sure that wasn’t gonna happen. (Transmissions are responsible for more failed tours than pregnant girlfriends.)

Anyways ...

Jihad rolled up and Sean stepped out of their van and immediately ran over to my friends and I and gave us all epic high fives. This was when we knew their set was gonna be great, and it was.

They played a variety of songs, most of them requests. They sounded very good, especially when they were helped by the very vocal crowd. But this show wasn’t made great by the bands alone. It was by all the things that make a DIY show great.

Young, reckless kids having fun - Check

Dank aromas - Check

Make up smeared girl in a cheetah print vest screaming drunk, scooting down a staircase on her butt like a 3 year old - Check

Graffiti - Check

Bums and prostitutes - Check

The show was great. I even bought a koozie with curse words on it!

Check out 1919 Hemphill; you can volunteer, donate money, or just go to a show, all of which I’d recommend.

P.S. There was someone that played right before AJJ but I can’t remember who it was. If you know, let me know.