With the release of Baby 81 only a few weeks ago, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club enjoy a fan base that are quick to memorize lyrics and happy to sing/scream along with pumped fists in the air. On my sojourn back to Milwaukee last night, walking through the door of the Rave for the first time in nearly two years, it would be the first time I’d see Black Rebel Motorcycle Club live.

When B.R.M.C. was released back in 2001, I, like many others was transfixed by the group, especially the tracks “Whatever Happened To My Rock ‘N’ Roll (Punk Song)” and “Rifles.” Last night’s performance for the former was indeed a highlight as it was the launch pad for the remainder of their two hour set. Sometime during that song all the new fans and old fans nodded in unison and the exuberance rocketed up a few notches.

As I alluded to previously, I was quite shocked to find everyone around me belting out the lyrics for all the new material found on Baby 81, with the obvious high point coming when they played “Weapon Of Choice.” While others may disagree with me, I still seem to enjoy several songs off Howl. “Ain’t No Easy Way” was, and remains one of my favorite songs of theirs.

It’s obvious that a lot of critics have found the band’s direction to be completely unsatisfying or repetitive, which is fine. The crowd that filled up the venue last night was there because they wanted to witness some loud rock music – most left with their expectations met. While the Rave was probably the best venue in the state for this show, the sound in the place continues to drive me crazy. Many times throughout the evening the music was so drowned out that it was hard to hear what exactly was going on. Make no mistake that none of the blame for that should fall into the lap of the band. Instead, imagine trying to listen to music in a complete concrete square and you’ll get an idea of how unsettling the sound at this venue can be.

Despite the choice of venue the band charged through two hours worth of music while being able to seamlessly transform from hard rocking electric to acoustic blues. It’s too early to tell my appreciation for Baby 81, but using last night’s performance as a measurement of success it seems that many others have already latched on and embraced it.

This review was written for the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Tourzine over at Filter Magazine, tour coverage continues tomorrow with recaps from Radio Free Chicago.

Myspace: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Video: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Weapon of Choice