The Kissers – Madison, WI (High Noon Saloon) – St. Patrick’s Day

As if eternally under the mistletoe, The Kissers always seems to be playing for some sort of holiday, and when they do; their fans come out in droves.

On this starry night, I received a last-minute invitation to check out a “mysteriously” good band. When I got there, I was surprised to find The Kissers – a band I’ve already gained familiarity with over the years.

I was told the start time would be 8 PM. After an untimely delay, one thing led to another and before you know it; I’m in a Ms. Pac Man tournament. Honestly, all I did was mention that I used to be good when this supercilious gamer challenged me to a duel.

While the band started revving up, I had generated a crowd of my own. I busted the high score tenfold and completely embarrassed Player Two. Actually, I made it to the ‘Junior’ level on my second life and before all was said and done; I entered into some far-out stage. It was a fluke of nature to do so well. As it stands, I touch the joystick to arcade classic no more than twice a decade. Yet, I continue to better myself

For the record, these are always different machines, and it always begins with some unsolicited challenge. To show you that I truly experienced these latter levels, I will tell you that you eventually make it to a board where the power pellets have “zero” effect on Blinky, Pinky, Inky & Clyde.

Anyhow, this band played enough songs to match the number of pellets my little yellow lady guzzled. As fate would have it, The Kissers had oodles of material until dead-ending on an unplanned jam. To be honest, I think they even of played one song twice, but other than that; it was one passionate piece after the next.

My favorite overall was a song where they chanted, “No War…No More War.” Both the lyrics and the beat were sincere.

As we approached 1 AM on a Monday, the momentum wouldn’t let them stop. They had approximately six encores, and what’s intriguing is that the last one wasn’t even forced. Around this time, they played one of the few covers of the night: The Who’s “Teenage Wasteland”.

Earlier in the night, they played Johnny Cash and there were one or two others, out of the hundred or so that they played, that had an eerie familiarity about them. This led me to believe they were refurbished remakes too.

Once upon a time, I saw them play a festival. Back then, I didn’t think they were tight. From where I sat, it seemed as if they screwed off at the audience’s expense. In this instance, however, they took no prisoners. They came to kick ass and chew bubblegum. It wasn’t long before the viscid mass was spat. From that point on they were amazing. In retrospect, there was hardly any rest aside from a very short hiatus.

Many times they mentioned drinking either through song or corruptible statements. Towards the end they urged their patrons to have a couple hard drinks and then to call in sick the next day.

What I like most about this band – in general - is their eclectic style. It falls between Irish-infused Rock n’ Roll and Americana. What I liked most about this band - on this night - is the fact they were rehearsed.

Thinking back, I went there solely on a tip. This resulted in a high score and a fun time. Turns out the insider information was well worth my quarter.

8.75/10