End Fest '93: A Little Bit Staid, But Still A Hard-Rockin' Good Time

END FEST '93 Catherine Wheel, Hammerbox, School of Fish, Belly, They Might Be Giants, X, Social Distortion, Helmut and My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult, last Saturday at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds. ------------------------------

Last year's End Fest was horribly hot, unruly and a genuine rock 'n' roll bash; this year's outdoor extravaganza was comfortably cool, well-organized, on time and a little bit staid. Still no one seemed to mind the staid part too much, and no one was seriously injured or arrested.

The crowd - the official count was 15,000 - entered the grounds evenly, had plenty of concessions to choose from and spread themselves comfortably over the grounds. Those who chose to mosh or just hunker down in front were regularly hosed. The bands were largely guitar-based - seven out of nine - which accounted for a feel of sameness toward the end of the night. Still, the highlights more than made up for the flat spots.

After a perfunctory opening by Catherine Wheel, hometown heroes Hammerbox took over. They were tight, dynamic, very energetic and funny. At one point they threw Twinkies to the crowd. "Now you'll be fortified forever," said lead singer Carrie Akre. "And embalmed as well," added drummer David Bosch.

After Hammerbox came School of Fish, who did a matter-of-fact melodic set. They were followed by Belly, one of the days most anticipated acts.

Belly, too, was very energetic and funny, also out of tune and

discordant. Again, no one seemed to mind very much. Lead singer Tanya Donelly and company kept the set playful and fun, despite the sound glitches.

They Might Be Giants suffered from equipment problems. Guitarist John Flansburgh fought with his guitar amp for most of the set. And the band's clever but eccentric material fell on some less than appreciative ears. Still Flansburgh and partner John Linnell could have a lucrative career a little farther down the line as smarmy cruise-ship singers.

The Giants were followed by X, the reunited Los Angeles punk pioneers featuring singer Exene Cervenka and bassist singer John Doe. This was the set most of the other musicians were in the wings to watch, and for good reason. Alternative rock owes these people, not just because they were at the roots of West Coast punk, but because they can still do it. Their new songs were the equal of the old - the best all-around set of the day.

Social Distortion and Helmut followed, each in their own angry and thunderous manner. My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult klosed. They had lights and danced.