Pilfers @ Knitting Factory, NYC
Live Reviews | Nov 5th, 2005
Opening Bands: Denise De La Cruz
Date: November 4th 2005
Venue: Knitting Factory, NYC
I’ve been waiting for this reunion to happen since…well, since the Pilfers broke up. When was that, like 4-5 years ago? Jesus, time flies doesn’t it! I was heartbroken when one of my favorite bands decided to stop playing together. I saw the band over 20 times I think, could be more or less; but they decided to give something back to the fans and get back together for one more night. It just sucks that it’s only a one time thing, at least I think it is. One can hope they fully get back together someday.
My brother and I arrived at the venue, after trying to avoid as much traffic as possible. I’m a good navigator, that’s all I got to say! We still managed to get there a little bit early, walked around the bar area, checked out some merch. I thought there was going to be a rare live CD available for sale but I guess not. Unless they put that out after the show, I don’t know. I noticed a lot of faces I’ve seen at ska shows throughout the years, I just don’t know who they hell any of them are haha. The doors opened to the venue and it quickly filled up. I got a spot right in front because I wanted to re-live my youth by singing along to the Pilfers and hopefully not fucking up the words.
The opening band was a singer named Denise De La Cruz, who had a soul sound, with some reggae and R&B mixed in. While she sounded good, I just wished a ska or punk band opened the show instead because it didn’t really fit. At least that’s my opinion anyway. I think the crowd was thinking the same thing I was but whatever, the group was all right. I liked one song, featuring a reggae singer named, Superfast, Supercross, Superman, something like that. The singer had a unique voice and had a sense of charm with his singing. Denise played 6 songs or so and then it was time for the main event.
The Pilfers were up, and the crowd were chanting “Pilfers,” over and over again because they were getting anxious. They have been waiting for this reunion for a long time now, myself included. The MC of the night, Phil of Checkerboard Kids was stalling the arrival of the band, but the Pilfers finally came out. Coolie was donning sunglasses, a Pilfers Crew shirt and a blazer, Anna was looking beautiful as always (i’ve always had a crush on her teehee), Vinny wore his usual shorts and van shoes, James looked all clean cut, and Nick still looked like Nick. It was so weird to see the group together again because it felt like they never broke up. Plus Anna and James weren’t even in the band towards the end of the band’s career so the night was very special to have all the original members there.
The crowd was going ape shit as soon as the Pilfers broke out into the intro to Dr. Kevokarian. I was elevating like crazy! Yes I’m 27 and still jumping up and down at ska shows. Just like the old days, I was singing along the whole time, and of course, getting whacked in the head with Vinny’s trombone. Ouch! But that’s what I get for sitting up front by the stage. I kind of hate sitting up front now that I think about it because I always have the band members’ crouches in my face haha. The crowd was a bit rowdy and pushy, with a lot of annoying people on my back the whole time. I had to push myself from the stage back into the crowd to get them the hell off me at one point. There was one female, that knows someone in the band; that was quite annoying and just a little bit too happy if you know what I mean. She was dancing all over me, waving her hands in the air, taking pictures, screaming people’s names. Yeah it was annoying but I tried to deal with it. The dancing all over me part I didn’t mind so much ha!
After “Dr K,” the band played “Mr Exploita” and then went into “Climbing.” Or was it “Hypnotized?” I don’t know. I’ve seen the band so many times that I kind of know what songs they were going to play, and I actually remember all the choruses and other things Coolie tries to throw at the crowd. “LAUNCH! OOHHH!” They pretty much played every song on Chawalaleng except “PC” and “My Time Now.” I don’t really recall them playing those songs too much at shows. The songs they played off the Self titled CD, which they were selling at the show, were songs like “Generation,” “Jolly,” “Roller Coaster,” “Shits Up in the Air,” “Show No Fear,” and “Yakuza.” They went through a lot of material, and still managed to freestyle a little. More “old time” moments including Coolie complaining about Nick’s guitar being too loud, James getting pissed that Coolie wanting to start songs over. The band finished the set with “Legal Shot/Pom Pom” and then Superfast, Supercross, whatever that reggae guy’s name came out and did a lil’ something something with the band; which was cool to see. They walked off the stage and the crowd went nuts for more. The Pilfers came back on and played 2 more songs, “Waiting 4 U” and ended with “One Day.” I would have liked the band to go out on a faster note instead of a slower one. But the song was Coolie’s son’s favorite I believe, so he wanted to play it.
It sucks to see the band not coming back for more shows (I think anyway) but the reunion show was a great thank you to fans. I think the sold out show tells you people still want to hear the Pilfers play, and that’s just in New York City. There’s states and even countries I’m sure, that would love to see the band perform again. All in All, the show was great and a big thank you to fans; but I think fans want to say to the band is “thank you” for reuniting one last time! It was great and I enjoyed myself immensely. ELEVATION!
