Moscow to Boise

The drive from Moscow to Boise is not exactly easy. It’s a long windy pavement python. Up and down hills that skirt the Hells Canyon area. The deluge of constant rain didn’t help either. We were fighting foggy windshields when we passed by the small town of White Bird that is nestled in a valley along the Snake River. It is supposedly famous for its pickles. World class pickles I was told. I didn’t prod the band to pull over and stop to test out the folklore because the last time we drove through White Bird we received some very serious “what the hell are you doing here?“ looks from the locals. Lets just say that the folklore stands and White Bird has the best pickles in the whole entire universe. Better than the pickles on Jupiter. But are the pickles kosher? Are they sweet? Dill? What about relish? That’s in the pickle family right? Next time, I’ll work up a little moxy and try those damn pickles! Sometimes you have to ease that curiosity.

The Neurolux (super amateur photo, sorry!)

Finally, after seven hours of constant rain and a churning stomach from the pavement python, we arrived in Boise at the Neurolux. We unloaded gear into the smokey club to find the Grand Archives (the band that we opened for) on stage for a sound check. I love the Grand Archives. Not only are they super nice guys but their music is a fantastic form of catchy indie rock-pop. Their call and response harmonies are tasteful and I dug the song arrangements. It was unfortunate that they got kicked off the stage for a DJ. I wanted to hear more. They’re a little infectious. I talked to them after the show and they said that they “opened” for DJ’s often in Europe. Weird!? The last time we were at the Neurolux playing with Norfolk and Western, we “opened” for a DJ too. I don’t have anything against DJs. Most of the time they set the tone for a great dance party. I understand it from a club’s perspective. DJ = Dancing = Booze = Fun for all. Its cheap entertainment for the weekend warriors. But there is so much potential in the Neurolux to be a fantastic venue for rock n roll. The sound is really good both on stage and off stage. I would love to see that place packed full of headnodders getting down with some live music. Weinland needs to become famous. Come on Boise…make it happen!!!

The Grand Archives on stage at the Neurolux. Once again, amateur photographer.