from NOW :

"Punk rock dignitary Ian MacKaye is notoriously particular about the context of his live performances. Whether it's mandating ticket prices, avoiding flashy clubs in favour of alcohol-free, all-ages venues or keeping his stage set-ups austere to the max, MacKaye wants it right - no frills, just music.

Whippersnapper Gallery was a perfect youth-friendly choice for MacKaye's post-Fugazi duo, the Evens . Sitting between two Ikea floor lamps, MacKaye and partner/drummer/singer Amy Farina launched into You Won't Feel A Thing from their self-titled debut, while the quiet crowd sat cross-legged on the floor, perhaps somewhat intimidated by such close proximity to one of punk's most recognizable and respected figures.

Most of the Evens' stripped-down, guitar-based songs began with a classic MacKaye preamble about disdaining pretty much everything the White House stands for. His and Farina's ultra-political lyrics, clearly voiced and unobstructed by his clean guitar tone, combine nicely, even when he switches into his incomparable hardcore bark, giving us a rushing reminder of Minor Threat's enduring greatness.

Even though the show had a great, positive vibe going, MacKaye's obsession with controlling his perfect live environment became a little overbearing, especially when he refused to turn on the gallery's AC – he didn't want to compete with its volume."