The website All Music Guide describes the Obits front man
Rick Froberg as “dialing back the intensity with a project indebted to classic
rock and blues”. This person has
obviously not seen their live show. Sure
the records contain elements of blues, classic rock, and even a little surf
music. But the live show is a whole
another animal. The band is comprised of
rock music veterans, lead by dueling guitar front men Rick Froberg (Drive Like
jehu, Hot Snakes) and Sohrab Habibion (Edsel).
Mr. Froberg, from his years of experience plays very hard, pounding the
guitar, almost punishing it. He is in
sync with Mr Habibion, each note layering over one another, crushing the
audience. The entire racket is held
together by drummer Alexis Fleisig and bassist Greg Simpson who effortlessly
stays calm under duress holding court center stage. At one point in the show the entire floor was
shaking from the ruckus. Focusing on the
latest record, “Bed and Bugs” (Sup Pop), “Taste the Diff”, “It’s Sick” and “Pet
Trust” was the highlights featuring Mr. Froberg’s raspy, growling vocals. Mr. Habibion took center stage only once, for
the brilliant “Shift Operator” from the 2011 record “Moody, Standard, and Poor”. The night grew louder with screamers like “Malpractice”,
“Refund” and “Talking to the Dog”. The
30 people who ventured out witnessed the real deal, big time rock and roll from
guys who love playing music, even if it is only to 30 people on a Sunday night
in Milwaukee.
