Concert Review: Detroit Cobras, The Dirtbombs @ The Magic Bag

Three great bands in one action packed night. That was the scene this Friday at the Magic Bag for the Sirens/Dirtbombs/Detroit Cobras show. Some of Detroit’s rock elite were spotted in the crowd…Meg White was planted stage left for the entire show, and Jack White and Renee Zellweger watched the Sirens from the back of the venue, but quickly moved to the front when the Dirtbombs took the stage. As always, members from the evenings line-up watched as their fellow D-town musicians took stage.

First up were the Sirens. The girls had a gangster theme this evening – all were dressed in some variation of a pin-stripped suit, topped off with white hats. Muffy sported a white feather bustle, some bling-bling around her neck and her trademark fan. Guitars and drum sets were rattled with bullet holes (even if they were stick on). From the beginning, the Sirens pumped the crowd with energy, and the music was spot on. The band sounded fantastic at the Bag, and the crowd was singing along with the songs. The group played a few new songs (at least ones I haven’t heard them play before) and each girl owned the stage in their own way – Melody rocked out with several guitar solos, Aran strummed the bass, Michelle provided some guitar riffs, Deanne kept the beat with the drums and Muffy did that thing she does so well.

Next, the Dirtbombs took the stage. As always, the group gave a fantastic performance, leaving everyone in the band dripping with sweat. I don’t think I’ve seen any group that has dared include the thumping of two drummers, but the Dirtbombs pull it off famously. Ben Blackwell and Pat Pantano are in synch every step of the way – almost as if they have some sort of sixth sense as to what the other will do. It’s absolutely amazing. Mick’s guitar playing is unlike any I’ve ever seen. In his trademark sunglasses, Mick kept the crowd happy, belting out all of the band’s most famous songs. Jim Diamond’s rounded out the quintet, playing the guitar and singing I’m Through With White Girls.

The Detroit Cobras were the last to hit the Magic Bag stage. Sauntering up to the stage like an 8 cylinder revved up with nitro, Rachel Nagy led the Cobra’s into an all out attack. Spiced in between sets with her apparent need to quit smoking (which included a HIGH-sterical Inhaler episode with guitarist Mary), Rachel’s pipes were in RARE form. Showing off her sexy siren ways, and backed by the admirable talents of heavy-hitter Kenny on drums, Steve Nawara on lead guitar, and Joey Mazzola on bass, the Cobras took us back to glorious Detroit rock. The tunes were all represented – “Cha Cha Twist” being a standout. They debut of a brand new song whose chorus was basically ” Yo de leee heee hoo ” was a yodeler’s dream , er…. make that a rockers! Super catchy, and still cool as hell, they are on the right track for the new album, which was mentioned at Friday’s show to be in the works. -Jacquie Trost / Christopher Chouinard