OTEP played in NYC, playing NJ tonight

The lights dimmed, but no signs of OTEP. The crowd kept cheering "OTEP. OTEP. OTEP" over the good rap music that was playing. It seemed to go on for a while, I just wanted OTEP to come out already. Finally, one by one the members came on stage. When Otep herself came on stage, everyone of course cheered. The interlude began..."Battle Ready" would kick off the set. It was the perfect song to start with. Although, there weren't many people in the small Gramercy Theatre, the fans seem really excited and why not? It was NYC on a Tuesday night for OTEP's cd release show. The band surely set it off right from the beginning. With each song Otep would put on something new whether it be a hat or a mask. Each song had a different vibe that found me either jumping, 2-stepping, moshing, headbanging, singing, or whatever else.

Other tunes included "My Confession," "Blood Pigs," "Ghostflowers," "Homegrown," and a cover of Nirvana's "Breed." By the end of the night I was drenched in sweat. Saw some great people and was able to network. It was crazy. It was beautiful. It was cathartic. It was fun. This is how a show should always be! They played mostly off of their last release The Ascension and first release Sevas Tra, only playing three new songs and none off of House of Secrets. I wish they would've played longer, but it was a tight set.

Openers Destrophy, Seven Year Existence, and local NY natives, Hung, slayed, as well.

OTEP perform tonight in Jersey! Should be better, because OTEP in Jersey always kicks ass. OTEP will be at Vintage Vintage in Fords at 6pm for an autograph signing and poetry reading from Otep herself. After get to Starland Ballroom to check out local openers Ashes of Your Enemy, Romance at Gunpoint, and AnAka.

Check out Smash the Control Machine, it's very poetic, anthemic, and hard!

As the guy said to his friend in the 7-11, "OTEP is heavy metal thrash-core." Take it for what you will. I'd call OTEP a me(n)tal mutiny of the senses.

Setlist below.



OTEP NYC Setlist 8/18/09

Battle Ready
Crooked Spoons
My Confession
Ghostflowers
Smash the Control Machine
Blood Pigs
Confrontation
Rise. Rebel. Resist
Homegrown
Breed (Nirvana Cover)

Encore:
Serv Asat