Retribution Gospel Choir Brings the Rock to NYC

Alan Sparhawk of Low has released a new album with his other band, Retribution Gospel Choir, called 2, on Sub Pop. I interviewed Alan a few weeks ago about the album, and now the Duluth, Minnesota-based group is on tour. They played Mercury Lounge last night, and boy did they rock the house.

Even though the crowd was a bit sparse, Sparhawk and Co. did not go easy at all. After the third or fourth song the three were drenched in sweat. I haven’t heard a bona fide rock show in a long time and let me tell you it was great. These guys had such amazing energy and passion as they went through songs mostly off the new album but playing extended jams that even had Sparhawk playing the guitar with his mouth at one point. Highlights included “Hide It Away,” “Poor Man’s Daughter,” and “Electric Guitar,” which Sparhawk mentioned was about Duluth.

The group is playing at Union Hall tonight. Tickets are still available. If you are in the mood for some passionate rock, head on over.

The rest of their tour is as follows:

• Wednesday, February 3, 2010
  Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia PA
• Thursday, February 4, 2010
  Rock and Roll Hotel, Washington DC
• Friday, February 5, 2010
  Local 506, Chapel Hill NC
• Saturday, February 6, 2010
  The Earl, Atlanta GA
• Monday, February 8, 2010
  The Engine Room, Tallahassee FL
• Tuesday, February 9, 2010
  Proud Larry’s, Oxford MS
• Wednesday, February 10, 2010
  The Meridian, Houston TX
• Thursday, February 11, 2010
  Stubb’s BBQ, Austin TX
• Friday, February 12, 2010
  Cavern, Dallas TX
• Saturday, February 13, 2010
  Hi-Tone, Memphis TN

All Images: Devorah Klein