For many, April 20 would seem to be the perfect day to hang out at a bar and check out some live music. The famed Boardwalk in Orangevale was on the minds of many on Thursday as the alternative rock act, the Living Things came to town.

Anyone who’s been to the Boardwalk undoubtedly can attest to its reputation as one of the premier live music hot spots in the Sacramento Valley. The Used, Collective Soul and Taking Back Sunday have all been recent performers and the authentic and raw atmosphere is advertised with dozens of band flyers peppered along the front of the weathered building. An impressive ceiling lined with autographed guitars looms over the bar and a worn out stage and pit has rock ‘n roll written all over it.

The Living Things critically acclaimed album “Ahead of the Lions,” has drawn comparisons to Nirvana’s “Nevermind,” which has undoubtedly raised many eyebrows. The politically driven lyrics of front man Lillian Berlin have struck a chord with the industry media, so when the St. Louis foursome took the stage at this legendary hole-in-the-wall, the music had already begun.

The stiff power chords slammed into the silence as the band broke into their first set. Wailing guitars and crashing drums lit up the dimly lit hall and woke everyone up from the seemingly long wait from the previous warm up band. Within seconds, the crisp and powerful style of the glam rockers was “funking” out to the smooth and ripping sound that’s earned them so much comparison to the Ramones as well as Nirvana.

Berlin’s long, dark, stringy hair bounced around over his face, which made his anti-war lyrics hard to decipher at times. However his willingness to interact with the audience, proved to be the driving force behind the show. His shy looking appearance was shed after the first chorus he belted out, and his obvious confidence on stage fit right at home in the small confines of the bar. His wild, sometimes awkward movements onstage added to the visual delight of the show, and his dry humor between sets made light of the crowd’s reluctance to vocalize their satisfaction.

The approximate hour-long set was not long enough to satisfy the small crowd that had assembled, but was enough to get their point across. Although the intensity was dulled due to the lack of a sizeable and energetic crowd, the show still demonstrated the appeal of Berlin’s distinctive personality and views. With big hair and unique outfits, the Living Things proved to be more than that when it comes to live performances and gave their fans something that can’t be found on their debut album.

Also worth mentioning is the local alternative band Hot Pistol. The garage rock quartet almost stole the show as their hard hitting riffs and charismatic personas warmed up the meager mob. Sounding like a cross between the Black Crows and Rise Against, the Sacramento natives demonstrated their up and coming status and may be the most exciting band in the area today.

Read The Living Things CD review here.

Josh Huggett can be reached at [email protected].