I’m not embarrassed to admit that sometimes I get to work early just so I can dance around the office to mclusky at full volume. Ideally the office is empty, because flailing around madly is often a key part of the experience.

When I found out they were swinging through the Crocodile on March 26th, I was determined to be early and beat the crowd. The last time I was there, I showed up a little late and got stuck in a less-than-ideal spot. This time I got there early, and was one of the first few through the door. Walking in, blue and gold lights lit up the massive skeleton on the ceiling, the smell of fresh merch hung in the air, and the crowd slowly began filling up around me. It looked to be a genuinely diverse room, too. Not many bands can say they played to a crowd featuring both a man in a bathrobe and a fursona in what appeared to be business casual attire.

Ekko Astral were up first, and it was my first time seeing them live. Great set. Sharp, a little twitchy, and a perfect start to the night. The band closed their set with “Pomegranate Tree” which gave the room one last shove before mclusky took over.

And take over they did.

mclusky came out fast and never really let up. Taking the stage first was Damien Sayell who snapped a few photos of the crowd before picking up his bass. Their set was loud, lilting, and funny throughout. I’m a sucker for slide guitar, so getting to watch Andrew Falkous tear into the new song “as a dad” stood out as a real highlight for me. We even had the pleasure of helping celebrate drummer Jack Egglestone’s birthday, which only added to the good mood in the room.

Some bands feel best discovered alone through headphones. mclusky is not one of them. They deserve maximum volume and your full attention. If you can swing it, they still sound best in a room full of people ready to get a little stupid with them. Or an empty office.