Photoo Credit: blogs.villagevoice.com

New York’s O’Death didn’t waste any time at the Empty Bottle last Saturday night. Like the Pogues and Gogol Bordello before them, O’Death’s music is steeped in traditional instrumentation and arrangements.

What sets O’Death apart, however, is that punk rock seems to naturally fit into what they define as “traditional music.” Take a solid rhythm section and throw in singer and guitarist Greg Jaime’s John Darnielle meets inebriated Neil Young vocals, and what you get is O’Death. Assuming that the band ripped through the venue fueled purely by adrenaline and whiskey is no mistake.

Like any good live band, O’Death captured the audience’s attention from beginning to end. Consistent throughout their 40 or so minute set, the band rumbled on nonstop. Between songs, while Jaime talked to the audience, Gabe Darling would already be banging out the next song on his banjo. O’Death play a show like it’s meant to be played: Loud, fast, and with passion.

Prowling in the shadows of the venue’s compact stage, the 5 men from New York began their set with “Home.” Steadily building on Gabe Darling’s banjo and Bob Pycior’s fiddle, the band went from sullen to frantic, all within the span of 3 minutes. Pycior and bassist, Jesse Newman, were shirtless by the second song. Drummer, David RB, by the third. This simple ritual of garment-removal was ample testament to the punk-rock urgency that lurks under their folk/country/Americana brew.

Swaying and banging their heads from one end of the stage to the other, it was impressive how the band managed to keep spotless rhythm and harmony. Pycior’s fiddle playing was in particular, not to be missed. It was thrilling to see how someone moving around so much could bang out syncopated chords and crisp melodies so effortlessly. By mid-set, there was no question as to how the band had built up their reputation of being a wild live act. Songs like “Peshtigo,” “Adelita,” and “Ground Stomp,” showcased not only the group’s riotous volume but also their dexterity and ability to perform traditional music for the now.

By the time O’Death opened their second encore with their take on the Pixies “Nimrod’s Son,” many among the crowd at the Empty Bottle were well aware that all the yelping, clapping, and stomping that ensued Saturday night was not in vain. And without a doubt, O’Death’s brief but ferocious stop at the Windy City will not be forgotten anytime soon.