By Channing Henson
Do you enjoy your punk rock snotty, middle finger extended, and laced with Ritalin and foul language? Do you own a leather jacket and Chuck Taylor's, and maybe a pair of jeans with a hole in the crotch area? If your idea of a good time is pogo-dancing at CBGB's circa 1977, well then, put down that time machine and check out the Briefs this Wednesday night at the Aquarium.
Who are the Briefs, you ask? The Briefs are a fresh take on something old, channeling many of the great punk bands of yore, such as the Buzzcocks, the Dickies, and Stiff Little Fingers. Aborted from the depths of Seattle's basement punk scene, the boys have secured four albums under their belt (Dirtnap, Interscope, and BYO, respectively) and have toured extensively throughout the U.S., Europe, and Japan. Spanning only 5 prolific years, the Briefs have earned a cult-like following and the respect of their peers as one of the scene's hardest working bands. Their latest effort, Hit After Hit (released on BYO Records) is a testament to the band's melodic blend of chainsaw riffs, saccharine sweet hooks, and spazzed out humor. But while the band pays homage to the punk pioneers that paved the way, The Briefs aren't about idol worship. Beyond the bad haircuts and the goofball antics is a band that has created an infectious sound they can call their own.
The Briefs play the nightcap after the Minus the Bear bill. The show starts at 11:00 pm sharp- $7 at the door. However, because DM Cooperative is so rad, if you attend the early show, you only pay $5. Fargo's garage-punk band Les Dirty Frenchmen open the bill.