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The self-proclaimed “last hair band in Seattle,” Akimbo’s curly locks may be the only frill they brought to their CMJ set at the Knitting Factory. This made them somewhat of an anomaly amongst their Panache showcase compatriots, when you consider that they were preceded by a set which ended with 6-foot inflatable gargoyles being thrown about the crowd and followed by a group that consisted of what appeared to be a coal miner, Steven Tyler’s evil twin, and a demon-possessed bassist. This is all fine, though, since Akimbo doesn’t really need anything extra to bring their brand of ear-splitting rock to the table. The left coast trio are a throwback to punk and hardcore acts of old to be sure, but their driving, almost tribal, brand of punishing rock remains fresh because of the sincere confidence with which it is performed. While they didn’t have the stage presence of An Albatross or The Mae Shi, who followed them, there’s something to be said for a band that can just get up there and throw down a quality set with no bells or whistles attached.
