BY APRIL S. ENGRAM

2009 greets the Portland trio with several "new's." The Thermals has returned with a new drummer-the former percussionist of Say Hi-Westin Glass; a new album Now We Can See; and a new label, Portland's Kill Rock Stars vs. Seattle's Sub Pop. With their new recruit, Hutch Harris and Kathy Foster are embarking on an extensive tour to support their fourth album release and lil' ol' Buffalo was one of their first destinations.

People chatted and nonchalantly walked about the cellar-like space that is Buffalo's Soundlab waiting for the main attraction to grace the stage. Opening acts Shaky Hands and Point Juncture, WA did shell out some catchy tunes; yet, it was obvious that the audience gathered this night were rabid Thermals fans, a factor that made the show even more enjoyable.

As soon as Shaky Hands finished their set, some people slinked away from the stage. This created the prime situation for those who appeared more interested in drinks to withdraw from the bars and booths and creep towards the stage. The tentative audience clapped and cheered once Westin, Harris and Foster stepped on the platform. Harris greeted everyone and immediately leapt into the music. From that moment on The Thermals were ON.

They played a solid set of eighteen songs, old and new, for an hour and a half...no breaks, few breathers and no small talk. Just plain, good music pouring from their instruments; the crowd loved it. Fans sang and shouted along with Harris' words and a few bounced along colliding into each other. New tracks from Now We Can See, and the title track, got the audience moving and hollering for more. Yet, the undeniable crowd favorites were the older, quintessential Thermals tunes.

Whenever Harris began the riffs for "No Culture Icons," "It's Trivia," "A Pillar of Salt," and "How We Know" the audience exploded. Yet, the song of the night was easily "Here's Your Future;" the song is Harris' account of God's cleansing "of the land" and His conversation with Jesus. Hands went up in the air and people shouted the loudest during the line "build a new master race ‘cuz we're so pure!"

The Thermals played a few more songs before finally putting down their instruments and bidding adieu to Buffalo. Yet the audience was not finished with them as they cheered, stomped and applauded for the Portland crew to return. Though the band did not take the stage again, and I heard just a few grumbles, the audience was satisfied and filed out into the warm night. The Thermals made their imprint; an encore performance was not needed!

[Photos by April S. Engram]