“I’m not drunk,” yelled Brendan Kelly, bassist for Chicago punk rock band Lawrence Arms, as he stumbled on stage last Wednesday.

Of course it goes without saying that Kelly was drunk, very drunk. In fact later in the show Kelly admitted he was so drunk he had forgotten that they had played the first song. Despite his state of inebriation it was still an entertaining show.

The small crowd that gathered at Rock Island on 15th street was treated to some good old fashioned punk music and a lot of drunkin ramblings. The group, also comprised of Chris Ardoin guitar and Neil Hennessy drums, put on an intense live show filled with ear splitting screaming and thundering guitar licks that reverberated through the small club. The crowd responded with acceptance by bobbing their heads or bouncing around in the moshpit.

The group has a new album out titled The greatest story ever told. They are currently touring the country in support of this album. Opening bands were The Ghost, Cost of Living and Blackout Pact.

Some their songs are “The first eviction notice” and “fireflies.” Other highlights of the show are when Kelly went into an incoherent speech about Bush ‘s government and how they are trying to keep us “afraid.” The show was alright and everyone got their $11 worth.