Live music review: Riverboat Gamblers thrilled fans at The Ballroom

The night of Sunday, December 15 at The Ballroom, was the setting for Texas hard-rock veterans, Riverboat Gamblers to take stage in front of a packed crowd of anxious, longtime fans. It was a diverse crowd of all ages. College kids and middle-aged fans alike packed the small capacity, Guadalupe venue for what felt like a special performance on tap. It was definitely their most anticipated Austin show since SXSW last March.

The first band up, Austin-based  Portnoy’s Complaint, took the stage at 9 p.m. It would be a late Sunday night.  The punk-rock three-piece did damage from the moment the drums kicked off. The band set a perfect tone for the evening with furious, hard-hitting numbers that resonated with patrons through the evening. Portnoy’s Complaint shows much promise, being such a young band with such bite.   

Colleen Green changed the pace a bit, offering a more subdued, chill vibe. Her musical stylings offer more of a 90’s alternative cynicism, providing a lighthearted, even humorous approach to daily dealings.  Her set even included a cover of the Rupert Holmes number, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song).” 

Comedian J.T. Habersaat offered his comedic stylings, commenting on the late Sunday show, Whataburger critiques, and a few insights on some of our favorite nostalgia films of the 80’s. Habersaat has performed as a stand-up comedian for some time, and is also a published author. If you get the chance to check out one of his shows, it is highly recommended. For comedy fans in Denver, Oklahoma City and Northern California, you’re in luck as the comic is heading your way next month.  You will not be disappointed.

Around 10:45 p.m., Riverboat Gamblers kicked off their set with the high-octane number, “Let’s Eat.” The heavy-hitting Denton-formed quintet (now based in Austin) seamlessly transitioned into “What’s What” and “True Crime,” cementing a blistering tone for what would be the final set of the evening. An age-diverse moshpit immediately erupted.

Riverboat Gamblers belted out rowdy punk anthems, sprinkled with often glaringly complex masterful, metal-inspired guitar work from Fadi El-Hassad and Ian MacDougall.  Rob Merchant’s bass and Sam Keir’s drum work hammered down the rhythmic foundation and tempo as Mike Wiebe controlled the helm, at the microphone, entertaining the crowd with energetic on-stage antics, while belting out raucous vocals with the band backing him up. 

The late-night crescendo arrived with “Don’t Bury Me…I’m Still Not Dead Yet” and “ The Art of Getting Fucked Over.” It was a fitting end to the night’s performances, with the mosh pit still going strong. Hardcore fans were clearly stoked to see their heroes in a small cap club with that kind of energy the entire performance. We’re guessing RG fans definitely felt the resonating effects of the late night on Monday morning, and it was totally worth it.

All photos by Casey Chumbley

Riverboat Gamblers Setlist:

Let’s Eat
What’s What
True Crime
Merry Xmas
Rattle
Curse
Sunday
Whatever
Rent
Wasting Time
Father Xmas
Save You
Black Cat
Hey Hey Hey
Lottie May
Denton
Ice Water
Don’t Bury Me…I’m Still Not Dead Yet
The Art of Getting Fucked Over

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