While SNOCORE has never done me wrong in the past, I was especially prepared to hit up what I deemed to be my “”most anticipated show of 2003″”. Glassjaw seems to grow in popularity daily, and even with the clone sounds of Finch and A Static Lullaby (not that it’s a bad thing), Glassjaw still reigns supreme. Since Sparta’s release of “”Wiretap Scars,”" the band has been touring relentlessly with everyone on this side of the planet. Hot Water Music is, well, Hot Water Music. “”Caution”" has lived up to all of its hype, and their performance is as good as ever. Interscope’s Dredg rounded out the group that showed promise to be one of the best shows I had seen in awhile.

Let’s get something straight…tours are damn tiring. 9:30 Club in DC was the second to last date on SNOCORE’s schedule, and they showed up wearing the faces of bands who had been worn from travel. Sparta was a late scratch due to a family death, and rumors had been spreading about Glassjaw singer Daryl Palumbo’s health. Dredg opened things with a cluster of songs fromt their latest release, “”El Cielo.”" Dredg wasn’t well received for their mysterious set. They seemed calloused about the crowd response, as if they had this reaction before. Dredg had an eerie sound of layered effects with somber lyrics, occassionally breaking out into a demented scream. The stage was fully decorated in what looked like antler horns and a strange sacrificial looking effects deck (don’t draw any assumptions from that). While I can’t say I enjoyed the set, I appreciate how Dredg kept true to their sound despite heckling.

Hot Water Music took the stage to an annoyed crowd and put on the best show I had ever seen them play. They came in with energy and played a great combination of “”Caution”" and past hits. The Hot Water Music masses quickly brought up the morale of the show and the entire aura of the venue changed. Hot Water Music blasted into songs such as “”Remedy”" and “”Trusty Chords”" with reckless abandon, yet still played every song with perfect precision. I have a newfound respect for this band that has been rocking for what seems like forever, and I don’t think they are going to stop anytime soon. A guest appearance from Dustin of Thrice (who is currently recording in DC) on stage put the cherry on an amazing set.

And then….there was Glassjaw. The initial chord of “”Tip Your Bartender”" brought the typical rush to the stage, and the crowd surfing began. Glassjaw put on an amazing show, despite Palumbo’s strained voice and difficulty with pattented screams. The crowd made up for Palumbo with the dedication of knowing every word, which prompted him to occassionally toss the mic to the audience. Focusing more on tracks from “”Worship and Tribute,”" Glassjaw blew me away with their sound. “”Gillette Calvalcade of Sports”" and “”Ape Dos Mil”" were performed with all the heart you expect to see from the ever-growing Glassjaw. Holding true to their reputation, Glassjaw left me in shock with their balance of rage and insight. Despite being worn from a long tour, members of Glassjaw still signed autographs and chilled with fans after the show. You have to respect a band like that, whether you appreciate their sound or not. SNOCORE rolled into DC ailing, but still put on a show worth every dime of the ticket price.