Rumor has it the Glory Fires got kicked out of a gig in Texas for playing too loud. Good. More for us.

At Mercury Lounge, Lee Bains and his band the Glory Fires ripped NYC a new one playing that sort of earsplitting rock ‘n’ roll that gets people interested. Their Sub Pop debut Dereconstructed is a glorious slice of ‘70s-era rock ‘n’ roll that doesn’t mimic too much to sound like those who came before. Rather, the Glory Fires tap into their own keg of rock that left fans in a state of inebriated bliss.

Bains, who sang with tongue in cheek, is no demagogue when he mocks American expansionism and false ideologies. Rather, his lyrics symbolize everything Alabama is known for. Down south known as the “Spirit of Courage” state, Alabama takes pride in its own strength and perseverance and the people born there are no different. An earnest soul singer backed by a band who can strut on stage one minute and then hop on the shoulders of some fan the next—without missing a beat—makes you feel bad for all the other bands who fall short of the Glory Fires’ heat.

Providing a background story to his songs, Bains offered the crowd a perspective into the inner workings of his mind, allowing us to all learn a little more about him, as he did on “Dirt Track,” a song about “working those shitty jobs and playing all those shitty venues.” He then dedicated the song to his brother, “The one who taught me about the Velvet Underground and all that cool shit.” Well, Lee Bains, now you’re part of all that cool shit.

– Melissa Caruso