The Moistboyz tore up the Tractor Tavern on Friday, March 7, 2014 during their sold-out show. Despite being familiar with their albums and a fan of their music, nothing could have prepared me for the their live performance, which combines attitude, swagger, and speedy rock and roll that demands the attention of all within earshot. This is music for those who want to party — and are willing to drive very long distances on very little sleep to get to said party.

The touring band consists of Dickie Moist (aka Guy Heller) on vocals, Mickey Moist (aka Dean Ween, or Mickey Melchiondo) on guitar, Nick Oliveri (of Mondo Generator/Kyuss/Queens of the Stone Age) on bass, Hoss Wright (of The Exies/Mondo Generator) on drums, and guitarist Stephen Haas. They played fan favorites and soon-to-be favorites over the course of their set with tremendous energy, and the capacity crowd didn’t seem to stop moving throughout.

Bassist Nick Oliveri’s recent trip to the ER for a nasty ear infection didn’t stop him from laying a solid groove with drummer Hoss Wright. The two have worked together over the years as part of Mondo Generator, and their bond shows. They are one of the greatest rhythm sections I have ever seen; solid, subtle, and powerful. Stephen Haas’s second guitar provides great support and weight to the set. Haas also mixed the band’s recent release, Moistboyz V, and his familiarity with the material shows.

Lead singer Dickie Moist has a presence and delivery that has been compared to Iggy Pop in the past, and while it is a fair comparison, there is much more to his performance. There is a palpable edge to his delivery; dangerous and funny at the same time — which is exactly what I love about the Moistboyz.

I make no bones about my love for Mickey Melchiondo’s playing, and he did not disappoint. Even busting the bridge on his Strat only three songs into the set didn’t seem to hamper him in the slightest. What I appreciate most about his style is his ability to slide everything from country, to metal, to psych into his lead lines and rhythm playing and have it feel completely natural. The guy could play just about anything in any style and still have his own sound. It’s the best thing I can say about any player. He’s got soul — in spades.