Craig Finn & The Uptown Controllers @ Brooklyn Bowl June 20, 2019 (Photos by Thunderbird Ranch Ramble)

After a wonderful full and uninterrupted “Marque Moon” (click here for more on that rabbit hole), Hold Steady front man Craig Finn (website) took the Brooklyn Bowl (website) stage to kick off an aggressive two week run by Drive-by Truckers at the Williamsburg treasure.  

Underwhelmed with the latest Hold Steady scene (see last Hold Steady show here), I was very stoked with the music of Craig Finn & The Uptown Controllers. It was Elvis Costello-ish and used Finn’s animated rap-like story telling to present a great look. 


It was great to see him take risks with the new sound.  One song sounded like Blondie, while another vintage early-Police. I didn’t like “Thank You Francis” though.


The sax and drummer were especially good.  If Finn has Jackie Green or Scott Sharrard (website) playing leads, they would be fully loaded.


One sign of this success, was that the crowd didn’t have to know the songs to get in to the show and yell and scream along Finn.  


Here is interesting back story as to how the band connect with Craig Finn (click here).


The Truckers always get hot-shit opening bands.


Here is a fuller more detailed review by Shawn Donohue at Glide Magazine.