“Where did all these people come from? I don’t like people…”

-Anton Newcomb

The rolling thunder that is San Francisco’s own Brian Jonestown Massacre is a reminder that some bands thrive on conflict. Frontman Anton Newcomb is no stranger to making audiences uncomfortable (see: Dig!), but somehow, collectively, after two years of music-impacted Covid restrictions, we forgot how much The BJM really bickers like old times. Their niche indie psychedelia sound is still incredible, tambourine (sans Joel) and all—Anton makes sure of it (there was a sound check between every song, as well as Anton hyper-vigilantly stopping songs to address the tempo of the band). The rest of the band, unfortunately coming off the heels of a terrible theft of their gear in Portland, OR, were certainly more on edge, but still maintained their spirits and eventually hugged it out. But whether or not you were actually jonesing for a fight to break out between the band members last night at The Fillmore on Four-Twenty, you were treated to a something distinct, somehow both prospective and retrospective in sound and motif, that only happens once in a generation. Brian Jonestown Massacre is exactly what they are: talented dudes that rock. Whether or not Anton likes people, he’s here for you. The BJM will always be something to behold, ya dig?