N.L. BELARDES MUSIC REVIEWS - THE FILTHIES AT KOSMOS, REVISITED - BY N.L. BELARDES February 12, 2005 9:36 am - I guess I can't get enough of these guys. I seem to be writing about them even in my sleep. I wake up and I'm thinking, "Yeah they are rock punk heroes of the punk rock past and present!" I'm reaching for my notebook, I'm groping for my drink of choice: a hardy Corona. I need to write this stuff down. None of either are to be found. I fall onto my pillow and drift off to 'On the Radio', a song destined to become a hit single. I'm telling you, it's written in my dreams, guys. Mark these words. Even Guppy told me that after the show: Hit, #1 baby. These guys, they worry, they fret, they are inquisitive and Kenny--apologetic, worries that his amp just might not make the right sounds, or the perfect mix he's intented for the evening. A good sign of perfectionists--a simple explanation to why their songs are the tightest-sounding I have ever heard in Bakersfield. But then, The Filthies are on the road soon, and they need to stay sharp. Like I'm worried about that. I finally had a good conversation with Gus last night before and after the show. Oh that Gus--he's funny, plays the foil onstage to Kenny's straight-at-you humor. He rips the guitar faster than my kid could ever tear at his Playstation; my kid with bloodshot eyes--buttons pressed, joysticks maneuvered. I'm telling you, they need to make a goddam punk rock video game. He'd kick ass at that one too. But there's Gus, he's jumping onto the amps, he's playing to the crowd, and it's magical, because you see him and then he's gone, and the music never skips a beat. The Filthies stole the show until a meeting of bands took place: Kenny busted a guitar string and wasn't quite ready to face the crowd. "Don't leave us hanging!" I wanted to yell along with the crowd. "We need Donut Shop, and Keely, and we really need Embalm You!" To delay the Filthies; well--we might go rabid. The saving grace was Jenna's Arrival's guitarist who simply tossed Kenny Mount his guitar (pictured below). Kenny screamed, "I love this guitar!" after a few songs and it was on. Another great show, guys. Gus did give me a cd, but made me pay for a couple of shirts. That's a simple reminder that bands do need your support. Buy a shirt. Wear it or give it away. Just help out when you can. Being a rock star isn't cheap.