Concert Review: Sponge at Come And Take It Live: Detroit rockers give an arena worthy set at local club.

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Detroit alt-rockers Sponge rolled into the state capital last Sunday evening. And while it was technically April 15, 2018, you could be forgiven for thinking it was sometime in the mid-90’s.

The group kicked things with herky jerky rock anthem Wax Ecstatic, followed by the chiming, emotive gem Molly (16 Candles Down The Drain), a personal favorite of my wife and I’s (she shares the same namesake as the song).

Frontman Vinnie Dombroski was all swagger, cutting a youthful, lithe figure that helped the audience believe we were all younger than present day. He was also good-humored, joking with the audience (this next song is called Glue…it’s about Glue!) and was high-energy throughout.

Click here for our recent podcast episode with Vinnie Dombroski.

The band worked without a set list, taking audience requests and mixing hits and deep cuts, like the surly Pennywheels off their 95 début Rotting Piñata (they played the title track as well), along with selections from their sophomore release Wax Ecstatic, including Silence is Their Drug and Death of a Drag Queen.

They also indulged in a pair of covers, including The Psychedelic Furs’ Pretty In Pink and David Bowie’s Life on Mars, both of which honored the original while adding their own sonic personality.

While Dombroski is the sole original member, the group’s tightness and dedication make them a solid incarnation, ably backing the singer’s unique snarl.

After playing Jump While The House Is On Fire (off their 2016 release The Beer Sessions), they closed with a slamming rendition of Plowed, their biggest hit.

Sadly, there was no encore (I was holding out for either Rainin’, Drownin’ or 1000 Times), but it was a solid enjoyable set. It’s been over 10 years since their last Austin appearance, and one hopes the underrated rockers return sooner than later.

Sponge Austin Setlist:

Wax Ecstatic
Molly
Rotting Piñata
Glue
Neenah Menasha
Pennywheels
Pretty in Pink
Silence is Their Drug
Life on Mars
The Death of a Drag Queen
Have You Seen Mary
Jump While the House is on Fire
Plowed