Tuff performed his new record The Other in order, and it starts slowly with the sprawling six minute build of the title track. It’s a sparse and contemplative song, concentrated more on lyrics than the monstrous riffs King Tuff has become known for over the years. As the mood was set, and “The Other” came to a close, the groovy bass line of “Raindrop Blue” started and the crowd started to stir. There was a palpable excitement in San Francisco’s Independent, the party was about to start.

It’s surprising to see what King Tuff can make a guitar do. The riff on 'Raindrop Blue' is distorted to the point it sounds like a crunchy kazoo on the recording, but in a live setting watching him step on pedals and twist knobs to get into the tone zone is like watching an alchemist tinker in the lab. A truly impressive live act. After the four-minute dance party, the mood switches again as he makes his guitar cry on one of the emotional centerpieces of the the record, “Thru The Cracks.” It’s upbeat and sprawling in scope, but somber in topic as he pays homage to a fallen comrade.

I spoke with King Tuff pre-show for our You Feel Me? podcast. Check out the full interview.