The Front Bottoms just finished up a tour with Mansions, and the band was kind enough to do a Road Blog for PropertyOfZack. Check out the first update below and check back for one more in the near future!

From Matt Uychich:

Since it’s a 7-hour drive from our home to Richmond, Brian and I figured we’d leave the day before, take our time getting down there, and hang out with our friends. The ride down was extend because we went straight into Washington DC, a city on the moon. Alex, the king of Richmond threw together an acoustic show later that night. It was great to see everyone. We spent the night with the king, the pup, pizza, and a movie that I saw parts of it so many times and don’t like it. We miss Drew. 

Day 1
Schafer Dining Hall lunch. Our first time ever coming to Richmond, Ian a karate expert resident of Richmond was nice enough to offer us some free lunch. We would all get free lunch, from a school that Ian doesn’t attend. Just had to wait for someone to exit the dining hall, then grab the door and all walk up the stairs. You came up right behind the staff that swipes you in. It works and its become tradition. This time, we didn’t need to play any funny games. Jake who’s working on getting his Masters from VCU and also plays in Hold Tight had some extra swipes. He’s a sweetheart. And one day, will teach my children in elementary school. The first show was tonight at The Camel. Best surprise ever. Austin from Orlando, FL took the trip up to see us play. Then Austin tells us he’s coming to the Vienna show, fucking awesome. It means the world to me and Brian when we meet people on the road and build friendships, such as Austin. And the feeling of coming to Richmond and having a strong community of support show up and be just as excited as we are to be there means a lot. 

Day 2 
Meet at Schafer Dining Hall… Tradition… Breaking tradition we went to Strange Matter. Jake, Paige, Austin, Brian, and myself. I think I’ll go back to that place. I purchased a sewing kit from Walgreens and got a full lesson on back stitching and double thread. Not from the lady at Walgreens. Dan from ABH house put us up, which lead to a good night.  

Day 3
It snowed! The last time Austin saw snow, he was three years old. He thought he loved it. So, we’re off to Altoona, PA. As we’re pulling off the turnpike, we see Austin’s car pulled off to the side of the road. He went to pay the toll and his car wouldn’t go back into gear. The dude is 16 hours from home, he pushed it out of the booth, and lucky timing we were two minutes behind him.  Thank god we got it to go. He also lost his windshield whiper on the way. Getting to play shows with Mansions every night has been such a blast. Traveling with such a fun group of people always feels good.  We ended the day with Beavis and Butthead Season 5. Thank you Beth Ann for letting us all crash and our first Papa John’s experience.  We miss Drew. 

Day 4 
Austin decided to spend one more day with us, but his car won’t move again. It has never been in weather colder than 40 degrees and now it’s in freezing temps. Once more, we were able to get him moving and we all safely made it to Akron, OH. Less we be chilling.  Everyone who has been coming out to these shows, it is seriously appreciated so much. And thank you to the Lowdown crew for doing interviews with us and Mansions. 

Day 5
Monday 1/23. Day off. Day of rest. Going to get a cheap room with the dudes from Mansions. Play sorry. Hopefully, has a pool. Spend a couple hours in Walmart. Thank you Austin.