Electronic Theory, Seedlove and Mouth get their funk on at the Granada

It seems odd that there would be such great shows on a Monday and Tuesday night, but that's Lawrence for you. The music scene here is astounding. A friend's band, Electronic Theory, and two other, more established local bands, Seedlove and Mouth were throwing down at the Granada for a mere $3!

The cheap cost of admission was just part of what made this night at the Granada special. Most beer draws at the bar were $2.50. The venue is in the midst of some construction, apparently. So, instead of having the bands up on the huge stage; speakers were set up on either side of the right "balcony" a sort of railed-off alcove to the side of the bar and the sound control station. From there, the band played out over the crowd situated between them and the bar. With stairs between the band and the fans, it felt much more intimate than any show I've seen at the Granada.

Electronic Theory started the night with some fun, dancing electronic beats. The drummer keeps up an energetic rhythm that makes it impossible to stand still. On top of that the other band member played on synthesizers, keys and an electric guitar, churning out complex, electronica reminiscent of Sound Tribe. The crowd wasn't at full force yet, so a lot of people missed out, and the band didn't get the applause they deserved.

After a set that was so brilliant it felt too short, the duo left the stage, so Seedlove could start setting up. This took a short while because it's a much bigger band. Seedlove combines a jazzy bass saxophone, with reggae-styling, funky, electronic guitars and bass, backed up by drums and a second percussionist. The combined power of talented musicians on all these instruments is a sound of excellent dancing jazz.

Finally Mouth came on around 12, playing a set that was brilliant, covering most of their best songs, which is a wide range of sounds. The bassist, guitarist and drummer have a practiced harmony that I'm fairly sure I've described in past reviews, but I'll do my best to describe them again. The bassist shows an understanding of his instrument that an aspiring bassist cannot help but admire. Combined with the electric guitar, the two produce complimenting jazzy, funky, jam melodies and rhythms. The drummer rocks out with stirring beats and inspiring rhythms that make every song irresistibly dance-able.

When the crowd was already excited to the point of a dance party, my friend Evan Leitnaker joined the band with percussion that gave the songs an extra rhythm, like another layer to the jam. Later a rapping DJ named Phantom stepped up to the stage and sang for a song, getting the crowd to wave and holler along.

Between the intimate set-up at the normally wide-open venue, the young, energetic crowd, and the band's slick, fun sets; the show felt more like a party than a concert. All three bands performed remarkably, for a crowd that wasn't as large as they deserved, but a great party for a Tuesday night.