This review is a little late, because it's been a busy week, but Wednesday the 7th VNV Nation played the Granada for $16. Although the weather wasn't cooperating that day, and it was a Wednesday night, a small, but dedicated crowd of fans came out to show the goth industrial band their appreciation.
The show started early, with the opening band coming on around 8 p.m. Going to a show a little late to avoid waiting for the band to set up is usually a good idea, but not when the headliner actually comes on before 10. VNV Nation was already on by the time this reviewer and friends arrived, but they saved some of their best songs for last.
Ronan Harris sings with a rich, resounding voice that makes VNV Nation so remarkable. Behind him drummer Mark Jackson plays measured, rhythmic beats that give every song its pulse. Between the poetic goth ballads, airy electronic melodies, and rhythmic industrial beats, VNV Nation puts on a show that is different and exciting for loyal fans and newcomers alike.
Popular favorites like Chrome got the crowd dancing a little. But one can't expect too much movement from a goth crowd. Not all VNV Nation songs are good to dance to, at least not most entire songs. A lot of pieces like Beloved have slow, spacey, vocal parts, brought to life by the flashing, dancing light show the band has set up behind them. But Harris got the crowd riled up with Nemesis, leading the audience to sing the chorus with him.
Harris is notorious for hassling the crowd for the slightest sign of disrespect or disinterest in him and whatever he's talking about between songs or singing. It's mostly hilarious, but sometimes incredibly annoying, considering everyone paid money to have a good time, and it's a concert, not a classroom, so people can talk, text or do whatever they want.
The Granada was only about half-full, which is surprisingly small for a VNV Nation show, or any show at the large venue. Goth and Industrial shows are hard to come by in Lawrence, and in Kansas in general, so it's exciting to have an opportunity to see a big name like VNV Nation up close, without fighting for space in a huge, packed crowd. The crowd was mostly made up of goth kids, who know the words to the songs, but still don't know how to dance much. Nonetheless the fans screamed and cheered for more whenever the band stopped. The first encore wasn't hard to earn.
Almost immediately after heading backstage the band re-emerged. The second encore was a little harder to get, but through perseverance, chanting, and cheering the crowd got what they wanted. Harris and Jackson came out to play a song together before being joined by the other two guys playing on keys and synthesizers.
Even with two encores the band was finished at about 11:30, leaving the crowd satisfied, but surprised at the hours left in the night. VNV Nation put on a lengthy, exciting show, despite the timing and small crowd, and showed an admirable dedication to their art.
Now for previews:
Tonight, Friday, April 9th, Sonic Sutra is opening up for California Voodoo - who will be playing a tribute to Widespread Panic. This show at the Granada should provide plenty of rock for anyone trying to party on the town. Sonic Sutra plays a funky, lyrical rock that is too fun to miss. California Voodoo is a southern rock jam band, perfectly suited to play a tribute to Widespread Panic, which is great music to drink and dance to. The show starts around 9 p.m., and if you can't get your hands on a free ticket, the show will be $5.
Also tonight, Mouth and Funkotronic will be playing the Jazzhaus, jamming out some funky party tunes to get down to. As written in previous reviews, Mouth is a rising star in Lawrence's music scene, guaranteeing a fantastic show, especially at the Jazzhaus. Funkotronic is from Rhode Island, but reviews say the band plays a mean mix of jazz-fusion, Latin music, Afrobeat and psychedelic funk. The music starts at 10 p.m., and it's just $4!
Tomorrow, Saturday, April 10th, Cornmeal and Deadman Flats will be headlining an all day bluegrass show called the "L Town Throwdown", including 20-some other bands, starting at 3 p.m. Cornmeal is one of the best bluegrass bands around, playing regularly at most of the big music festivals of the summer, including Wakarusa. Deadman Flats is the greatest local bluegrass band in Lawrence, and always rocks out hard with fun, boot-stomping bluegrass jams. This whole evening will be epic for anyone interested in bluegrass. The show at the Granada will cost $10 according to Lawrence.com.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Cosmopolitics and Family Groove Company fuse prog rock, jazz and funk at the Bottleneck
Sometimes the best shows are the ones you aren't even planning to go to. Driving downtown to catch a show at the Bottleneck, the hip-hop beats of a DJ at The Replay Lounge carried over the bar's outdoor patio walls, while Tyler Gregory's minstrel vocals echoed down from where he was busking near a street corner. Both were tempting, but ultimately the Bottleneck won, and as always it was a fantastic night out with friends.
The Cosmopolitics opened up with a long set, playing songs ranging from progressive rock to fusion jazz, with a bit of funk too. The band's progressive rock songs ringing of Frank Zappa, one song sounded reminiscent of John the Fisherman by Primus; there was definitely a strong Metal tone to some of the songs. Other tunes took a fusion-jazz groove that was both rockin' and smooth. But every song has a little of everything including a touch of funk that makes you wish you could jump up and dance. However, the band's complex rhythms and melodies are not to be trifled with.
The small crowd at the Bottleneck didn't dare try to find a beat to swing to even after The Cosmopolitics had been on stage for an hour. The band demonstrated a great understanding of unconventional beats and rhythms that are impressive, but heavy on the ears. Frank Zappa fans may have been excited to spasm and head-bang to the songs, but most of the crowd couldn't really get into it. Maybe if the audience were larger and more excited the band would have gotten a better reception. Perhaps it was because it was night before Easter Sunday and many students had gone home for the night - before waking to the creeping grumbles of Zombie Jesus - but the Bottleneck was surprisingly empty until quite late - for a Friday night. It was unfortunate how little energy the crowd had, but The Cosmopolitics were coming on very strong.
Aside from the band's intense skill and intricate styling, they had the energy of experienced musicians, giving the crowd its money's worth and then some. According to friends who had been at the Bottleneck from the start, the band began playing at 10, and they rocked on continuously until 11:30. The local band gave the Bottleneck a grade A performance, worthy of headlining a show with a more energetic crowd.
After a short break, Family Groove Company took the stage and immediately collected an even bigger crowd, filling the open gaps on the dance floor. In terms of skill Family Groove Company picked up right were the Cosmopolitics left off, rocking out with a practiced repertoire. Some songs leaped from one jamming beat and rhythm to something completely different, but equally brilliant so suddenly, yet smoothly, the crowd would hoot and cheer in appreciation before finding the new groove to dance to. The band's set was accompanied by a light show, using fog-machines, colorful, flashing, rotating lights and twisting, psychedelic kaleidoscope images, giving the venue a little more ambiance than the average show.
Family Groove Company's blend of jam, funk and jazz gripped the audience's attention from the start, drawing people out of their shells to dance. The band's guitarist, keyboardist, bassist and drummer all contributed integral parts to every song with both instruments and vocals that seemed to evoke a fire in the spirit of every audience member getting down on the dance floor.
From strong funk beats to smooth jazz jams, Family Groove Company kept up a fast paced, upbeat vibe that made the show a party. Cool folks already energized by The Cosmopolitics danced together front and center with tardy-party people who came ready to rage it, making the dance floor a funky hot-spot under the fog and lights. From 11:45 to 1:45 Family Groove Company played their hearts out, a show that was as awesomely fun as it was impressive.
Hailing from Chicago, Family Groove Company has a long list of shows scheduled across the Midwest. Most friends at the show said they came because they saw the band at Wakarusa in Lawrence a few years ago, or a show in town some time ago. One can only hope they will be back again soon!
The Cosmopolitics opened up with a long set, playing songs ranging from progressive rock to fusion jazz, with a bit of funk too. The band's progressive rock songs ringing of Frank Zappa, one song sounded reminiscent of John the Fisherman by Primus; there was definitely a strong Metal tone to some of the songs. Other tunes took a fusion-jazz groove that was both rockin' and smooth. But every song has a little of everything including a touch of funk that makes you wish you could jump up and dance. However, the band's complex rhythms and melodies are not to be trifled with.
The small crowd at the Bottleneck didn't dare try to find a beat to swing to even after The Cosmopolitics had been on stage for an hour. The band demonstrated a great understanding of unconventional beats and rhythms that are impressive, but heavy on the ears. Frank Zappa fans may have been excited to spasm and head-bang to the songs, but most of the crowd couldn't really get into it. Maybe if the audience were larger and more excited the band would have gotten a better reception. Perhaps it was because it was night before Easter Sunday and many students had gone home for the night - before waking to the creeping grumbles of Zombie Jesus - but the Bottleneck was surprisingly empty until quite late - for a Friday night. It was unfortunate how little energy the crowd had, but The Cosmopolitics were coming on very strong.
Aside from the band's intense skill and intricate styling, they had the energy of experienced musicians, giving the crowd its money's worth and then some. According to friends who had been at the Bottleneck from the start, the band began playing at 10, and they rocked on continuously until 11:30. The local band gave the Bottleneck a grade A performance, worthy of headlining a show with a more energetic crowd.
After a short break, Family Groove Company took the stage and immediately collected an even bigger crowd, filling the open gaps on the dance floor. In terms of skill Family Groove Company picked up right were the Cosmopolitics left off, rocking out with a practiced repertoire. Some songs leaped from one jamming beat and rhythm to something completely different, but equally brilliant so suddenly, yet smoothly, the crowd would hoot and cheer in appreciation before finding the new groove to dance to. The band's set was accompanied by a light show, using fog-machines, colorful, flashing, rotating lights and twisting, psychedelic kaleidoscope images, giving the venue a little more ambiance than the average show.
Family Groove Company's blend of jam, funk and jazz gripped the audience's attention from the start, drawing people out of their shells to dance. The band's guitarist, keyboardist, bassist and drummer all contributed integral parts to every song with both instruments and vocals that seemed to evoke a fire in the spirit of every audience member getting down on the dance floor.
From strong funk beats to smooth jazz jams, Family Groove Company kept up a fast paced, upbeat vibe that made the show a party. Cool folks already energized by The Cosmopolitics danced together front and center with tardy-party people who came ready to rage it, making the dance floor a funky hot-spot under the fog and lights. From 11:45 to 1:45 Family Groove Company played their hearts out, a show that was as awesomely fun as it was impressive.
Hailing from Chicago, Family Groove Company has a long list of shows scheduled across the Midwest. Most friends at the show said they came because they saw the band at Wakarusa in Lawrence a few years ago, or a show in town some time ago. One can only hope they will be back again soon!
Friday, April 2, 2010
The Spook Lights get frisky at The Replay Lounge
The Spook Lights are one of the most talented, hardcore rock-n-roll bands to ever play a show, leading Lawrence in it's brilliant local music scene. The band always gathers an appreciative crowd, and plays every set with a heart-pounding energy and intricate skill that is amazing to behold.
April Fool's Day, The Spook Lights played to a relatively packed - but not uncomfortably jammed- crowd at The Replay Lounge at midnight, for $3 (Lawrence.com isn't always 100% accurate, but it was definitely worth the extra buck). While a DJ was putting on dancing tunes in the outdoor part of the venue, the band played indoors, gathering a crowd as soon as they started their sound check.
A friend came along to the show to get her first Spook Lights experience. She immediately loved the surf guitarist, Curvacia Vavoom's signature pouf - or beehive hairdo, "It's way better than Snooki's!" and the lead singer, Scary Manilow's drag-queen outfit. Accompanying the four band members was a man wearing only black leather pants, white leather boots, and a high-cut fishnet shirt, dancing wildly at the corner of the stage. The comically disturbing dancing man led the crowd to shake and swing to the punk-surfer rock tunes, but really, it was the band's passion and wicked style that fed the crowd the energy to rock out.
As a fan of the punk and rockabilly music scene in her hometown of Washington D.C., Lydia was excited to see so many pierced and tattooed punk-rockers in the crowd. At one point she said something to the effect of "I didn't know there were so many punks in Lawrence." Indeed, the badass fans of The Spook Lights were out in full force to support the band. The crowd was a grateful bunch, but the audience wasn't lively enough for how exciting and fun the band was.
Playing favorite songs like Teenage Maniac and Scarum Harum, The Spook Lights made a rockabilly punk party out of The Replay Lounge. The guitarists' harmonic melodies intertwine to the fast, dancing drum beats, giving the vocals room to twist and shout, creating something exotic and hypnotic. The Spook Lights happily played, filling the bar with a psychedelic, surreal vibe only dreamed of in the movies. There's something about that surf-rock/horror-punk blend that is so clever and pleasing to the ear that The Spook Lights are virtually addictive, because they have no substitute and nothing compares.
April Fool's Day, The Spook Lights played to a relatively packed - but not uncomfortably jammed- crowd at The Replay Lounge at midnight, for $3 (Lawrence.com isn't always 100% accurate, but it was definitely worth the extra buck). While a DJ was putting on dancing tunes in the outdoor part of the venue, the band played indoors, gathering a crowd as soon as they started their sound check.
A friend came along to the show to get her first Spook Lights experience. She immediately loved the surf guitarist, Curvacia Vavoom's signature pouf - or beehive hairdo, "It's way better than Snooki's!" and the lead singer, Scary Manilow's drag-queen outfit. Accompanying the four band members was a man wearing only black leather pants, white leather boots, and a high-cut fishnet shirt, dancing wildly at the corner of the stage. The comically disturbing dancing man led the crowd to shake and swing to the punk-surfer rock tunes, but really, it was the band's passion and wicked style that fed the crowd the energy to rock out.
As a fan of the punk and rockabilly music scene in her hometown of Washington D.C., Lydia was excited to see so many pierced and tattooed punk-rockers in the crowd. At one point she said something to the effect of "I didn't know there were so many punks in Lawrence." Indeed, the badass fans of The Spook Lights were out in full force to support the band. The crowd was a grateful bunch, but the audience wasn't lively enough for how exciting and fun the band was.
Playing favorite songs like Teenage Maniac and Scarum Harum, The Spook Lights made a rockabilly punk party out of The Replay Lounge. The guitarists' harmonic melodies intertwine to the fast, dancing drum beats, giving the vocals room to twist and shout, creating something exotic and hypnotic. The Spook Lights happily played, filling the bar with a psychedelic, surreal vibe only dreamed of in the movies. There's something about that surf-rock/horror-punk blend that is so clever and pleasing to the ear that The Spook Lights are virtually addictive, because they have no substitute and nothing compares.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Rockabilly bands give Lawrence two nights to boogie
Coincidence or fate, my favorite local Rockabilly band, The Spook Lights, are playing The Replay Lounge April 1st with Mouth Breathers, then a Kansas City Rockabilly group, The Rumblejetts, playing the Jazzhaus the following night!
For anyone not entirely familiar with Rockabilly, it's a genre that is sadly under-appreciated, surviving as a subculture far and wide, but rarely found in Lawrence. The style of music began as late as the 1950s, as a mix of rock and country music, influenced by western swing, rhythm and blues, boogie woogie, and other oldies that you think of when you think of 1950s rock-n-roll bands. Modern bands like The Spook Lights and The Rumblejetts have no trouble taking the old style and making it their own, with unique spins that make both upcoming shows must-see events for Rockabilly virgins and veterans alike.
The Spook Lights play a hot blend of speed-demon psychedelic surf rock, and strong, heavy rockabilly tunes that are too catchy and energetic not to dance to. Come to their shows prepared to let yourself go wild. Try closing your eyes and you'll get lost in the hypnotizing depths of the swinging guitar riffs, bass and drum beats, key chords and the spine-tingling highs and lows of the vocals . Incorporating an eerie, horror-punk style to some of their songs, The Spook Lights are simply unlike any other band. They have posted fantastic songs to their myspace, be sure to check it out. The Spook Lights will also be playing The Replay Lounge again on May 14th!
Based on what little information can be found on the internet, Mouth Breathers must be a punk rock band from out of town. Any show at The Replay Lounge is sure to be an intimate party, since the indoor and outdoor stages are both small, and encourage the audience to dance right up, front and center. The show is on Thursday, April 1st, starts at 10 p.m. and it's just $2! It'll be a great end to April Fool's Day, you'd be a fool to miss it!
The Rumblejetts play a somewhat more traditional style of Rockabilly. The band describes their sound as rockabilly, roots music, and country. By roots music they can only mean the roots of rock-n-roll, a sound their band has a knack for basing most of their myspace songs on. But this trio's raunchy, swing-dancing jams hold a party-animal energy that would make any old 50s boogie woogie band blush. Without a doubt this show will get crazy, especially in the dark, alcohol-lubed close-quarters of the Jazzhaus. The band has a long list of shows lined up in nearby Merriam and Kansas City, but it's exciting to have a chance to see them at one of the best venues in town, with friends, for a small cover fee.
Sun Rising is playing with The Rumblejetts, but because of their easily-misleading name, or lack of fame, they are difficult to learn about on the internet. The bands start playing at 10 p.m. Friday night, for $4.
Whether you're an old-school Rockabilly addict, or new to the scene, both these shows promise to rock your world and will kick off the month of April right. Hope to see you there!
For anyone not entirely familiar with Rockabilly, it's a genre that is sadly under-appreciated, surviving as a subculture far and wide, but rarely found in Lawrence. The style of music began as late as the 1950s, as a mix of rock and country music, influenced by western swing, rhythm and blues, boogie woogie, and other oldies that you think of when you think of 1950s rock-n-roll bands. Modern bands like The Spook Lights and The Rumblejetts have no trouble taking the old style and making it their own, with unique spins that make both upcoming shows must-see events for Rockabilly virgins and veterans alike.
The Spook Lights play a hot blend of speed-demon psychedelic surf rock, and strong, heavy rockabilly tunes that are too catchy and energetic not to dance to. Come to their shows prepared to let yourself go wild. Try closing your eyes and you'll get lost in the hypnotizing depths of the swinging guitar riffs, bass and drum beats, key chords and the spine-tingling highs and lows of the vocals . Incorporating an eerie, horror-punk style to some of their songs, The Spook Lights are simply unlike any other band. They have posted fantastic songs to their myspace, be sure to check it out. The Spook Lights will also be playing The Replay Lounge again on May 14th!
Based on what little information can be found on the internet, Mouth Breathers must be a punk rock band from out of town. Any show at The Replay Lounge is sure to be an intimate party, since the indoor and outdoor stages are both small, and encourage the audience to dance right up, front and center. The show is on Thursday, April 1st, starts at 10 p.m. and it's just $2! It'll be a great end to April Fool's Day, you'd be a fool to miss it!
The Rumblejetts play a somewhat more traditional style of Rockabilly. The band describes their sound as rockabilly, roots music, and country. By roots music they can only mean the roots of rock-n-roll, a sound their band has a knack for basing most of their myspace songs on. But this trio's raunchy, swing-dancing jams hold a party-animal energy that would make any old 50s boogie woogie band blush. Without a doubt this show will get crazy, especially in the dark, alcohol-lubed close-quarters of the Jazzhaus. The band has a long list of shows lined up in nearby Merriam and Kansas City, but it's exciting to have a chance to see them at one of the best venues in town, with friends, for a small cover fee.
Sun Rising is playing with The Rumblejetts, but because of their easily-misleading name, or lack of fame, they are difficult to learn about on the internet. The bands start playing at 10 p.m. Friday night, for $4.
Whether you're an old-school Rockabilly addict, or new to the scene, both these shows promise to rock your world and will kick off the month of April right. Hope to see you there!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band jams out at the Bottleneck
There's no show that's more fun to talk about than Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band, purely because of the band name. But more importantly, Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band busts out excellent funky tunes that everyone can get down to with ceaseless energy and limitless, jam-style skills. Even familiar songs are different as different members of the band solo and jam to the other parts
The lead singer and bassist is the strong, foundation, or nucleus of the tightly-bound, organic 8-piece funk band from Asheville, North Carolina. Beside him the lead guitarist rocks out funky melodies on an electric guitar, and a fellow with a trombone and bongos chime in with one or the other instrument on every song. A saxophonist give the funk it's jazzy side, and behind them a lady on keyboards works synthy harmonies, complimenting the rockin' beats the drummer drills out.
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band played at Spookstock this last October at Camp Zoe, outside of Salem, Missouri. There, the band dressed in outlandish outfits, like a cross between a Halloween costume and a 70's funk band satire. But when the band came on stage at the Bottleneck last night the lead singer/bassist still wore the same bat wings on his back, and the lead guitarist smiled down on the crowd through over-sized sunglasses, under a black fur wig/hat? And it became apparent that they weren't wearing costumes at Spookstock, but that's just how these guys roll.
The crowd, mostly the younger regulars at the shows the Bottleneck so regularly puts on, like bands that Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band would play alongside. However, even with the young energy that lasted the band's extensive set, from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., the crowd never completely let go, and got down to the songs the way the music demanded. Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band puts on a show that's so dance-happy, even a completely sober crowd would have to rock out. But really, the audience maintained a hesitant distance from full throttle. Some girls had hula hoops to the right of the crowd and a couple of guys were twirling poi on the left. But for the most part, the band did not get the reciprocated energy they deserved.
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band will be playing at Wakarusa this summer, in The Arkansas Ozark National Forest, June 4th.
The lead singer and bassist is the strong, foundation, or nucleus of the tightly-bound, organic 8-piece funk band from Asheville, North Carolina. Beside him the lead guitarist rocks out funky melodies on an electric guitar, and a fellow with a trombone and bongos chime in with one or the other instrument on every song. A saxophonist give the funk it's jazzy side, and behind them a lady on keyboards works synthy harmonies, complimenting the rockin' beats the drummer drills out.
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band played at Spookstock this last October at Camp Zoe, outside of Salem, Missouri. There, the band dressed in outlandish outfits, like a cross between a Halloween costume and a 70's funk band satire. But when the band came on stage at the Bottleneck last night the lead singer/bassist still wore the same bat wings on his back, and the lead guitarist smiled down on the crowd through over-sized sunglasses, under a black fur wig/hat? And it became apparent that they weren't wearing costumes at Spookstock, but that's just how these guys roll.
The crowd, mostly the younger regulars at the shows the Bottleneck so regularly puts on, like bands that Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band would play alongside. However, even with the young energy that lasted the band's extensive set, from 11 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., the crowd never completely let go, and got down to the songs the way the music demanded. Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band puts on a show that's so dance-happy, even a completely sober crowd would have to rock out. But really, the audience maintained a hesitant distance from full throttle. Some girls had hula hoops to the right of the crowd and a couple of guys were twirling poi on the left. But for the most part, the band did not get the reciprocated energy they deserved.
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band will be playing at Wakarusa this summer, in The Arkansas Ozark National Forest, June 4th.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Trampled by Turtles stomps on the Bottleneck
The Bottleneck has a display showing off the talented bands of all genres that have played the venue. If talent and fame mean anything, Trampled by Turtles has earned a place on the wall. But if a crowd's satisfaction is part of the measurement, Trampled by Turtles should go right to the top.
The folk, bluegrass band from Duluth, Minnesota filled the Bottleneck with an adoring crowd that could barely keep its volume to a dull roar. We were just having too much fun! The five-piece band played nonstop from 11 to 1:30, with a collective harmony most jam bands could only dream of. Trampled by Turtles impressed with their group's brilliant performance and stage presence.
From left to right, the band members sat in a line, with the man with the largest beard on the left, with their facial hair progressively diminishing to the clean-shaven guy on the right, which I thought was a weird coincidence. Or maybe I'm just weird for noticing that.
The mandolin, violin, banjo, guitar and acoustic bass guitar all added their own voices to every song with different melodies, beats and rhythms, that come together in a delicious mix like some epic home-skillet meal. Every song held its own as a brilliant piece of dance-able, party tune. Aside from the slow song the band started their encore with, the crowd could never stop its jig once the music began. Essentially there was nothing lacking, missing, or unfulfilled about the concert. It was pure folk, bluegrass heaven.
Although the crowd included a good dose of younger bluegrass enthusiasts (my crew, and associates), there were also a great many adults and older couples in the audience, all drinking, laughing and cheering. The crowd's energy could only be matched by the band itself, which calmly sat, jamming out with heavy bluegrass hits of a particular form, that feels familiar, even if you've never heard it before. As a friend once eloquently put it: "I feel like I've known this song all my life."
The opening acts The Calamity Cubes, and John Henry and the Engine, played with reasonable skill, but for a significantly smaller, less excited audience. Once Trampled by Turtles took the stage, the Bottleneck went from half-empty to half-over-flowing, and the crowd never left until after the encore.
According to a friend, and close follower of the band, Trampled by Turtles usually plays larger venues and sells out shows when they're closer to home in Minnesota. Obviously Lawrence hasn't completely heard of them yet, but they still showed the Bottleneck to be a venue they can fill with happy ears. Hopefully they will play here again soon.
The folk, bluegrass band from Duluth, Minnesota filled the Bottleneck with an adoring crowd that could barely keep its volume to a dull roar. We were just having too much fun! The five-piece band played nonstop from 11 to 1:30, with a collective harmony most jam bands could only dream of. Trampled by Turtles impressed with their group's brilliant performance and stage presence.
From left to right, the band members sat in a line, with the man with the largest beard on the left, with their facial hair progressively diminishing to the clean-shaven guy on the right, which I thought was a weird coincidence. Or maybe I'm just weird for noticing that.
The mandolin, violin, banjo, guitar and acoustic bass guitar all added their own voices to every song with different melodies, beats and rhythms, that come together in a delicious mix like some epic home-skillet meal. Every song held its own as a brilliant piece of dance-able, party tune. Aside from the slow song the band started their encore with, the crowd could never stop its jig once the music began. Essentially there was nothing lacking, missing, or unfulfilled about the concert. It was pure folk, bluegrass heaven.
Although the crowd included a good dose of younger bluegrass enthusiasts (my crew, and associates), there were also a great many adults and older couples in the audience, all drinking, laughing and cheering. The crowd's energy could only be matched by the band itself, which calmly sat, jamming out with heavy bluegrass hits of a particular form, that feels familiar, even if you've never heard it before. As a friend once eloquently put it: "I feel like I've known this song all my life."
The opening acts The Calamity Cubes, and John Henry and the Engine, played with reasonable skill, but for a significantly smaller, less excited audience. Once Trampled by Turtles took the stage, the Bottleneck went from half-empty to half-over-flowing, and the crowd never left until after the encore.
According to a friend, and close follower of the band, Trampled by Turtles usually plays larger venues and sells out shows when they're closer to home in Minnesota. Obviously Lawrence hasn't completely heard of them yet, but they still showed the Bottleneck to be a venue they can fill with happy ears. Hopefully they will play here again soon.
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