10 Apr 10

Hey, blogspot readers, SouthSide's in the mood to party ...again! Now, seriously when is she not? Tonight's adventure took her back to the Elbo Room for a dual birthday celebration as well as rockin' performance by Absinthe & The Dirty Floors.

SouthSide first met this up and coming alternative/rock band during a snowy local showcase at the Cubby Bear two months ago. Though it was a very short set, what impressed this reviewer was the way Absinthe would incorporate a light touch of the psychedelic sound into their music. However, blogspot readers, for their EP release show, this performance was completely different. Not for the worst, au contrarie ...but for the better! You could say this band's continuously evolving (as well as expanding) with their alternative music. After opening with a catchy tune (Identify off Absinthe's 4-song EP - Side 1), this band rocked the stage with an awesome electric jam during Desert (also off the EP).

This reviewer enjoyed the variety of other genres woven within Absinthe's alternative sound. For example, there was some modern jazz/pop in the tempo along with some psychedelic rhythms from the keyboards. Creative ideas like this kept their songs uniquely fresh and pleasurable for the audience to groove to the energetic beat. Even Absinthe's acoustic numbers had everyone feeling that lively rhythm as the other members assisted Jess (vocals/guitars) with vocals and other non-electric sounds (i.e. tambourine and hand clapping). Then there was something new added to this band's already expanding experimentation with alternative music. SouthSide enjoyed the haunting echo of the techno pop sound before the guitars exploded into hardcore riffs literally setting the stage on fire. Yet, the highlight of Absinthe's set was their cover of The Zombie's She's Not There (one of many SouthSide's favorite retro classic 60s songs). This reviewer liked how Jess' voice flipped the sort of poppy lyrical sound of the original turning them into a more of sultry groove though keeping the psychedelic sound in tact. Yes, it was that good to this reviewer's ears.

What SouthSide enjoyed most about Absinthe's performance this time was savoring more of the "slow" songs on the playlist. Not saying, she didn't like the "fast" one, blogspot readers. This gave her an opportunity to enjoy the haunting vocals while listening to the meaningful words behind the lyrics. Though the momentum during this time was taken down a notch, the songs still retained that energetic spark like their "fast" songs. Yet it was more concentrated in Jess' voice, keyboards and percussions. SouthSide suggests listening to Sunshy and Misery.

Overall, blogspot readers, SouthSide highly suggests checking out Absinthe & The Dirty Floors wherever they're rockin' the stage next. She guarantees they'll musically evolve into something that will certainly rock your ears. For more information, visit www.thedirtyfloors.com or www.myspace.com/absinthethedirtyfloors.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide