17 Dec 10

"...don't ever break your wrist..." ~ Blue Eyed Jesus


Hey, blogspot readers, let's rock around the holiday tree! After a week of seasonal parties with friends, SouthSide's latest adventure brought her back to Elbo Room. Tonight's holiday fun was sponsored by songtress Erin Manning (from Nashville, TN) and local guys Blue Eyed Jesus.

Opening the set with a haunting piece, Erin Manning captivated the audience with a dynamic yet powerful emotional voice under a backdrop of smooth piano rhythms. This songtress poured every bit of herself into the lyrics which brought out her chanteuse-like falsetto vocals during certain songs. For example, You're A Monster was a dark ballad with the piano rhythms accompanying the tone and mood of Erin's voice. Yet, in SouthSide's opinion, the song would have faired better if paired with an acoustic guitar to bring out the dark tempo - the piano made it too childishly playful. Despite performing a short set, Erin did impress the audience as well as this reviewer with her music but needs to work on providing stronger song finishes rather than abrupt piano "ta dah". SouthSide suggests checking out the songtress Erin Manning at her next performance. Visit http://www.erinmanningmusic.com or http://www.myspace.com/erinlmanning for more informantion.

It's been a LONG while since SouthSide first reviewed this band and its eclectic rock sound. Blue Eyed Jesus made a triumphant return after a long absence from the stage. Though a bit rusty, the audience was treated to a rock performance full of edgy guitar hooks within BEJ's unique music and sound. SouthSide still enjoyed the energy permeating from the band's wicked electric licks and heart-thumping bass rhythm. Such rockin' sound had many heads groovin' to the rhythmic beat during songs Hey Beautiful, Lazy with You, and Long Hard Nights. It's not right to categorize BEJ and its core rock sound since they cover a wide range of genres ...sometimes intertwining them together. For example, there's a bit of hardcore/psychedelic with a funk bass groove in Velvet Years (the guitar riffs and smokin' hot drum solo will blow your ears away) meanwhile in Many Moons one will enjoy the dramatic intro before hitting the face with an upbeat allegro yet steady tempo (SouthSide liked the haunting vibe which matched the vocals). BEJ's closing song, Good News, featured a fantastical sound during the instrumental as well as burst of rockin' guitar riffs. SouthSide highly suggests checking out this local band in 2011. Visit http://www.myspace.com/blueeyedjesusband for more information when they're rockin' the stage again.


Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide