...we're folk rockin'... ~ Seth Adam
Hey, blogspot readers, a (brief) taste of summer weather arrived to Chicago! Tonight, SouthSide's enjoying an evening of cool rockin' performances by Seth Adam (from CT) and local new band, Ivivra Motive at Lakeview's popular venue - Elbo Room. In between Seth's and Ivivra's performances, this reviewer also checked out the rockin' sounds of "stripped down old school folk" by singer/songwriter, Mike Felten. This artist rocked the upstairs lounge with a nostalgic look and feel of storytelling songs full of vivid realism and imagery inside the lyrics during his acoustic show. Yet what caught SouthSide's attention was how Mike performed under an aura of boisterious vigor while pumping deep raspy as well as raw vocals over the mic. There were moments in which his voice filled the lounge with an emotionally charged voice especially when performing a classic John Prine (a country/folk singer-songwriter) standard, Angel from Montgomery (btw, Mike use to open for this legendary artist back in the 70s, blogspot readers) and Hockey Games In French. And there were alos moments in which his voice carried such vivid image-drawn pictures off the lyrics within a downtempo rhythm as heard in the song, Going to New York. SouthSide highly recommends visiting http://www.mikefelten.com to learn more about this singer/songwriter and his music as well as when he's performing live again.
Usually performing with a full band, Seth Adam along with friends, Gerald (electric) and John (mandolin/violin) vibrantly folk rocked out the downstairs lounge which included harmonizing vocals. This unique acoustic performance had the audience grooving to lively tempos and melodic rhythms as well as feeling the heartfelt lyrical sentiments delicately written inside Seth's songs from albums - Where You Come From and new release, Amplify. For example, during Troubled Times(a post-graduate song), Sethwowed the audience's ears with deep vocal emotions that brought out the sentimental realism found in the lyrics while amidst a downtempo mandolin-driven rhythm. Meanwhile, Song For My Friends, more upbeat in tempo but still within a downtempo mandolin rhythm, SouthSide enjoyed the hint of country rock provided by electric and acoustic guitars. However, the main feature of this song, blogspot readers, was Seth's soulful falsettos making the lyrics pops to life and the three-part harmonies (especially at the close done in acapella) perfectly complimented each other. Off his new release, Amplify, Seth rocked the stage with a couple of "Seth's ex-girlfriend" songs such as Not Sad To See You Leave(track 4) and I Can't Wait To Let You Down (track 6). Both being break up songs (mostly told in his point of view) featured more of Seth's soulful voice and sound while expressing his true feelings of frustration when the relationship went wrong yet in I Can't Wait To Let You Down, this song had more of an upbeat tempo than Not Sad To See You Leave. Sethalso expressed a somber side to his music which brought out the storytelling lyrics found in the song, The Last One (track 5) and closing song, Old Town(wonderfully dedicated to Gary, IN). SouthSide highly recommends supporting a worthy organization by purchasing the Dream Along compilation CD in which all proceeds goes to Speical Olympics (Connecticut) for $5 which features Seth's song, New York City Bound. SouthSide liked the melodic acoustic/folk sound and violin rhythms with a minor lyrical change to fit Chicago into the song during tonight's performance. Blogspot readers, are encouraged to check out Seth Adam and friends while currently on tour by visiting http://sethadam.com for details and more.
Ivivra Motive bursted onto the scene with a blast of thundering hardcore guitar rock sound and raspy vocals (minus the strain while attempting to reach the high falsetto) in Motor Sludge thus opening the set strong. However, somewhere in the middle, this band lost that momentous vibe exchanging it for something more melodic within their core rock sound (off the acoustic guitar riffs) - this sorely confused SouthSide, blogspot readers. Not saying she didn't enjoy the flowing psychedelic groove and intensity felt (as well as heard) amongst the rhythms ...this band was definitely tapping into some Led Zeppelin-esque rock. Ivivra lacked that certain rock excitment to truly fire up their audience (not just the already fans) about the band's music and performance - in other words, more was needed from them as a whole. For instance, The Snake, this reviewer enjoyed Ivivra's front man Jarred (without a guitar in hand to concentrate on vocal duties) had the audience fired within the band's energetic momentum however the band itself didn't seem to feel that umph on stage. There was no movement ...no excitement ...no one really rocking out the stage despite the song having a rockin' vibe especially when Jarred inserted himself vocally into the lyrics (though not letting his voice naturally reach to the high falsetto/screamo range). The same could be said during another particular song in which the band sounded instrumentally flat during the bridge by repeatedly playing the same solid three chords even though this song had a funky soulful vibe that SouthSide enjoyed. Yet, she did have a few good reasons why blogspot readers should check out Ivivra Motive at their next show - such as their Doors cover of Been Down So Long(a rare B-side off L.A. Woman album solemnly heard or covered) rocked out the basement lounge with a rockin' blues/rock jam ...plus vocally, Jarred tapped into the essence of the Lizard King while pumping strong raspy vocals as well as some stage presence into this song. Other momentous highlights of Ivivra'sperformance included the ballad, Nighttime Woman (SouthSide liked the unexpected chord/tempo change mid-way thru before returning to original tempo and sound), Drinking Gin and closer Firewater(a couple of drinking songs in which the band absolutely shined on stage rockin' to the vibe ...finally feeling the momentum while on stage) and Dead Dove(new song featuring a lively tempo and emotionally charged vocals within the lyrics). The entire Ivivra Motive's performance wasn't bad, blogspot readers - it simply needs a few improvements before hitting the stage again at their next scheduled show. SouthSide does suggest to Jarred - allow your vocals to flow naturally or it will sound like you're straining it over the mic while reaching that high falsetto range. To the band as a whole, this reviewer suggests - rock out the stage! This is your show ...not just play the songs but enjoy and love the way they feel while shredding the riffs off the guitars or pounding the rhythms off the (drum) kit even while in a downtempo mode ...but don't simply stand still or you might bore this reviwer. Ivivra Motive has that potential of being a rockin' addition in Chicago's vibrant local scene in the months to come in the meantime visit http://myspace.com/ivivramotive (or find them on Facebook) for more information about this band.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
08 Apr 11
...this is chaos...
Chaos - a good word choice to perfectly describe tonight's On The Town adventure, blogspot readers. If she could, SouthSide would have avoided spending her Friday night at the capacity-filled Cobra Lounge. However, she was there along with members from such prominent local bands - Janus, Inn Cinema, Heartset Selfdestruct and The Branded (and many more) supporting her good friends, Seven Day Sonnet, before leaving on tour. Also sharing the stage with Seven Day was opening band, Hessler and headliner, The Last Vegas. This reviewer has long sought to review a live performance by The Last Vegas but the overcrowded scene had her ending the evening earlier than anticipated.
...awesome...
...best performance I've seen by you guys so far...
No, blogspot readers, those above statements weren't made by SouthSide. They're actual fan reactions overheard after witnessing Seven Day Sonnet's rockin' performance at Cobra Lounge. And SouthSide wholeheartedly agree with those statements for this was one Seven Day show in which the band rocked down the stage with more energetic excitement and hardcore guitar music. In front of their loyal fans and a packed house, this rising local band had everyone reeling from its thrilling riff momentum as well as uncommon use of melodic rhythms not typically associated with Seven's core sound. It did take a slight edge off the hardcore music but only enough to highlight the emotionally charged vocals by front man, Ben. This dynamic vocalist, blogspot readers, put a lot of vibrant umph into Seven Day's lyrics somewhat creating a poetic tone yet feeling angst/frustration (at times screamo) within his voice.
Prime example would be Seven Day's Closer where Ben made the crowd not only feel the emotionally charged angst dripping from his voice but also the emotionally charged sound within the band's heart-pounding guitar riffs by Mike (guitar/vocals), Rick (guitar) and Anthony, (SouthSide's unofficial boyfriend on bass). And with drum percussions by Dan driving home that hardcore rock sound, one can literally feel Seven Day pumping fiery momentum throughout this venue. The same could be said during All Fall Down in which Ben added some screamo angst into the lyrics thus exciting Seven's diehard fans to sing and/or bang their heads to the music. Even while taking the energetic rock sound and tempo down a bit, fans were still reeling from the hardcore vibe (off the guitar riffs) especially during the instrumental bridge. This was also the moment when Ben shined as front man where he asserts himself vocally and emotionally amongst Seven's lyrics.
SouthSide highly recommends visiting http://www.myspace.com/sevendaysonnet (or find them on Facebook) for tour details of when and where her rockin' friends, Seven Day Sonnet, are coming to a venue near you, blogspot readers.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Chaos - a good word choice to perfectly describe tonight's On The Town adventure, blogspot readers. If she could, SouthSide would have avoided spending her Friday night at the capacity-filled Cobra Lounge. However, she was there along with members from such prominent local bands - Janus, Inn Cinema, Heartset Selfdestruct and The Branded (and many more) supporting her good friends, Seven Day Sonnet, before leaving on tour. Also sharing the stage with Seven Day was opening band, Hessler and headliner, The Last Vegas. This reviewer has long sought to review a live performance by The Last Vegas but the overcrowded scene had her ending the evening earlier than anticipated.
...awesome...
...best performance I've seen by you guys so far...
No, blogspot readers, those above statements weren't made by SouthSide. They're actual fan reactions overheard after witnessing Seven Day Sonnet's rockin' performance at Cobra Lounge. And SouthSide wholeheartedly agree with those statements for this was one Seven Day show in which the band rocked down the stage with more energetic excitement and hardcore guitar music. In front of their loyal fans and a packed house, this rising local band had everyone reeling from its thrilling riff momentum as well as uncommon use of melodic rhythms not typically associated with Seven's core sound. It did take a slight edge off the hardcore music but only enough to highlight the emotionally charged vocals by front man, Ben. This dynamic vocalist, blogspot readers, put a lot of vibrant umph into Seven Day's lyrics somewhat creating a poetic tone yet feeling angst/frustration (at times screamo) within his voice.
Prime example would be Seven Day's Closer where Ben made the crowd not only feel the emotionally charged angst dripping from his voice but also the emotionally charged sound within the band's heart-pounding guitar riffs by Mike (guitar/vocals), Rick (guitar) and Anthony, (SouthSide's unofficial boyfriend on bass). And with drum percussions by Dan driving home that hardcore rock sound, one can literally feel Seven Day pumping fiery momentum throughout this venue. The same could be said during All Fall Down in which Ben added some screamo angst into the lyrics thus exciting Seven's diehard fans to sing and/or bang their heads to the music. Even while taking the energetic rock sound and tempo down a bit, fans were still reeling from the hardcore vibe (off the guitar riffs) especially during the instrumental bridge. This was also the moment when Ben shined as front man where he asserts himself vocally and emotionally amongst Seven's lyrics.
SouthSide highly recommends visiting http://www.myspace.com/sevendaysonnet (or find them on Facebook) for tour details of when and where her rockin' friends, Seven Day Sonnet, are coming to a venue near you, blogspot readers.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Thursday, April 7, 2011
06 Apr 11 - I AM Fest
Hey, blogspot bands, want to be a part of this rockin' fest happening this summer at House of Blues on Saturday August 27, 2011!
Read the information below on how to be a part of the Battle of the Band contest. Out of state/regional area (MI, WI, IN, etc) indie bands are invited to participate as long as you're available to commit and make the dates for your said Battle date,
SouthSide
The Elbo Room presents I AM FEST 2011 INDEPENDENT ARTS&MUSIC FESTIVAL. It will host 11 bands at Chicago's very own HOUSE OF BLUES on SAT AUG 27th, 2011. There is just one thing missing... the MAIN STAGE OPENING BAND FOR THE SHOW and THAT COULD BE YOU!
http://www.IAMFEST.com/
There will be several Battle of the Band contests held at the Elbo Room. Bands will be provided with a basic backline (Guitar/Bass Cabs minus heads and Basic drum set and hardware minus kick pedal, snare drum and cymbals). 20 min sets for each band will be judged by a music industry panel, voted on by fans in attendance and tallied for the number of people watching the LIVE VIDEO STREAM of the show per band thanks to JUSTIN.tv.
This unique BATTLE OF THE BANDS looks for talented musicians that put on a great show and can win over an audience in person and LIVE online. The top 2 bands from each night advances to the Secondary Rounds on THURSDAY 6/2, 6/9, 6/16 or 6/23. 2 winners from each of those nights with 1 wild card will advance to the SEMI-FINALS on FRIDAY 7/1 or 7/8 along with 1 wild-card band. The winner and runner up of the FINALS (on SATURDAY JULY 30th) OPENS The 2011 I AM FEST at House of Blues presented by the ELBO ROOM Chicago.
1) BAND NAME
2) BAND WEBSITE/WEB LINK
3) NAMES OF BAND MEMBERS, INSTRUMENTS PLAYED and AGE of each member
4) WHICH PRELIMINARY SHOW(S) YOU ARE AVAILABLE (5/2, 5/3, 5/4, 5/9, 5/10. 5/11, 5/16, 5/17, 5/18, 5/23, 5/24, 5/25)
5) YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO PLAY THE SECONDARY ROUND ON THURSDAY 6/2, 6/9, 6/16 and/or 6/23 @ ELBO ROOM?
6) YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO PLAY THE SEMI-FINALS ON FRIDAY 7/1 and/or 7/8 @ ELBO ROOM?
7) YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO PLAY THE FINALS ON SATURDAY 7/30 @ ELBO ROOM?
8) YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO PLAY SATURDAY AUG 27TH @ HOUSE OF BLUES?
9) A Member of your band is available to attend the MANDATORY meeting at ELBO ROOM ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 13th (7:00pm) to pick up presale tickets and get details for the BATTLE OF THE BANDS show.
--
Kayla Chaffee
Artist Relations Coordinator
The Elbo Room
2871 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 549-5549
http://www.elboroomchicago.com
PLEASE REPLY TO: kaylaelboroom@gmail.com
Read the information below on how to be a part of the Battle of the Band contest. Out of state/regional area (MI, WI, IN, etc) indie bands are invited to participate as long as you're available to commit and make the dates for your said Battle date,
SouthSide
The Elbo Room presents I AM FEST 2011 INDEPENDENT ARTS&MUSIC FESTIVAL. It will host 11 bands at Chicago's very own HOUSE OF BLUES on SAT AUG 27th, 2011. There is just one thing missing... the MAIN STAGE OPENING BAND FOR THE SHOW and THAT COULD BE YOU!
http://www.IAMFEST.com/
There will be several Battle of the Band contests held at the Elbo Room. Bands will be provided with a basic backline (Guitar/Bass Cabs minus heads and Basic drum set and hardware minus kick pedal, snare drum and cymbals). 20 min sets for each band will be judged by a music industry panel, voted on by fans in attendance and tallied for the number of people watching the LIVE VIDEO STREAM of the show per band thanks to JUSTIN.tv.
This unique BATTLE OF THE BANDS looks for talented musicians that put on a great show and can win over an audience in person and LIVE online. The top 2 bands from each night advances to the Secondary Rounds on THURSDAY 6/2, 6/9, 6/16 or 6/23. 2 winners from each of those nights with 1 wild card will advance to the SEMI-FINALS on FRIDAY 7/1 or 7/8 along with 1 wild-card band. The winner and runner up of the FINALS (on SATURDAY JULY 30th) OPENS The 2011 I AM FEST at House of Blues presented by the ELBO ROOM Chicago.
1) BAND NAME
2) BAND WEBSITE/WEB LINK
3) NAMES OF BAND MEMBERS, INSTRUMENTS PLAYED and AGE of each member
4) WHICH PRELIMINARY SHOW(S) YOU ARE AVAILABLE (5/2, 5/3, 5/4, 5/9, 5/10. 5/11, 5/16, 5/17, 5/18, 5/23, 5/24, 5/25)
5) YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO PLAY THE SECONDARY ROUND ON THURSDAY 6/2, 6/9, 6/16 and/or 6/23 @ ELBO ROOM?
6) YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO PLAY THE SEMI-FINALS ON FRIDAY 7/1 and/or 7/8 @ ELBO ROOM?
7) YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO PLAY THE FINALS ON SATURDAY 7/30 @ ELBO ROOM?
8) YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO PLAY SATURDAY AUG 27TH @ HOUSE OF BLUES?
9) A Member of your band is available to attend the MANDATORY meeting at ELBO ROOM ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 13th (7:00pm) to pick up presale tickets and get details for the BATTLE OF THE BANDS show.
--
Kayla Chaffee
Artist Relations Coordinator
The Elbo Room
2871 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 549-5549
http://www.elboroomchicago.com
PLEASE REPLY TO: kaylaelboroom@gmail.com
04 Apr 11
Oi, leitores, enquanto blogspot ...SouthSide fora da corrida para o Brasil! E então ...não na realidade no entanto se ela poderia, ela iria e sua primeira parada seria Sao Paulo. Ela bons amigos, Diafanes, voltou para Elbo a quente com quarto trazente com eles a quente bossa nova/balouçar sons de seu amado país. Eles também trazer com eles um artista extraordinário sobre o elétrico instrumental balouçar - Eric Matern. O presente crítico altamente recomenda fazer chegar uma melhor familiar com tanto sensationally rockin' actos.
Hey, blogspot readers, so long ...SouthSide's running away to Brazil! Well ...not actually however if she could, she would and her first stop would be Sao Paulo. Her good friends, Diafanes, returned to Elbo Room bringing with them the hot bossa nova/rock sound from their beloved country. They also brought with them an artist extraordinaire on the electric instrumental rock - Eric Matern. This reviewer highly recommends getting better acquainted with both sensationally rockin' acts.
There was beauty ...as well as fiery passion all wrapped around an instrumental rock sound, blogspot readers, within Eric Matern's Elbo Room performance. This talently young musician electrified the stage with vibrant melodic riffs that dazzled the ears within a pulsating rhythm song after song. His music came to life at every electric chord performed as well as lyrically (yes, one can hear lyrics being sung from the tone and tempo of Eric's epic pieces). SouthSide literally felt the twitterpating riffs from his fast fingering excitedly stirring the soul with its energy even while taking the tempo down to a steady pace - there was still life vibrating. Basically, blogspot readers, when Eric shreds, he truly shreds on the electric guitar. Besides performing Paperthin Hearts (track 3) and Daydreams (track 4) off his current album, Something's Missing (in which he also plays bass, drums and piano), this reviewer suggests listening to Since You Wanna Know - which had this reviewer riding the electrifying waves of hardcore riffs. Eric soaked this particular song containing sparks of fiery emotions with lots of heart-pounding momentum amidst its thundering sound. SouthSide can only imagine what the actual lyrics would be yet knows no human voice could ever truly match this song's mood and momentum beautifully as Eric Matern did. Visit http://www.myspace.com/ericmatern or Facebook for more information about this amazing musician.
Diafanes (as of the date of this review) were wrapping up the final days of their tour which had them rockin' stages at Washington D.C.'s Cherry Bloossom Festival and SXSW. SouthSide's friends returned to their favorite city with an awesome lakeshore skyline to rock out Elbo Room with their vibrant music combination of Brazilian flavor, world influences and rock. Performing songs off current albums, See Through and Obviously Clear, Diafanes lit up the stage with pulsating bursts of guitar energy and flowing melodic rhythms behind a unique chanteuse-like vocal style by Lorena. It's a misconception her vocals fit out of place with this band's type of sound however this talented vocalist adds the right amount of spice and fire to the music from her high soprano vocal tone where Diafanes melodic tone mostly comes from. The band itself thrilled this reviewer with sound of worldly influence intricately woven amongst its songs ...from a hint of Latin/Flamenco to Asian (J-Pop) as well as Arabian (from the finger cymbals), your ears will be soulfully inspired by the rhythmic vibe. Off the album, See Through, SouthSide highly suggests listening to the melodic Asian-Brazilian combination with some Flamenco guitar riffs and castanets (by Lorena) heard in track 4 - Inside Me, the J-Pop sound and danceable Latin rhythms heard in track 8 - Open Your Eyes and title track - See Thru (featuring a steady heart-pounding pulse through within a downtempo feel). Off Diafanes' album, Obviously Clear, SouthSide highly suggests listening to tack 9 - In Your Pockets (SouthSide's favorite song) for its blast of guitar riffs weaving in and out of ranges unimaginable within its fiery momentum (and vocals) and some bossa nova rhythms that made her want to dance, track 12 - Blank, though taking the energy down again thus creating an air of mystery as well as vibrant sound of electric/country pop sound and track 3 - Unity. Visit http://www.diafanes.com or http://www.myspace.com/diafanes for more information and music by this band.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Hey, blogspot readers, so long ...SouthSide's running away to Brazil! Well ...not actually however if she could, she would and her first stop would be Sao Paulo. Her good friends, Diafanes, returned to Elbo Room bringing with them the hot bossa nova/rock sound from their beloved country. They also brought with them an artist extraordinaire on the electric instrumental rock - Eric Matern. This reviewer highly recommends getting better acquainted with both sensationally rockin' acts.
There was beauty ...as well as fiery passion all wrapped around an instrumental rock sound, blogspot readers, within Eric Matern's Elbo Room performance. This talently young musician electrified the stage with vibrant melodic riffs that dazzled the ears within a pulsating rhythm song after song. His music came to life at every electric chord performed as well as lyrically (yes, one can hear lyrics being sung from the tone and tempo of Eric's epic pieces). SouthSide literally felt the twitterpating riffs from his fast fingering excitedly stirring the soul with its energy even while taking the tempo down to a steady pace - there was still life vibrating. Basically, blogspot readers, when Eric shreds, he truly shreds on the electric guitar. Besides performing Paperthin Hearts (track 3) and Daydreams (track 4) off his current album, Something's Missing (in which he also plays bass, drums and piano), this reviewer suggests listening to Since You Wanna Know - which had this reviewer riding the electrifying waves of hardcore riffs. Eric soaked this particular song containing sparks of fiery emotions with lots of heart-pounding momentum amidst its thundering sound. SouthSide can only imagine what the actual lyrics would be yet knows no human voice could ever truly match this song's mood and momentum beautifully as Eric Matern did. Visit http://www.myspace.com/ericmatern or Facebook for more information about this amazing musician.
Diafanes (as of the date of this review) were wrapping up the final days of their tour which had them rockin' stages at Washington D.C.'s Cherry Bloossom Festival and SXSW. SouthSide's friends returned to their favorite city with an awesome lakeshore skyline to rock out Elbo Room with their vibrant music combination of Brazilian flavor, world influences and rock. Performing songs off current albums, See Through and Obviously Clear, Diafanes lit up the stage with pulsating bursts of guitar energy and flowing melodic rhythms behind a unique chanteuse-like vocal style by Lorena. It's a misconception her vocals fit out of place with this band's type of sound however this talented vocalist adds the right amount of spice and fire to the music from her high soprano vocal tone where Diafanes melodic tone mostly comes from. The band itself thrilled this reviewer with sound of worldly influence intricately woven amongst its songs ...from a hint of Latin/Flamenco to Asian (J-Pop) as well as Arabian (from the finger cymbals), your ears will be soulfully inspired by the rhythmic vibe. Off the album, See Through, SouthSide highly suggests listening to the melodic Asian-Brazilian combination with some Flamenco guitar riffs and castanets (by Lorena) heard in track 4 - Inside Me, the J-Pop sound and danceable Latin rhythms heard in track 8 - Open Your Eyes and title track - See Thru (featuring a steady heart-pounding pulse through within a downtempo feel). Off Diafanes' album, Obviously Clear, SouthSide highly suggests listening to tack 9 - In Your Pockets (SouthSide's favorite song) for its blast of guitar riffs weaving in and out of ranges unimaginable within its fiery momentum (and vocals) and some bossa nova rhythms that made her want to dance, track 12 - Blank, though taking the energy down again thus creating an air of mystery as well as vibrant sound of electric/country pop sound and track 3 - Unity. Visit http://www.diafanes.com or http://www.myspace.com/diafanes for more information and music by this band.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
02 Apr 11
...I don’t care if the rain freezes / as long as I have my plastic Jesus...
WhiteWolfSonicPrincess
Welcome, blogspot readers, to Saturday night fun festivities! Once again, SouthSide’s rockin’ Elbo Room reviewing more hot local performances burning the stage. The featured lineup tonight performed a variety of genres from Organic/Folk to Hardcore Rock and everything else in between. Fans rocked to music by Always The Villain, 28North (PA) and 20 Mark Helga with WhiteWolfSonicPrincess opening.
Reminiscent of the flower power generation, this local band still keeps that spirit alive within its music, sound, and lyrics. WhiteWolfSonicPrincess put a modern twist on the decade where poetic lyrics about political and social themes reigned in the grassroots scene and the music had a flowing melodic Folk/Americana vibe yet quite organic in sound. In a nutshell, Carla (vocals) and Jim (guitar/vocals) have recaptured the essence and spirit of the late 60s with some modern help from Tim (on bass) and Richard (on drums). For example, SouthSide recommends checking out White’s You Must Believe and Sadness in the World in which one will hear powerful but realistic with plenty of truism about the state of our current society and around the world. However, blogspot readers, it wasn’t all political and social ...there were moments in which this band expressed a poetically mystical side in its songs such as Shadow Boxing as well as songs full of poetically imagery within its lyrics under melodic rhythms such as Lady in the Sand (featuring a hint of Spanish flamenco in the guitar riffs) and Sad Eyed Prophet (with a lively melodic tempo). SouthSide would like to highlight one special feature about White’s live performance – observe the way Richard on drums performs on the kit. He didn’t just simply use the kit ...he used the entire kit (i.e. using his bare hands to give one particular song the sound of earthy drum beats) to set certain tones and rhythms for White’s songs. SouthSide highly recommends feeling the groovy-ness and spiritual essence of WhiteWolfSonicPrincess at their scheduled performance. Visit http://www.myspace.com/whitewolfsonicprincess for more details about this band and its music.
Compared to what was seen during this band’s performance last year at Cubby Bear, this Elbo Room performance launched SouthSide into a confusing loop. 20 Mark Helga, after opening with a melodic classical rendition, immediately jumped into a merged blend of R&B/Funk/Soul/Country (?) and Rock. Deciphering what type of “new” band Helga designed itself to be was a difficult job in itself for this reviewer even though she did enjoy how the band’s music vibrantly popped with its melodic rhythms and beats. Honestly, blogspot readers, she tried but couldn’t fully soak her ears into Helga’s “new” sound especially when hearing a symphonic aria during the middle of one particular song. Performing songs like Fiendish Pleasure (in SouthSide’s opinion, sounded dull vocally as well as on guitar) and Sirens of Dreams, this band did have SouthSide enjoying the heartfelt lyrics that drew out emotions in the vocals (though the female vocalist didn’t compliment front man Phineas’ vocals) in When Snow Falls. In the midst of reviewing, SouthSide did note some suggestions for Helga to take into consideration – (a)need more vocal umph to compliment for each vocalist to compliment the other (When Snow Falls is a prime example) and (b)need a solid band image (SouthSide was left scratching her head upon seeing the look of a country band but mixed with some Lady Gaga-esque from the female vocalist). Yet mainly, the “new” Helga needs to seriously work on its blended genre sound – some genres didn’t mix well together ...at times overpowering each other in which clashed making it harder to comprehend. However if this is your type of band and sound of music, this reviewer suggests checking out 20 Mark Helga however in all honesty, SouthSide cannot recommend this band. Visit http://www.myspace.com/20markhelga1 for more details.
...not cutting my hair [or] I’ll lose all of my power...
Guitar rock gods, SouthSide highly salutes you! After nearly two months on the road touring (with previous performances at SXSW last month), 28North (from Pittsburgh, PA) rocked out the Elbo Room stage with a performance that was full of thrilling and exciting guitar rock sound, blogspot readers. SouthSide immediately found herself rockin’ the heartpounding, quick tempo energy in between a steady downtempo rhythm pace ...epically instrumental bridges which soaked the ears with their vibrant sound ...roaring riffs that can get the blood (and soul) boiling and yet North brought more than that to rock the stage. They also brought the sounds of Reggae/Ska and Funk. And when this band got funky ...they truly got down and dirty with the funk inside North’s thundering rock sound. There was never a dull momentum throughout this performance. It definitely kept this audience dancing to the melodic upbeat music. SouthSide highly recommends listening to North’s awesome rendition of Dreams (originally done by The Cranberries) and the current single, Call Me Up (which was dubbed as a bit of a love song highlighting heartfelt emotions in a retro guitar rock sound). It was interesting to hear North’s lively rhythmic sound of Reggae/Ska within hardcore rock music giving this one particular song an edgy but rockin’ groove for the audience to dance along with the band as well as during another in which the band could have jammed all night just on Taylor’s guitar solo alone. The highlight of the set came while performing a personal favorite of front man Michael which demonstrated the dynamic vocal power and epic rock sound in this ballad. Pittsburgh fans, you should be proud of your hometown boys for they rocked out this Chicago stage on their last night of tour with a BANG! 28North promises to be on tour again but in the meantime, visit http://www.28north.net or http://www.myspace.com/28northband for more details.
First SouthSide would like to apologized to the members of the next band if she made any one of them nervous. It’s been a long time since this reviewer last seen Always The Villain rocking on stage feeling quite honored to see them again. What made this local band uniquely special was the four (mostly three during their performances) guitars pumping volumes of hardcore rock with a mix of keyboard rhythms as well as dynamic vocals by front man Billy. Yet it’s mostly the vibrant rock sound which attracts a large following of fans to their shows, blogspot readers. Villain’s killer sound had momentum especially during new song, Hot Princess that one could literally hear the venomous hatred dripping from the vocals amidst the thundering guitar riffs (with a surprisingly brief moment of calm in between). Songs What To Do and Incredible featured another excellent display of dynamic vocals expressing love as well as melodic rhythms within a pop guitar sound (in What To Do) and trippy electric guitar effects (in Incredible). Yet it was another new song (sorry didn’t catch the song title) in which SouthSide enjoyed Villain’s head banging sound from its roaring chords and fiery momentum during the instrumental bridge (with another fine example of vocal power). And despite sounding a little rough around the edges, this reviewer predicts will be Villain’s next hit. Other songs performed in this set included Andy (featuring some digital wizardry off the synth smoothing out the sharp rock edge a little), Back To Here (a calming semi-electric acoustic vibe before blasting the ears with vibrant sounds of music) and Carnival (loved the carny music intricately woven into the intro). SouthSide highly recommends checking out Always The Villain at its next scheduled performance but in the meantime, visit http://www.myspace.com/alwaysthevillain or http://www.alwaysthevillain.com for more details.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
WhiteWolfSonicPrincess
Welcome, blogspot readers, to Saturday night fun festivities! Once again, SouthSide’s rockin’ Elbo Room reviewing more hot local performances burning the stage. The featured lineup tonight performed a variety of genres from Organic/Folk to Hardcore Rock and everything else in between. Fans rocked to music by Always The Villain, 28North (PA) and 20 Mark Helga with WhiteWolfSonicPrincess opening.
Reminiscent of the flower power generation, this local band still keeps that spirit alive within its music, sound, and lyrics. WhiteWolfSonicPrincess put a modern twist on the decade where poetic lyrics about political and social themes reigned in the grassroots scene and the music had a flowing melodic Folk/Americana vibe yet quite organic in sound. In a nutshell, Carla (vocals) and Jim (guitar/vocals) have recaptured the essence and spirit of the late 60s with some modern help from Tim (on bass) and Richard (on drums). For example, SouthSide recommends checking out White’s You Must Believe and Sadness in the World in which one will hear powerful but realistic with plenty of truism about the state of our current society and around the world. However, blogspot readers, it wasn’t all political and social ...there were moments in which this band expressed a poetically mystical side in its songs such as Shadow Boxing as well as songs full of poetically imagery within its lyrics under melodic rhythms such as Lady in the Sand (featuring a hint of Spanish flamenco in the guitar riffs) and Sad Eyed Prophet (with a lively melodic tempo). SouthSide would like to highlight one special feature about White’s live performance – observe the way Richard on drums performs on the kit. He didn’t just simply use the kit ...he used the entire kit (i.e. using his bare hands to give one particular song the sound of earthy drum beats) to set certain tones and rhythms for White’s songs. SouthSide highly recommends feeling the groovy-ness and spiritual essence of WhiteWolfSonicPrincess at their scheduled performance. Visit http://www.myspace.com/whitewolfsonicprincess for more details about this band and its music.
Compared to what was seen during this band’s performance last year at Cubby Bear, this Elbo Room performance launched SouthSide into a confusing loop. 20 Mark Helga, after opening with a melodic classical rendition, immediately jumped into a merged blend of R&B/Funk/Soul/Country (?) and Rock. Deciphering what type of “new” band Helga designed itself to be was a difficult job in itself for this reviewer even though she did enjoy how the band’s music vibrantly popped with its melodic rhythms and beats. Honestly, blogspot readers, she tried but couldn’t fully soak her ears into Helga’s “new” sound especially when hearing a symphonic aria during the middle of one particular song. Performing songs like Fiendish Pleasure (in SouthSide’s opinion, sounded dull vocally as well as on guitar) and Sirens of Dreams, this band did have SouthSide enjoying the heartfelt lyrics that drew out emotions in the vocals (though the female vocalist didn’t compliment front man Phineas’ vocals) in When Snow Falls. In the midst of reviewing, SouthSide did note some suggestions for Helga to take into consideration – (a)need more vocal umph to compliment for each vocalist to compliment the other (When Snow Falls is a prime example) and (b)need a solid band image (SouthSide was left scratching her head upon seeing the look of a country band but mixed with some Lady Gaga-esque from the female vocalist). Yet mainly, the “new” Helga needs to seriously work on its blended genre sound – some genres didn’t mix well together ...at times overpowering each other in which clashed making it harder to comprehend. However if this is your type of band and sound of music, this reviewer suggests checking out 20 Mark Helga however in all honesty, SouthSide cannot recommend this band. Visit http://www.myspace.com/20markhelga1 for more details.
...not cutting my hair [or] I’ll lose all of my power...
Guitar rock gods, SouthSide highly salutes you! After nearly two months on the road touring (with previous performances at SXSW last month), 28North (from Pittsburgh, PA) rocked out the Elbo Room stage with a performance that was full of thrilling and exciting guitar rock sound, blogspot readers. SouthSide immediately found herself rockin’ the heartpounding, quick tempo energy in between a steady downtempo rhythm pace ...epically instrumental bridges which soaked the ears with their vibrant sound ...roaring riffs that can get the blood (and soul) boiling and yet North brought more than that to rock the stage. They also brought the sounds of Reggae/Ska and Funk. And when this band got funky ...they truly got down and dirty with the funk inside North’s thundering rock sound. There was never a dull momentum throughout this performance. It definitely kept this audience dancing to the melodic upbeat music. SouthSide highly recommends listening to North’s awesome rendition of Dreams (originally done by The Cranberries) and the current single, Call Me Up (which was dubbed as a bit of a love song highlighting heartfelt emotions in a retro guitar rock sound). It was interesting to hear North’s lively rhythmic sound of Reggae/Ska within hardcore rock music giving this one particular song an edgy but rockin’ groove for the audience to dance along with the band as well as during another in which the band could have jammed all night just on Taylor’s guitar solo alone. The highlight of the set came while performing a personal favorite of front man Michael which demonstrated the dynamic vocal power and epic rock sound in this ballad. Pittsburgh fans, you should be proud of your hometown boys for they rocked out this Chicago stage on their last night of tour with a BANG! 28North promises to be on tour again but in the meantime, visit http://www.28north.net or http://www.myspace.com/28northband for more details.
First SouthSide would like to apologized to the members of the next band if she made any one of them nervous. It’s been a long time since this reviewer last seen Always The Villain rocking on stage feeling quite honored to see them again. What made this local band uniquely special was the four (mostly three during their performances) guitars pumping volumes of hardcore rock with a mix of keyboard rhythms as well as dynamic vocals by front man Billy. Yet it’s mostly the vibrant rock sound which attracts a large following of fans to their shows, blogspot readers. Villain’s killer sound had momentum especially during new song, Hot Princess that one could literally hear the venomous hatred dripping from the vocals amidst the thundering guitar riffs (with a surprisingly brief moment of calm in between). Songs What To Do and Incredible featured another excellent display of dynamic vocals expressing love as well as melodic rhythms within a pop guitar sound (in What To Do) and trippy electric guitar effects (in Incredible). Yet it was another new song (sorry didn’t catch the song title) in which SouthSide enjoyed Villain’s head banging sound from its roaring chords and fiery momentum during the instrumental bridge (with another fine example of vocal power). And despite sounding a little rough around the edges, this reviewer predicts will be Villain’s next hit. Other songs performed in this set included Andy (featuring some digital wizardry off the synth smoothing out the sharp rock edge a little), Back To Here (a calming semi-electric acoustic vibe before blasting the ears with vibrant sounds of music) and Carnival (loved the carny music intricately woven into the intro). SouthSide highly recommends checking out Always The Villain at its next scheduled performance but in the meantime, visit http://www.myspace.com/alwaysthevillain or http://www.alwaysthevillain.com for more details.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Monday, April 4, 2011
01 Apr 11
Oh, what a night, blogspot readers! And this was no April Fool's joke either. Friday night, the local scene was abuzzed with rockin' music everwhere - from the world famous House of Blues to the popular hot spot Elbo Room. First, SouthSide found herself at House of Blues with fans of all ages to see Ben Rector open for Matt Wertz. Afterwards, she made an unscheduled visit to Elbo Room to hold court with The Jesters and rock with Apache Stone (featuring Michael Lombardi of FX's Rescue Me) as well as enjoy a unique acoustic performance by Dave Hiltebrand.
There was only one problem with Ben Rector's opening performance, blogspot readers - too short. Not enough time (in SouthSide's opinion) to really soak her ears into this singer/songwriter's vibrant Alternative/Pop sound, romantically heartfelt lyrics and falsetto vocals. This artist (bursting with spontanity and energy even while between songs) had this all-ages crowd grooving to his fun momentum during his set. From a random pizza survey (btw, this reviewer suggests trying Apart Pizza located on Montrose near Lincoln) to improvising a thrid verse about bears (the animals not the football team), Ben's word of the evening was "fun" which truly accomplished its goal as he made the most out of his short set for all. SouthSide did have a fun time groovin' to his throwback song, Never Gonna Let You Go, that featured a soulful R&B/Funk sound within a lively downtempo pace. The crowd definitely came to life while assisting Ben with some snapping of fingers and clapping (and they stopped right on cue as he asked when the chorus ended) during The Beat (track 1 off his current album - Into The Morning) ...had many on the main floor dancing along to its melodic rhythms. Yet in between the fun times, blogspot readers, Ben demonstrated another side to his fun music which involved emotional pain and heartache. While performing When A Heart Breaks (also off his current album), this artist revealed a tiny part of himself (via the lyrics) since the words sang were so personal as well as powerful yet sounding sincere (as advice to a heartbroken friend) in his voice. And though the tempo was down a notch or two, the band wonderfully captured the solemn mood of this song by reverently keeping a steady rhythm to compliment Ben's vocals. Ending this performance acoustically with Loving You Is Easy (also off current albun featuring the improvised third verse about bears), the crowd was left wanting more. SouthSide highly recommends checking out Ben's Dance With Me Baby and Moving Backwards song videos on YouTube as well as snagging a copy or two (Ben will suggest purchasing two) of his current release Into The Morning. However, this reviewer suggests seeing this singer/songwriter live on stage to personally feel that fun energy yourself. Visit http://www.benrectormusic.com or http://www.myspace.com/benrector for tour details and other information.
Since the night was still rather young, SouthSide visited her good friends at Elbo Room to see and hear what's rockin' the acoustic and basement lounges. She highly recommends checking out this lively court of musicians known as The Jesters at their next performance. Dressed in their finest roaring 20s wear (for this particular appearance), this band rocked out the packed basement lounge with music that vibrantly popped and energetically spontaneous from a combination of Alternative/Soul/Ska/R&B/more, blogspot readers. The "more" came from The Jesters' liveliest horn section which totally brought hot funky danceable rhythms in reminiscent of big band swing throughout the set. And leading this lively court of musicians was their prettily dolled up femme fatale who impressed this reviewer with her dynamically powerful vocals. She truly had the stage and crowd feeling the fiery momentum of her voice especially during Shame On Me. Blogspot readers, expect a full review of this rockin' band in the near future but in the meantime visit http://www.jestersonline.com for more details about The Jesters.
Meanwhile upstairs, instrumental guitarist Dave Hiltebrand electrified Elbo Room's upstairs lounge with a unique performance featuring acoustic variations of a select list of popular songs done on the electric guitar. SouthSide enjoyed how this musician passionately infused his own spin to familiar rock songs like Tom Petty's Free Fallin' and Bruce Hornsby's The Way It Is during his double set appearance. Dave rocked the stage with cool electric (sometimes with a steel or slide guitar riff feel) in a downtempo pace highlighting the beauty of the originator's composition with such grace and style. On the flipside, this musician performed under a cloud of vibrantly popping with some sweet Stax rhythms and soulful riffs especially during his rendition of American Woman. Then there was a moment when he made the guitar wail tenderly yet mournfully during Dave's cover of Eric Clapton's Can't Find My Way Home - best version SouthSide has heard so far. This reviewer highly recommends catching this instrumental artist, Dave Hiltebrand, at his next scheduled performance. Visit http://www.myspace.com/davehiltebrand for more details about him and his music.
Back downstairs, Apache Stone thrilled the crowded basement lounge with a thundering blast of guitar riffs and energetically popping rock music. Its front man, Michael (of FX's Rescue Me) strutted around the stage flaunting a sexy band image to the adoring screams of fans while pouring some heart and soul into the lyrically poetic words. However, Apache Stone, blogspot readers, was musically flat when it came to generating any crowd interest and/or excitement (unless it was a die-hard fan) as well as vocally flat due to Michael's vocals (in which SouthSide's discounting the fact his voice sounded a bit hoarse from her opinion) ...there wasn't much umph or dynamic power to really have her ears "feeling" the words. Collectively, the entire band (in SouthSide's opinion) was trying to do so much at the same time during Apache's performance which left no room for the music to take center stage even though it did thrill this reviewer with hardcore rhythms and melodies. Though Apache Stone rocked out the stage, the band really didn't rock out its audience. Visit http://www.apachestonemusic or http://www.myspace.com/apachestonemusic for more tour details and more.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
There was only one problem with Ben Rector's opening performance, blogspot readers - too short. Not enough time (in SouthSide's opinion) to really soak her ears into this singer/songwriter's vibrant Alternative/Pop sound, romantically heartfelt lyrics and falsetto vocals. This artist (bursting with spontanity and energy even while between songs) had this all-ages crowd grooving to his fun momentum during his set. From a random pizza survey (btw, this reviewer suggests trying Apart Pizza located on Montrose near Lincoln) to improvising a thrid verse about bears (the animals not the football team), Ben's word of the evening was "fun" which truly accomplished its goal as he made the most out of his short set for all. SouthSide did have a fun time groovin' to his throwback song, Never Gonna Let You Go, that featured a soulful R&B/Funk sound within a lively downtempo pace. The crowd definitely came to life while assisting Ben with some snapping of fingers and clapping (and they stopped right on cue as he asked when the chorus ended) during The Beat (track 1 off his current album - Into The Morning) ...had many on the main floor dancing along to its melodic rhythms. Yet in between the fun times, blogspot readers, Ben demonstrated another side to his fun music which involved emotional pain and heartache. While performing When A Heart Breaks (also off his current album), this artist revealed a tiny part of himself (via the lyrics) since the words sang were so personal as well as powerful yet sounding sincere (as advice to a heartbroken friend) in his voice. And though the tempo was down a notch or two, the band wonderfully captured the solemn mood of this song by reverently keeping a steady rhythm to compliment Ben's vocals. Ending this performance acoustically with Loving You Is Easy (also off current albun featuring the improvised third verse about bears), the crowd was left wanting more. SouthSide highly recommends checking out Ben's Dance With Me Baby and Moving Backwards song videos on YouTube as well as snagging a copy or two (Ben will suggest purchasing two) of his current release Into The Morning. However, this reviewer suggests seeing this singer/songwriter live on stage to personally feel that fun energy yourself. Visit http://www.benrectormusic.com or http://www.myspace.com/benrector for tour details and other information.
Since the night was still rather young, SouthSide visited her good friends at Elbo Room to see and hear what's rockin' the acoustic and basement lounges. She highly recommends checking out this lively court of musicians known as The Jesters at their next performance. Dressed in their finest roaring 20s wear (for this particular appearance), this band rocked out the packed basement lounge with music that vibrantly popped and energetically spontaneous from a combination of Alternative/Soul/Ska/R&B/more, blogspot readers. The "more" came from The Jesters' liveliest horn section which totally brought hot funky danceable rhythms in reminiscent of big band swing throughout the set. And leading this lively court of musicians was their prettily dolled up femme fatale who impressed this reviewer with her dynamically powerful vocals. She truly had the stage and crowd feeling the fiery momentum of her voice especially during Shame On Me. Blogspot readers, expect a full review of this rockin' band in the near future but in the meantime visit http://www.jestersonline.com for more details about The Jesters.
Meanwhile upstairs, instrumental guitarist Dave Hiltebrand electrified Elbo Room's upstairs lounge with a unique performance featuring acoustic variations of a select list of popular songs done on the electric guitar. SouthSide enjoyed how this musician passionately infused his own spin to familiar rock songs like Tom Petty's Free Fallin' and Bruce Hornsby's The Way It Is during his double set appearance. Dave rocked the stage with cool electric (sometimes with a steel or slide guitar riff feel) in a downtempo pace highlighting the beauty of the originator's composition with such grace and style. On the flipside, this musician performed under a cloud of vibrantly popping with some sweet Stax rhythms and soulful riffs especially during his rendition of American Woman. Then there was a moment when he made the guitar wail tenderly yet mournfully during Dave's cover of Eric Clapton's Can't Find My Way Home - best version SouthSide has heard so far. This reviewer highly recommends catching this instrumental artist, Dave Hiltebrand, at his next scheduled performance. Visit http://www.myspace.com/davehiltebrand for more details about him and his music.
Back downstairs, Apache Stone thrilled the crowded basement lounge with a thundering blast of guitar riffs and energetically popping rock music. Its front man, Michael (of FX's Rescue Me) strutted around the stage flaunting a sexy band image to the adoring screams of fans while pouring some heart and soul into the lyrically poetic words. However, Apache Stone, blogspot readers, was musically flat when it came to generating any crowd interest and/or excitement (unless it was a die-hard fan) as well as vocally flat due to Michael's vocals (in which SouthSide's discounting the fact his voice sounded a bit hoarse from her opinion) ...there wasn't much umph or dynamic power to really have her ears "feeling" the words. Collectively, the entire band (in SouthSide's opinion) was trying to do so much at the same time during Apache's performance which left no room for the music to take center stage even though it did thrill this reviewer with hardcore rhythms and melodies. Though Apache Stone rocked out the stage, the band really didn't rock out its audience. Visit http://www.apachestonemusic or http://www.myspace.com/apachestonemusic for more tour details and more.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
Friday, April 1, 2011
31 Mar 11
Hey, blogspot readers, ready to shake your groove thang this weekend? Capping off her own March madness around town, SouthSide returned to the local scene hanging out at Double Door. This popular Wicker Park venue toned down its rock side a little for something more neo and fusion-like and/or soulfully funky. Tonight's lineup featured such performances by Kick The Record, Anna Soltys & The Familiar, and her good friend, Aryk Crowder (with his "new" band) with Origin Of Animal opening.
To be honest, blogspot readers, SouthSide has mixed reactions after observing Origin Of Animal's set. On the one hand, she enjoyed the organic symphonic/neo-jazz/rock fusion ...that part was very easily understandable and appealed to her ears. However, on the other hand, this reviewer had a confusing time comprehending the (loud) clips and staccatos meshed everywhere ...which were very overpowering and off balance when suddenly (after 3 minutes) Origin's opening song went into mass confusion. SouthSide doesn't know if that what the composer(s) intended the piece to sound but in her best opinion, not everyone was performing on the same scripted measure (either lagging behind or moving faster than the others). On the plus to this band, she did enjoy one particular song which featured less rock (off the guitar and bass) and more of Origin's Neo-Soul/Jazz fusion - this song (highlight of the entire performance) completely popped with vibrant music with lively melodies and danceable rhythms. The rest of this set was a muddled mass of fusions clammoring against each other to rock out the stage (instead of cohesively unifying as one band) as well as straining to be heard above each other. Though there were moments in which Origin's music was performed passionately ...vividly, its confusion within the epically sounding compositions was a major turnoff for this reviewer. Visit Origin Of Animal at http://www.myspace.com/originofanimal.
It has been a long time since SouthSide last saw this singer/songwriter perform on stage and with a band. Tonight, her good friend, Aryk (pronounced "Eric") Crowder returned to the stage with a livelier, energetic sound of Neo-Soul/R&B/Funk fusion (than his earlier lo/fi pioneer band incarnation) and soulfully vibrant falsetto vocals. Though his performance had the look and feel like his former band, this reviewer noticed how he gradually distanced himself from its shadows by adding more melodic rhythms (off the keyboard/piano) into his music. Hearing old lo/fi favorites (i.e. Roses - SouthSide's personal favorite) had more depth as well as menaing behind the new soulful sound. She literally felt the heartfelt emotions from the lyrics while Aryk sang with the band slowly adding the rhythms to compliment his solo opening thus really bringing it down to a "Steppers" groove. Compared to its original version, this reviewer enjoyed this live version of Roeses better, blogspt readers. And this wasn't the only example in which Aryk and the band rocked the stage. She certainly felt their Fire during this excellent rockin' funk cover of the Jimi Hendrix song - plenty of fiery momentum within in the intro that had the audience instantly groovin' to this version's downtempo pace yet still feeling that psychedelic/rock energy in Aryk's vocals and band's music. This cover did feature a female vocalist (Anna of Anna Soltys & The Familiar) to help with backing vocals however she was difficult to hear over the fiery blast of funk music. SouthSide also recommends listening to By the Way You Dance (live version featured some of Stevie Wonder's Superstition at the middle of the instrumental bridge) and Into the Groove (with the addition of piano/keys in this song - livelier dance groove and soulful than its original version). This reviewer highly recommends grooving to Aryk's new song, More Than Ordinary which closed out his performance with a funk/soul bang. Fans seeking music with a 70s retro feel of soulful R&B sound and vocals yet in a modern vibe should definitely check out Aryk Crowder and his band. He will be performing soon in Wisconsin and Kentucky later in April. Visit him at http://www.myspace.com/arykcrowder or http://www.arykcrowder.com for more details.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
To be honest, blogspot readers, SouthSide has mixed reactions after observing Origin Of Animal's set. On the one hand, she enjoyed the organic symphonic/neo-jazz/rock fusion ...that part was very easily understandable and appealed to her ears. However, on the other hand, this reviewer had a confusing time comprehending the (loud) clips and staccatos meshed everywhere ...which were very overpowering and off balance when suddenly (after 3 minutes) Origin's opening song went into mass confusion. SouthSide doesn't know if that what the composer(s) intended the piece to sound but in her best opinion, not everyone was performing on the same scripted measure (either lagging behind or moving faster than the others). On the plus to this band, she did enjoy one particular song which featured less rock (off the guitar and bass) and more of Origin's Neo-Soul/Jazz fusion - this song (highlight of the entire performance) completely popped with vibrant music with lively melodies and danceable rhythms. The rest of this set was a muddled mass of fusions clammoring against each other to rock out the stage (instead of cohesively unifying as one band) as well as straining to be heard above each other. Though there were moments in which Origin's music was performed passionately ...vividly, its confusion within the epically sounding compositions was a major turnoff for this reviewer. Visit Origin Of Animal at http://www.myspace.com/originofanimal.
It has been a long time since SouthSide last saw this singer/songwriter perform on stage and with a band. Tonight, her good friend, Aryk (pronounced "Eric") Crowder returned to the stage with a livelier, energetic sound of Neo-Soul/R&B/Funk fusion (than his earlier lo/fi pioneer band incarnation) and soulfully vibrant falsetto vocals. Though his performance had the look and feel like his former band, this reviewer noticed how he gradually distanced himself from its shadows by adding more melodic rhythms (off the keyboard/piano) into his music. Hearing old lo/fi favorites (i.e. Roses - SouthSide's personal favorite) had more depth as well as menaing behind the new soulful sound. She literally felt the heartfelt emotions from the lyrics while Aryk sang with the band slowly adding the rhythms to compliment his solo opening thus really bringing it down to a "Steppers" groove. Compared to its original version, this reviewer enjoyed this live version of Roeses better, blogspt readers. And this wasn't the only example in which Aryk and the band rocked the stage. She certainly felt their Fire during this excellent rockin' funk cover of the Jimi Hendrix song - plenty of fiery momentum within in the intro that had the audience instantly groovin' to this version's downtempo pace yet still feeling that psychedelic/rock energy in Aryk's vocals and band's music. This cover did feature a female vocalist (Anna of Anna Soltys & The Familiar) to help with backing vocals however she was difficult to hear over the fiery blast of funk music. SouthSide also recommends listening to By the Way You Dance (live version featured some of Stevie Wonder's Superstition at the middle of the instrumental bridge) and Into the Groove (with the addition of piano/keys in this song - livelier dance groove and soulful than its original version). This reviewer highly recommends grooving to Aryk's new song, More Than Ordinary which closed out his performance with a funk/soul bang. Fans seeking music with a 70s retro feel of soulful R&B sound and vocals yet in a modern vibe should definitely check out Aryk Crowder and his band. He will be performing soon in Wisconsin and Kentucky later in April. Visit him at http://www.myspace.com/arykcrowder or http://www.arykcrowder.com for more details.
Until next time, support your local scene,
SouthSide
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