If you missed this big festival or haven't heard of it then you either you've been living under a rock or you live nowhere near Athens, GA (and if that's so why are you reading this blog). Unfortunately I wasn't able to go out Thursday night, so I didn't see any bands from that night. But I was able to see an impressive list over the next two days. Big crowds, the hot weather and rampant commercialism don't really appeal to me so other than Friday and Saturday's headlining acts I didn't see any of the mainstage bands. Okay. I did see a few minutes of Bain Mattox and the Sleepy Horses on Saturday, but other than to say that I wasn't impressed with either I don't have anything to say.
To begin with- first impressions of and a list of the bands I saw the last two nights.
The first band I saw was Friday's headlining act, Perpetual Groove. This much hyped jam band was not quite as impressive as you might be led to believe, but they still managed to entertain a large varied crowd. They certainly weren't bad, they just weren't as technically proficient as I would have expected. I wished I was watching a different act, like Phish, or Widespread Panic, or the Dead. But of course most of these bands are defunct or too large to play in Athens. I mean, take a look at what happened when Widespread played in here in their hometown almost 10 years ago. Anyway, my point is there a neat little jam band and jam bands are a real crowd draw, but they don't live up to the hype.
Next I headed over to Caldonia to see Nutria. This band wasn't originally on my list, but I had nothing to do between Perpetual Groove and Venice is Sinking, who I really wanted to check since I saw some of last years set on YouTube. Plus I wanted to see the band after them, Modern Skirts, because a friend of mine works for them as an intern and I had heard good things about them. When I got there Nutria looked and sounded a little familiar but I wasn't sure why (it turned out I had seen and reviewed them almost two years ago at the Caldonia). Nutria is an amazing hard rock band with some pop influences. Certainly not bubble-gum pop, but like many Athens bands a little more talented and melodic than other contemporary bands. I'm not going to get into a full review here, but they rocked. And they covered a Perpetual Groove song that was so much better then when I heard them play it a few moments before.
I stuck around for the next act, Push!, a pop- rock band reminiscent of the 80's (although I got the impression that the lead singer may have been just barely old enough to remember the 80s'). At first they were quite impressive, with strong vocals from the female lead singer. It was also very danceable, which was fun. There was even a cute couple widely dancing in the front. But after a while it just became repetitive, so I left.
I tried to get into Little Kings to see Venice is Sinking and whoever was before them, but it was packed and they weren't letting people in. Something about the fire marshall. Those pesky authorities. So, I walked around for a while and ended up at Tasty World, just in time to catch the tail end of the Leavers set. I only heard 2 or 3 songs but from what I did here, they were a good solid hard rock band that had a rock/spoken word feel. They were good and differnt. I would like to hear more from these guys.
I tried Little Kings again hoping that people might be leaving as the set was ending. No such luck, but I did find out that because they were playing outside on the patio, there were people standing on the sidewalk and in the street listening. So I joined them. I got there in time to hear the tail end of Venice is Sinking's set. They are an amazing 5 piece pop-rock band featuring male and female vocals and a violin, and well worth listening too.
Modern Skirts was the last band of the night and considering all the hype I was expecting nothing but greatness. And I was not disappointed in the least. The Modern Skirts are the Athens version of bubble-gum pop. And this is not a band thing because what it means is talented musicians who play danceable rock. In the Modern Skirts case this included a dynamic keyboarder. The other great thing about this band was there showmanship. They played to everyone including up out on the street, even dedicating their final song, a cover of Biz Marke's "You Say He's Just a Friend." I didn't know the song (I had to look it up later), but still the energy was amazing and I couldn't resist singing along. I wish I had more space because I could write pages about them, but just know they were amazing and can't be missed.
Athfest was amazing and I have more to say about Saturday night, but I will save that for a later post.
Showing posts with label bands. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bands. Show all posts
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Friday, December 15, 2006
Farm 255
This downtown restaurant located next to Clocked, is devoted to organic locally grown foods. It also hosts a number of musical acts during the week and on weekends. It is definitely one of the more upscale restaurants in town, but from what I can tell, it is definitely worth the price. The menu changes frequently because it relies on what is currently available so you never know what you may end up finding. One drawback I found (besides the price) was that they didn't have very many vegetarian options. You would think that being an organic place they would want to cater more to this type of crowd, but apparently they did not.
They also have a large bar, where they serve everything from the most exotic wines and liquors to the cheapest beers. After 11 on the weekends, they stop serving food and bring in different bands and musicians that you can see for free. When I went friday night Gabriel Kelley was playing. I have reviewed them before, and other than saying that they were excellent, I don't have a lot to say about that. I would like to say that it's nice to see how they've grown over the years, particularly the front man, Gabe. One of my earliest memories of Gabe was him at our house at one of our infamous middle school parties (they were awful) attempting to teach my brother a few chords (he was awful and still is) but Gabe was pretty good for a 14 year old kid.
The atmosphere was pretty nice. It was still pretty casual despite the upscale menu. The setup was nice for a band with plenty of chairs and tables and a well stocked bar. The acoustics were excellent as well. Not only were we able to hear them with a minimum of effort, despite the occasionally loud crowd, but well talking to the band they mentioned that this was one of the few venues in which they were able to hear each other.
The Farm is a great place to take a date or your parents for some excellent food or some great music. If you're earth/health conscious or just bohemian chic and you're looking to impresses the Farm is the place to be for great food, great music, great drinks, and a good time.
They also have a large bar, where they serve everything from the most exotic wines and liquors to the cheapest beers. After 11 on the weekends, they stop serving food and bring in different bands and musicians that you can see for free. When I went friday night Gabriel Kelley was playing. I have reviewed them before, and other than saying that they were excellent, I don't have a lot to say about that. I would like to say that it's nice to see how they've grown over the years, particularly the front man, Gabe. One of my earliest memories of Gabe was him at our house at one of our infamous middle school parties (they were awful) attempting to teach my brother a few chords (he was awful and still is) but Gabe was pretty good for a 14 year old kid.
The atmosphere was pretty nice. It was still pretty casual despite the upscale menu. The setup was nice for a band with plenty of chairs and tables and a well stocked bar. The acoustics were excellent as well. Not only were we able to hear them with a minimum of effort, despite the occasionally loud crowd, but well talking to the band they mentioned that this was one of the few venues in which they were able to hear each other.
The Farm is a great place to take a date or your parents for some excellent food or some great music. If you're earth/health conscious or just bohemian chic and you're looking to impresses the Farm is the place to be for great food, great music, great drinks, and a good time.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Caldonia Lounge (November, 17th 2006)
While local favorite Now It's Overhead was obviously the highlight of the nights show, the two opening acts were very entertaining as well. They Sang as They Slew, the opening band was my second favorite of the night. The second opening band, Psychic Hearts, put on an impressive show as well.
They Sang as They Slew is a Christian punk/indie rock band from Taccoa, Ga. Normally I'm not impressed by Christian acts at all. They have a tendency to either pay too much attention to their message and none to the music (thereby alienating the fans they might otherwise reach out to) or ignore the message and focus on the music, making them Christian in name only. TSATS did neither. While I honestly didn't even know that they were a Christian band until after they show while looking at their myspace page upon a closer listening to their lyrics I can hear the connection.
TSATS, put on an impressive show for four guys from Taccoa. They rocked hard leaving everyone satisfied. Although they didn't exactly make us hunger for more, they didn't leave us exactly malnourished either. The only complaint I had was that they could have possibly used a better singer, especially considering the level of technical difficulty (vocally) on some of the songs. Maybe he was just having an off day.
Psychic Hearts was also a very talented band, although not nearly as loud or fast. They seemed to fall more into the seemingly supersatured market of emo bands that don't like you. Considering the fact that both radio stations like 99x and 105.3 as well as TV's the Fuse are over saturated with bands like these (Fallout Boy, Ok Go, Jet), the 45 minutes it took them to set up was not worth the wait. The only thing that kept me from leaving was knowing that Now It's Overhead was next, even just to see if they lived up to all the hype.
That said there were two things that made this band worth while. The keyboardist was a chick. As sexist or whatever that may sound, this was important to me for several reasons. First of all as a female vocalist, there just aren't that many other female rockers and its always nice to see one. Think about it, other than Courtney Love (Hole) who nobody takes seriously, Gwen Stefani (No Doubt) and those chicks from Garbage (What were their names? I know, but do you?), how many can you think of? Plus the show was visually exciting. Not only did the have some interesting lighting which gave the impression of a strobe light, their wild jerking movements added to the effect (trust me, this was good thing).
Now it's Overhead was definitely worth waiting for. They had just gotten back from a somewhat lengthy tour and it was the first show they had played on their home turf in some time. This is a band that certainly translates well when it comes to recordings, but of course is much better seen live. The set was both pleasing to the ears and mesmerizing visually. I remember watching Andy LeMaster roll his sleeves up every time he put his guitar down to sing and rolling them back down again when he picked his guitar back up. While this was obviously not an important element it says something of his showmanship in the way he made it a part of their show. Above all if you have not seem them live I encourage you to check out Now It's Overhead or at least check out some of their songs at their website or myspace page. And if you like maybe even buy an album, or two.
They Sang as They Slew is a Christian punk/indie rock band from Taccoa, Ga. Normally I'm not impressed by Christian acts at all. They have a tendency to either pay too much attention to their message and none to the music (thereby alienating the fans they might otherwise reach out to) or ignore the message and focus on the music, making them Christian in name only. TSATS did neither. While I honestly didn't even know that they were a Christian band until after they show while looking at their myspace page upon a closer listening to their lyrics I can hear the connection.
TSATS, put on an impressive show for four guys from Taccoa. They rocked hard leaving everyone satisfied. Although they didn't exactly make us hunger for more, they didn't leave us exactly malnourished either. The only complaint I had was that they could have possibly used a better singer, especially considering the level of technical difficulty (vocally) on some of the songs. Maybe he was just having an off day.
Psychic Hearts was also a very talented band, although not nearly as loud or fast. They seemed to fall more into the seemingly supersatured market of emo bands that don't like you. Considering the fact that both radio stations like 99x and 105.3 as well as TV's the Fuse are over saturated with bands like these (Fallout Boy, Ok Go, Jet), the 45 minutes it took them to set up was not worth the wait. The only thing that kept me from leaving was knowing that Now It's Overhead was next, even just to see if they lived up to all the hype.
That said there were two things that made this band worth while. The keyboardist was a chick. As sexist or whatever that may sound, this was important to me for several reasons. First of all as a female vocalist, there just aren't that many other female rockers and its always nice to see one. Think about it, other than Courtney Love (Hole) who nobody takes seriously, Gwen Stefani (No Doubt) and those chicks from Garbage (What were their names? I know, but do you?), how many can you think of? Plus the show was visually exciting. Not only did the have some interesting lighting which gave the impression of a strobe light, their wild jerking movements added to the effect (trust me, this was good thing).
Now it's Overhead was definitely worth waiting for. They had just gotten back from a somewhat lengthy tour and it was the first show they had played on their home turf in some time. This is a band that certainly translates well when it comes to recordings, but of course is much better seen live. The set was both pleasing to the ears and mesmerizing visually. I remember watching Andy LeMaster roll his sleeves up every time he put his guitar down to sing and rolling them back down again when he picked his guitar back up. While this was obviously not an important element it says something of his showmanship in the way he made it a part of their show. Above all if you have not seem them live I encourage you to check out Now It's Overhead or at least check out some of their songs at their website or myspace page. And if you like maybe even buy an album, or two.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Saving Grace (and Gabriel Kelley)
Saving Grace is the name of a very good gourmet restaurant in Comer, GA (yes they have a restruant in Comer!!!). It also the name of a song by a very good and very promising local act currently going by the name of Gabriel Kelley. Members of Gabriel Kelley frequently play acoustic sets at the restaurant. I don't know if this was planned or some kind of happy accident. I do know that the song has been around longer than the restaurant, so the band did not name the song after it.
Saving Grace is a fairly new restaurant. I belive it opened sometime this past summer. They do not have an alcohol liscense yet, but you may bring in your own beer or wine. They have an excellent menu featuring fresh produce which I have been told comes mostly from the Comer Farmers Market (located next door). They serve a veriety of food including a vegitarian fare at reasonable prices ($8-15). They also serve coffee and excellent desserts. I had the spinach lasagne and the green beans, both were excellently prepared using fresh ingredents and just the right spices. The only complaint I had was that they did not serve bread, but the food was so good I did not miss it. As I mentioned they also serve coffee and excellent desserts. I had a carmel cake which may now be my new favorite. It was indescribably deliscious, especially with coffee.
Gabriel Kelley played two acoustic sets while we enjoyed our meal. I have to say I've enjoyed watching Gabe and his sound mature over the years. We got a special treat as Gabe's mom joined them on her mandolin at the beginging of the first set in the cover of a folk song. As you may or may not know Gabe got his start a young age playing at picking parties and the Hoot with the Athens Folk Music and Dance Society. They also played several originals, including the aformentioned "Saving Grace" "Daisies" and "Breathe". They bill them selves as a country/folk/pop group but I encourage you to decide for yourself how to catagorize them. Or you could forget about labels and listen to them either at thier website or (the better choice) live.
Gabriel Kelley will be playing two shows in the athens area next week. Tuesday night (October 17th) they will be at the Mercury Lounge and Thursday (October 19th) they will be the opening act at the Flicker Theater and Bar. I am interested in finding out what they sound like as a full band and plan on checking them out.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Salsa Night at the Ritz
I seemed to have stumbled upon a whole underground scene of dancing in this town. Every Wednesday night, the Ritz, a club I have previously not been to, has salsa lessons starting at 9pm followed by a night of dancing. It's pretty cheap, as the cover is only $3. You can look it up here in the flagpole.
The crowd is pretty diverse. There was a nice range of ages and social types. The event doesn't seem to attract any particular kind of crowd, except one that likes dancing. Many of the people there have little or no experience, but there was also a nice group of people taking the advanced lessons, who seemed to really know what they were doing. Some of them were quite impressive. What really surprised me was how many guys were there. I don't know if they were dragged by their girlfriends/wives or if there is just a large crowd of guys who like to dance, but either way it surprised me.
The club was a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. The bar is at the front. I don't know about the prices, but when they were club 386 they were pretty high, but I've been told they have changed since then. They have a dj that plays pretty much just salsa music, so if you don't like that kind of music you probably won't enjoy it.
A lot of people left their purses and drinks on the counters and tables during the lessons, which surprised me, but I didn't here about anyone's stuff getting stolen or anything so it seemed like a pretty safe crowd. Not particularly friendly, as most people stuck to themselves and their friends (pretty typical of the bar scene here). But I did get asked to dance by a few people I didn't know, and so did the friend I was with.
If you enjoy salsa or you just want to try something new and have a good time with your friends, come down to the Ritz on Wednesday nights and salsa, salsa, salsa.
The crowd is pretty diverse. There was a nice range of ages and social types. The event doesn't seem to attract any particular kind of crowd, except one that likes dancing. Many of the people there have little or no experience, but there was also a nice group of people taking the advanced lessons, who seemed to really know what they were doing. Some of them were quite impressive. What really surprised me was how many guys were there. I don't know if they were dragged by their girlfriends/wives or if there is just a large crowd of guys who like to dance, but either way it surprised me.
The club was a lot bigger than it looks from the outside. The bar is at the front. I don't know about the prices, but when they were club 386 they were pretty high, but I've been told they have changed since then. They have a dj that plays pretty much just salsa music, so if you don't like that kind of music you probably won't enjoy it.
A lot of people left their purses and drinks on the counters and tables during the lessons, which surprised me, but I didn't here about anyone's stuff getting stolen or anything so it seemed like a pretty safe crowd. Not particularly friendly, as most people stuck to themselves and their friends (pretty typical of the bar scene here). But I did get asked to dance by a few people I didn't know, and so did the friend I was with.
If you enjoy salsa or you just want to try something new and have a good time with your friends, come down to the Ritz on Wednesday nights and salsa, salsa, salsa.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
UGA Ballroom Dancing Swing Night
Every Tuesday night the UGA Swing club holds a swing dancing night in the upstairs ballroom of Memorial Hall. As soon as I got to the building I could tell something was going on because I could hear the music.
It's helpful to have some idea of what your doing, but they are open and welcoming to anyone. Many of the guys (and some of the girls) are perfectly willing to teach beginners. Last night there were about 20-30 people there, so it was a fairly large crowd. The event is open to both UGA students and non-UGA students, but most of the people there are in their early to mid 20's. The event is free but they accept donations.
I was really impressed with the talent of some of the people there. I had never tried swing dancing before and quickly realized how much harder it is than it looks. It's not something you can pick up quickly unlike square dancing or contra dancing or the waltz.
There was a wide veriety of music, including tradtional swing music, but also things like Outkast and the B-52's, which was very interesting. One of the things I found the most difficult was that because of the wide veriety of varations on the steps, every time I had one down the song would end and I'd end up learning a differnt dance from a differnt guy (some of whom were good teachers and some who were not). There were actually quite a few beginners there. All in all its a good thing and if you like swing dancing or are up for something new I suggest you check it out.
It's helpful to have some idea of what your doing, but they are open and welcoming to anyone. Many of the guys (and some of the girls) are perfectly willing to teach beginners. Last night there were about 20-30 people there, so it was a fairly large crowd. The event is open to both UGA students and non-UGA students, but most of the people there are in their early to mid 20's. The event is free but they accept donations.
I was really impressed with the talent of some of the people there. I had never tried swing dancing before and quickly realized how much harder it is than it looks. It's not something you can pick up quickly unlike square dancing or contra dancing or the waltz.
There was a wide veriety of music, including tradtional swing music, but also things like Outkast and the B-52's, which was very interesting. One of the things I found the most difficult was that because of the wide veriety of varations on the steps, every time I had one down the song would end and I'd end up learning a differnt dance from a differnt guy (some of whom were good teachers and some who were not). There were actually quite a few beginners there. All in all its a good thing and if you like swing dancing or are up for something new I suggest you check it out.
Saturday, July 9, 2005
Vineyard Live
Vineyard live is a local open mike night sponsored by the Athens Vineyard, a member of grassroots nationwide church. It's a nice little informal thing. In fact although we were told to be there at 8, the event didn't get started until closer to 9:30. One of the nice things about this event is that it is really open to people not associated with the church. I don't know what their purpose is other than to have fun and promote live music, but it is worth checking out.
Last night they had a number of performers. The two that were the most notable were Eben Mallory and the yet to be named Gabe Zorbanos project (of Gabriel Young) currently going by the name Someday.
Eden Mallory was the first act, and I was really impressed by what this guy had to offer. He is a very talented young singer/songwriter who plays both the guitar and the piano. One of the things that impressed me the most about this guy besides his style and technical proficiency was his songwriting. Both lyrically and musically he was excellent. I also thought he had a good voice, but he strained a bit more than was probably necessary, which made him go a bit flat, which gave me the indication he learned how to sing on his own. You can judge for yourself at his myspace site here. One of the other things I liked about his music was how he would alternate between singing and speaking. He is playing at tasty world later today and cups coffee cafe on the 23rd.
Last night they had a number of performers. The two that were the most notable were Eben Mallory and the yet to be named Gabe Zorbanos project (of Gabriel Young) currently going by the name Someday.
Eden Mallory was the first act, and I was really impressed by what this guy had to offer. He is a very talented young singer/songwriter who plays both the guitar and the piano. One of the things that impressed me the most about this guy besides his style and technical proficiency was his songwriting. Both lyrically and musically he was excellent. I also thought he had a good voice, but he strained a bit more than was probably necessary, which made him go a bit flat, which gave me the indication he learned how to sing on his own. You can judge for yourself at his myspace site here. One of the other things I liked about his music was how he would alternate between singing and speaking. He is playing at tasty world later today and cups coffee cafe on the 23rd.
I've been following Gabe's music for a while now, and I have to say that it just keeps getting better. This time he's working with a full band Will Harrison on guitar and keyboard, Jess Billings , back up vocals, and last night they had a mouth harpist. They played some of the new material he's been writing including Slower (which I finally got to hear), Breathe, and Saving Grace. They are also working on recording an album which I will be sure to pick up when it comes out (tenatively late August). I don't have any further dates except tentatively the next vineyard live date (aug 19), and they don't have a website yet, but I will be sure to post an update when I get it.
Sunday, July 3, 2005
Caldonia Lounge July 2, 2005
The first band up was television buzz. TheFlagpole music directory lists them as "Post-punk, post-rock, post-office music" and I would have to say that that is a pretty acurate description. They are a three piece consisting of bass, guitar, and drums. There isn't much to be said for the singing as its pretty hard to hear and understand. They've been around two years or so and they have a rather nice tight sound. I would definately give them a second listen. You can also check out some of there music at myspace here
The next band has become what is probably my favorite local band. Nutria, who after scouring the web for them turned up nothing but thousands of references to a type of rodent. They have a track on the most recent AthFest comp so you can check that out as well. But they do actually have a website so check that out. The band is a four piece consisting of a drummer, bass, guitarist, and keyboardist. All four members sing, so they have some nice 3 and 4 part harmonies as well. They are a good tight modern rock band with a nice unique sound. This band formed recently after the breakup of their last band Possibilites. They have some nice well written songs and are totally worth checking out.
The last band , Hayride the headlining act, turned out to be kind of dissapointing. While I wouldn't go so far as to call them talentless hacks, they certainly weren't all that great. In any other town they might actually be considered quite good, but they just didn't have it together. They were the kind of band you have to be drunk to appreciate. There CD sounded much better, so maybe it was just last night's performance. Either way they didn't win any new fans last night.
The next band has become what is probably my favorite local band. Nutria, who after scouring the web for them turned up nothing but thousands of references to a type of rodent. They have a track on the most recent AthFest comp so you can check that out as well. But they do actually have a website so check that out. The band is a four piece consisting of a drummer, bass, guitarist, and keyboardist. All four members sing, so they have some nice 3 and 4 part harmonies as well. They are a good tight modern rock band with a nice unique sound. This band formed recently after the breakup of their last band Possibilites. They have some nice well written songs and are totally worth checking out.
The last band , Hayride the headlining act, turned out to be kind of dissapointing. While I wouldn't go so far as to call them talentless hacks, they certainly weren't all that great. In any other town they might actually be considered quite good, but they just didn't have it together. They were the kind of band you have to be drunk to appreciate. There CD sounded much better, so maybe it was just last night's performance. Either way they didn't win any new fans last night.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Gabriel Young's last show (for now)
Tasty World www.tastyworld.net June 11 2005
I wanted to say something really amazing about this show b/c Gabe (and Kalen) are such great singer/songwriters (if you happen to read this Gabe I'm sorry about the label), and I was looking forward to the show. But aside from the fact that I got to hear Gabe do some of his own songs Saturday's show was not all that spectacular. It was much to short and there were too many technical difficulties. But I really enjoyed it anyway, as did the rest of the audiance. The set was short. They began with a song off their album that I can't rember the name of. Then Kalen did a much changed version of Don't Wait on The Rain which I didn't particularly care for, Gabe did an amazing song called Saving Grace, Kalen did another song -it was a new love song, Gabe attempted a song-amazing song called Slow. They ended with-actually I belive they ended with Don't wait on the Rain. I don't belive they played that song twice so I don't know what Kalen played.
In case you are interested Kalen has his own website and has his own CD. I heard it and did not like it because it was too produced. But if he likes it and other people like it, fine. People are entitled to thier own wrong opinions.
I don't know what they are going to do when Gabe gets back from Honduras. I could have asked Gabe what he thought, but this is one of those rare times when I don' t want to know, mostly because I don't want to have any input in that.
I really enjoyed listening to them. Over the last year that I've been following them they have changed a lot. And I like it. But there are things I don't like. I'd like to hear more of Gabe by himself. But Kalen is talented too, and they do seem to work pretty well together, although I'm not sure that they are going in the same direction musically. I have to say that I was really impressed by the fact that Kalen kept going even after he broke a string. I thought that was really professional in a "the show must go on" kind of way.
If you haven't already check out their website at http://www.gabrielyoung.com
The opening acts were worth checking out as well, in particular the girl Larissa Delorenzo. http://www.larissadelorenzo.com/ She had some good stuff. I would compare her to a cross between Jewel and maybe that singer from the sixties that died of a drug overdose. She's a chick with a guitar, but she's not just a chick with a guitar. I was particularly impressed with one song that was called Richford or something. It was the name of her home town. Anyway it was cool.
Darien Cunning http://www.dariancunning.com/ was up next. He was o.k. Unfortunately he had taped a lot of what he was doing and most of it was not live. I did not like that.
I wanted to say something really amazing about this show b/c Gabe (and Kalen) are such great singer/songwriters (if you happen to read this Gabe I'm sorry about the label), and I was looking forward to the show. But aside from the fact that I got to hear Gabe do some of his own songs Saturday's show was not all that spectacular. It was much to short and there were too many technical difficulties. But I really enjoyed it anyway, as did the rest of the audiance. The set was short. They began with a song off their album that I can't rember the name of. Then Kalen did a much changed version of Don't Wait on The Rain which I didn't particularly care for, Gabe did an amazing song called Saving Grace, Kalen did another song -it was a new love song, Gabe attempted a song-amazing song called Slow. They ended with-actually I belive they ended with Don't wait on the Rain. I don't belive they played that song twice so I don't know what Kalen played.
In case you are interested Kalen has his own website and has his own CD. I heard it and did not like it because it was too produced. But if he likes it and other people like it, fine. People are entitled to thier own wrong opinions.
I don't know what they are going to do when Gabe gets back from Honduras. I could have asked Gabe what he thought, but this is one of those rare times when I don' t want to know, mostly because I don't want to have any input in that.
I really enjoyed listening to them. Over the last year that I've been following them they have changed a lot. And I like it. But there are things I don't like. I'd like to hear more of Gabe by himself. But Kalen is talented too, and they do seem to work pretty well together, although I'm not sure that they are going in the same direction musically. I have to say that I was really impressed by the fact that Kalen kept going even after he broke a string. I thought that was really professional in a "the show must go on" kind of way.
If you haven't already check out their website at http://www.gabrielyoung.com
The opening acts were worth checking out as well, in particular the girl Larissa Delorenzo. http://www.larissadelorenzo.com/ She had some good stuff. I would compare her to a cross between Jewel and maybe that singer from the sixties that died of a drug overdose. She's a chick with a guitar, but she's not just a chick with a guitar. I was particularly impressed with one song that was called Richford or something. It was the name of her home town. Anyway it was cool.
Darien Cunning http://www.dariancunning.com/ was up next. He was o.k. Unfortunately he had taped a lot of what he was doing and most of it was not live. I did not like that.
Wednesday, December 8, 2004
The Quick Fix Kills-Saint Something
"What the world needs now is a loud, underground post punk band." or is it "Like I need a whole in my head." I don't know, but either way The Quick Fix Kills is an excellent example of a talented post punk, screaming emo, garage rock, whatever you want to call them band, beggining to make their way in the world. Check them out at http://www.thequickfixkills.com. If they keep at it, with hard work, dedication, and a little radio play they may very well find there way as the next punk phenomenon. Right now there a band with a not too bad cd and a few good songs that I would like to see live sometime if they were in town. Of course I live in Athens where every night of the week I can see a good bad for under $10, so that actually says something. Liked the cd. Gave me the impression that it would be a good band to see live.
The Quick Fix Kills appears to be a band filled with talent musicians who got together and realized they had something but needed a singer and some lyrics. I image the conversation went something like this. "You know we sound good, but I don't think anyone's going to listen to a band that's purely instumental" "Your right. Hey, I know this guy who writes and reads poetry. He's pretty dramatic about it. I bet we could get him" Because that's what it sounds like. Yes, screaming emo isn't called screaming just for the fun of it, but the music and the "singing" sound almost comepletly independant. They're are times one they do come together, like "Pick Your Poison" which combined with the slower rythm and the wispers and wails make for an enrthraling sound.
I found this cd for less than a buck at the Habitat for Humanity Thriftstore (great organization, check them out http://www.habitat.org) so I consider it a great find. Even at $10 ($1 per song) its still a pretty great bargin. Like I said these guys are good muscians, and if you like loud fast music, with some veriety. I have to say that I was actually impressed. I've seen a lot of punk bands and listened to a lot of their cds and most of them were basically the same song over and over again, except with different lyrics. Which is great when your at a show, but why busy a cd. But even after a second listen I still enjoyed listening to The Quick Fix Kills- Saint Something.
The Quick Fix Kills appears to be a band filled with talent musicians who got together and realized they had something but needed a singer and some lyrics. I image the conversation went something like this. "You know we sound good, but I don't think anyone's going to listen to a band that's purely instumental" "Your right. Hey, I know this guy who writes and reads poetry. He's pretty dramatic about it. I bet we could get him" Because that's what it sounds like. Yes, screaming emo isn't called screaming just for the fun of it, but the music and the "singing" sound almost comepletly independant. They're are times one they do come together, like "Pick Your Poison" which combined with the slower rythm and the wispers and wails make for an enrthraling sound.
I found this cd for less than a buck at the Habitat for Humanity Thriftstore (great organization, check them out http://www.habitat.org) so I consider it a great find. Even at $10 ($1 per song) its still a pretty great bargin. Like I said these guys are good muscians, and if you like loud fast music, with some veriety. I have to say that I was actually impressed. I've seen a lot of punk bands and listened to a lot of their cds and most of them were basically the same song over and over again, except with different lyrics. Which is great when your at a show, but why busy a cd. But even after a second listen I still enjoyed listening to The Quick Fix Kills- Saint Something.
Friday, December 3, 2004
Gabrial Young Cd release party
Disclaimer: Although I have known Gabe for years through my brother, I never heard him play until June, so none of the appearant bias is due to any loyalty to Gabe.
This wasn't the first time I heard Gabrial Young, but I still continue to be impressed by there unique sound and talent. I don't really know how to descibe them except maybe as pop folk with some similarities to John Mayer, Josh Grogan, and Gavin Degraw.
It's obvious that Gabe Zobanos and Kaylen Nash still have some kinks to work out when it comes to there live shows and musical technique, but they still put on an impressive show. Or rather maybe its not so obvious that they have kinks to work out. The show tonite was in the Steny-Stoval chapel and althought it has seats like a regular auditorium its still my favorite venue in Athens just becuse of the acoustics. Like all venues in Athens ( save the Classic Center and a few churches) its nice and small as well. Gabrial Young's style tends more toward a smaller more intimate venue; I'm not really sure how much I would enjoy a show in a larger space. Gabe and Kalen have a tendancy to talk to the audiance which I like, except as the former high school classmate that I was with (whom we'll call Drew to protect the guilty) pointed out, "most of what Kalen says is really stupid", probably because he tends to get nervous. Gabe is usually pretty entertaining and the rapport between them is pretty good and should improve with time.
Musically they were pretty amazing. Gabe is known for his acousitc guitar playing abilities, but he played piano on a few numbers, as well as electric guitar. His voice was even featured on one song, something Drew and I both agreed should happen more often. Gabe doesn't seem to think he has a very good voice, but if I rember correctly he went to all-state choir in high school, something I was never able to do despite being well known for my singing.
Not that any of that really means anything.. but he certainly didn't make anyone's ears bleed.
They played all the crowd favorites including Sallie's song, Samoan, and Don't Wait on the Rain.Most of the songs they played are either on the album Sidewalks and Dirtroads (review coming) or were realeased online as part of a live concert, but there were a few new songs tonight as well. I don't remember the names of any of these, but one of them was the song that featured Gabe's voice. After a standing ovation Gabe and Kalen played an encore of an instumental that has become the standard way they end shows (DAGAD). And this is something I'm not real thrilled about. I seem to be the only one. It's nice and it shows off some of their technique, but it sounds like more of an exercise than a song. It also continues to build and build and build. And never get anywhere. I like it, I just wish they wouldn't end with it, because it's not my favorite.
I only have a few beefs with the concert, and these are mostly nit picky. Kalen is real good at kissing the mike, but Gabe seems almost afraid of it, to the point where no one can here him. The other thing which I mentioned before is that Kalen says some really stupid things or says things stupidly. Gabe occasionally does this, but he's better at making a joke out of it. Sometimes there's dead space while Gabe's tuning one of his guitar's . Not very often though. The other beef I have is that there is a particular song at a particular point in the chorus, where Kalen's voice cracks. I know it so well, I've come to expect it, and when I'm not paying attention I treat it like part of the song.
When all is said and done it was an awsome night and if you missed it I'm sorry. If you've never heard the boys I encourage you to check out their website at http://www.gabrielyoung.com . They've got an awsome fan friendly site, with lots more information than I could ever give. They're working hard for their dream and I'm sure they'll make it . I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to say I knew (at least Gabe) them then, and think it very exciting to hear them now, and I'm sure you will too.
This wasn't the first time I heard Gabrial Young, but I still continue to be impressed by there unique sound and talent. I don't really know how to descibe them except maybe as pop folk with some similarities to John Mayer, Josh Grogan, and Gavin Degraw.
It's obvious that Gabe Zobanos and Kaylen Nash still have some kinks to work out when it comes to there live shows and musical technique, but they still put on an impressive show. Or rather maybe its not so obvious that they have kinks to work out. The show tonite was in the Steny-Stoval chapel and althought it has seats like a regular auditorium its still my favorite venue in Athens just becuse of the acoustics. Like all venues in Athens ( save the Classic Center and a few churches) its nice and small as well. Gabrial Young's style tends more toward a smaller more intimate venue; I'm not really sure how much I would enjoy a show in a larger space. Gabe and Kalen have a tendancy to talk to the audiance which I like, except as the former high school classmate that I was with (whom we'll call Drew to protect the guilty) pointed out, "most of what Kalen says is really stupid", probably because he tends to get nervous. Gabe is usually pretty entertaining and the rapport between them is pretty good and should improve with time.
Musically they were pretty amazing. Gabe is known for his acousitc guitar playing abilities, but he played piano on a few numbers, as well as electric guitar. His voice was even featured on one song, something Drew and I both agreed should happen more often. Gabe doesn't seem to think he has a very good voice, but if I rember correctly he went to all-state choir in high school, something I was never able to do despite being well known for my singing.
Not that any of that really means anything.. but he certainly didn't make anyone's ears bleed.
They played all the crowd favorites including Sallie's song, Samoan, and Don't Wait on the Rain.Most of the songs they played are either on the album Sidewalks and Dirtroads (review coming) or were realeased online as part of a live concert, but there were a few new songs tonight as well. I don't remember the names of any of these, but one of them was the song that featured Gabe's voice. After a standing ovation Gabe and Kalen played an encore of an instumental that has become the standard way they end shows (DAGAD). And this is something I'm not real thrilled about. I seem to be the only one. It's nice and it shows off some of their technique, but it sounds like more of an exercise than a song. It also continues to build and build and build. And never get anywhere. I like it, I just wish they wouldn't end with it, because it's not my favorite.
I only have a few beefs with the concert, and these are mostly nit picky. Kalen is real good at kissing the mike, but Gabe seems almost afraid of it, to the point where no one can here him. The other thing which I mentioned before is that Kalen says some really stupid things or says things stupidly. Gabe occasionally does this, but he's better at making a joke out of it. Sometimes there's dead space while Gabe's tuning one of his guitar's . Not very often though. The other beef I have is that there is a particular song at a particular point in the chorus, where Kalen's voice cracks. I know it so well, I've come to expect it, and when I'm not paying attention I treat it like part of the song.
When all is said and done it was an awsome night and if you missed it I'm sorry. If you've never heard the boys I encourage you to check out their website at http://www.gabrielyoung.com . They've got an awsome fan friendly site, with lots more information than I could ever give. They're working hard for their dream and I'm sure they'll make it . I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to say I knew (at least Gabe) them then, and think it very exciting to hear them now, and I'm sure you will too.
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