As I warned, the Revolver Modele CD Release party was last Saturday night at the Turf Club. If you missed it, then I guess you missed it. Openings bands were Solid Gold and The Deaths.

SOLID GOLD - There is a prevailing theory that, "If it's too loud, then your'e too old" and I used to agree with that. But now that I'm old, I don't believe it anymore. (If you have ever seen Motorhead live, then you know what I'm talking about.) I have seen many bands cover up mediocrity with volume, and such is the case with Solid Gold's performance last Saturday. This three piece (guitar, guitar, and bass) play along to a drum loop (similar to the Melodious Owls) and pull off a decent sound of drinking/dancing music that would be well received at your wedding reception; a mix of boy-rock and disco that would have been much better if it were a little quieter. The rule of thumb is that the opening bands should NEVER be louder than the main act, unless you are opening for Enya. The band members were quite shy, and often did not face the audience. It is not easy to "not face the audience" from a thrust stage, and requires staring at the interesting blinking light panel behind them, since there is no drummer. (Fashion tip: If you are going to have your backside to the audience, and you are going to sag, make sure to wear clean and possibly even interesting underwear.) The songs were good, and they are all quite talented, but the songs got boring/repetitive after a bit, they really need to have the rhythm pattern broken up. Better yet, get a real drummer. I would like to see a band with a real drummer and a "Guitarist In A Box"...

THE DEATHS - More than once I have explained The Deaths music as "The Moody Blues as a Garage Band". These guys were more relaxed than Solid Gold, but seemed less focused, and their performance was not as tight as their the 2005 Voltage: Fashion Amplified show. I would expect more gloomy music from a band called The Deaths. As it is, their music is casual, and non-offensive. They could use a bit of energy on stage, or dancers or props... I missed some of the Deaths performance, as I was tracking down each Revolver Modele band member to get them to sign the CD.

REVOLVER MODELE - Flat out professional showmanship is the phrase I would use. These four are great, and they don't need much room to get their "stage antics" on. I love the contrast of the absolutely insane lead singer (Ehsan) and guitarist (Mikal) and the completely stoic drummer (Jesse) and bassist (Natasha, AKA: The Nun) While Revolver Modele lyrics are always drowned in syrup, it was truly impossible to make out a single word Ehsan said throughout the show, even when covering New Order's "Blue Monday". The mix could have used a touch of EQ to bring out the vocals. These guys really should be national acts. Their performance was awesome, but too short.

Blog on,
-CZ

Labels: Concert, Minneapolis Event, music, new release