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

SOLID GOLD

My father has a saying – “If a woman wears a strong perfume, she’s probably trying to cover something up.” I could make an analogy to bands that turn the volume up too much. The rules of band etiquette state that the opening bands should NEVER be louder than the main act, unless you are opening for Enya.

Solid Gold is a three piece (guitar, guitar, and bass) who 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 pseudo-disco.

The band members were quite shy, and often did not face the audience. It is difficult to “not face the audience” from a thrust stage, especially when there is no drummer to stare at.  (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, because really, that’s all you’re giving us to look at.)

The songs were good, and the members of Solid Gold are all quite talented, but the songs got boring/repetitive after a bit, they really need to have the rhythm pattern broken up. There is a reason for the bridge in a song.

With less volume, more variety, and a human drummer, Solid Gold would do well.

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

Last night, the Minnesota Independent Filmmaker Project held a presentation at Bryant Lake Bowl. For those who don’t know about the IFP, here’s some info from their website:

The goal of IFP Minnesota’s programs is to facilitate interaction between the creative, technical and business aspects of filmmaking and photography. The organization does this through targeted programs that aid in the professional development of its members, supports individual projects, teaches both new technology and classic mediums, cultivates audiences for independent media, and provides outreach to communities and individuals new to media making. The IFP Minnesota Center for Media Arts continues to serve as a destination for those seeking to develop, nurture and embrace independent thinking and expression.

IFP presentations consist of showing short films, then holding a Q&A session with the filmmakers, where both the host and the audience ask the filmmakers questions. Its a great opportunity to network with others in the field of film-making, and to get some tips and ideas for your own projects.

Josh and Sarah’s video “Cope” was shown, and Sarah fielded questions about the film.  “Cope” is a short film which explores OCD (Obsessive/Compulsive Disorder) Josh was diagnosed with OCD and came up with a script which really shows how someone with OCD operates on a day-to-day basis. The main character in Cope is afflicted with OCD, and we get to see how he interacts with a new love interest.  Josh and Sarah filmed “Cope” themselves with volunteer help.

“Cope” is a great video, well received by the IFP audience, and Josh and Sarah should be proud. I hope to see more projects from them in the future.

Driving home from the BLB, Xtna and I ran into some fantastic stormage.  There was no rain, but the lightning was spectacular! Made me wish I had a videocamera to capture it…

Blog on,
-CZ

You might have heard me rave about Revolver Modele before, you can check out some sounds on their website, but better yet, show up to see them live: 1 Oct 2005 at the Turf Club, St Paul MN. They put on a Fantastic live show.

Also check out the video for ‘Les Diaboliques’ in which Xtina and Myself cameo, and possibly the only video you will see of me wearing White. (Tis True.)

-C

The official press release:

The long awaited debut full length from Revolver Modele has arrived. All new recordings that are more energetic/danceable than previous tracks if you can imagine that. Produced/Recorded and Mixed by Brad Kern primarily at Third Ear.

Join us Oct 10th at Oak Street Cinema in Mpls 5pm for the screening of Spectrum MN Sountracks Vol. 3 DVD – Sound Unseen Music Film Festival www.soundunseen.com  Revolver Modele’s video “Les Diaboliques” is on the DVD.

[2010 Update: Transmission has moved from Hexagon to Clubhouse Jager.]

Checked out Transmission last night at the Hexagon Bar. A decent place, although it wasn’t shaped like a Hexagon. Ran into local fashion “yes”, Miss Anna Lee. Revolver Modele opened, and as always a great show. The free parking and free cover for live music is a big plus. You won’t find awesome free music like this in LA or NY!

BTW: The host, DJ Jake Rudh spins audio coolness.

The headliner was Mark Mallman, who plays keyboards, is completely insane, and completely all-out-rock-and-roll showman. He actually stood on his own organ! Yikes! Imagine Billy Joel, Elton John, Meatloaf, and Ted Nugent combined. Just try. That’s right, you can’t imagine it, you have to see it. Check it out, he is in the middle of a seven straight day series of concerts at the Hexagon…

Blog on,
-CZ