Review: Abandon Kansas @ Studio Seven
Jan 27, 2010 Concerts
After Autumn Harvest‘s surprisingly popular set, the boys of Abandon Kansas took the stage. At first I was confused. Were these guys in the same band? The divergent range of styles made me think a couple of bands had suddenly merged while back stage. Let’s be honest, Abandon Kansas appears to be an eclectic band of musicians, each sporting a distinct look, ranging from midwest nerd to west coast dancing pop-star. Apparently, they were once an indie band, sporting the fitted t-shirted look. I guess things have changed.
As for their stage performance, it was the most interesting conglomeration of styles I’ve ever seen. I was excited to see the young, white Michael Jackson on guitar; I believe his dancing made my whole night a little more fun. The others seemed a bit awkward in their too-tight jeans; looking a little clumsy on stage rather than wild and fun. That said, the band put on a good performance; Abandon Kansas really put their best feet forward, seriously trying to give the audience not only great music but a great show as well. It was overall quite enjoyable.
Now, their music tells me they’re a “radio hit” band. The tunes are catchy and the sound quality is aesthetically pleasing. I have no complaints at all; As a matter of fact, their CD is in my car right now. It’s good music for the everyday commute.
Personally, if I had to guess, I’d say that both their stylistically confused members and radically diverse stage presence choices make an overall conclusion about Abandon Kansas a pretty easy call: This is a collection of friends who all share a love of the music. They may differ in certain tastes and preferences, but I believe that helps give the fans better quality music. It isn’t going to break any new ground or drive you into emotional contemplation, but if you’re in a good mood, it’ll make you smile (and maybe even move a little).
If you’re looking for more on Abandon Kansas, check out their Myspace or buy some merch (the CD’s are good).
Here are a couple of songs from that evening.
I Wonder If It’s Me
Minutes
Tags: Abandon Kansas, Christian, rock, studio 7, studio seven
Review: Children 18:3 @ Studio Seven
Jan 25, 2010 Concerts
What a strange night it was. Seeing how the night progressed, it looked like the local worship turned rock band, Autumn Harvest, was the main act. The kids were up front and ready to consume their awkward brand of preppie-rock. I’ll comment on that later.
So finally, after all the other acts, well after 10pm, Children 18:3 took the stage. So many people had gone home by then I was almost feeling embarrassed for Seattle. I’d had an opportunity to interact with the band before the show. As I’d expected, they were likable, friendly people with their hearts in the right place. That said, it was just a sad situation. However, to be completely honest, it’s not like Children 18:3 gets much radio play in the Puget Sound and they’re definitely not local … so I guess I kind of understand.
Anyways, as the videos will show, these guys (and girl) put on a show to remember. They knew their music, loved their music and embraced it with fervor. With grace and precision, David and LeeMarie kept up the action and excitement. Never was there a dull tune or filler song.
Now, would I regard Children 18:3 as the best stage performers I’ve seen on the Seattle small venue scene? Quite probably.
Seth seriously owned the drums. Those multi-colored, plaid boxes were bouncing like a carnival game. The rhythms were fast and flawless. Like a horseman driving his team, Seth controlled each drum to create a powerful, yet controlled, beat. He is an expert not easily matched among young bands in the genre.
David and LeeMarie showed no fear, hesitation or qualms about throwing themselves wholeheartedly into every song. Every twist and turn of melody or rhythm elicited an appropriate response. Jumping, kicking, throwing, nothing was out of bounds. Truly artists, these two could simultaneously whip their instruments any which direction and never miss a note. Whether collapsing after a wild spin or swinging the bass around like a hula-hoop, neither David nor LeeMarie were too disoriented to be ready at the mic for the next verse of the song (despite what looked at times like obvious disorientation).
As for the music, the songs flowed seamlessly from one to the next. Each was separate, yet connected through interstitial musical preludes, short jam sessions or interesting stories from their previous experiences in Seattle (will, kind of interesting). Of course, some songs were more lyrically diverse and melodic than others; As an example. their last song, a new tune called, “Oh, Honestly” was as simple-versed, almost a pop-styled tune, while their first was clearly a metaphor-laced, punk rock hit. Although I did like some songs more than others, the diversity did not take away from the sheer pleasure of the performance.
I would recommend seeing this band live for the full experience. Invite them to your town, you won’t be disappointed.
As I mentioned earlier, I have some videos from that night. I know the sound sucks a bit (it was an echo chamber), but I hope the stage performance convinces you to check out their music. There just is no substitute for quality.
Don’t Mock the Music
All My Balloons
Oh, Honestly
Tags: children 18:3, rock
Review: Empty Space Orchestra @ The QCafe
Jan 17, 2010 Concerts
To be honest, I had no idea what the Empty Space Orchestra was all about. It came as a surprise that the music was presented without vocals. That said, I thoroughly liked the motif based melodies; It did remind me a little of Mannheim Steamroller sometimes, though. Fortunately, I like the Steamroller.
In addition, this team of players really seemed to enjoy their music. Playing their own blend of jazz and rock, there was never a lack of genuine enthusiasm for the piece; the drummer was especially expressive.
Unexpectedly, the eclectic titles did a good job of suggesting the general mood of the tune. Once again, these appeared to be educated musicians with a good grasp of time, rhythm, mood and melody. All in all, I found the show entertaining and the band likable.
In that vein, here’s 27 minutes of the Empty Space Orchestra at the Q Cafe in Queene Anne, Washington. I don’t know the title to the second song yet; I’m hoping the band will help me out with that. Enjoy!
Tags: band, Christian, Empty Space Orchestra, music, rock
Review: Noah Gundersen @ The QCafe
Jan 16, 2010 Concerts
The headline of the evening was Noah Gundersen and The Courage. Although from his other, very folksy music you wouldn’t expect such a diverse collection of sounds. With a full band consisting of Abby Gundersen, Ivan Gundersen and Travis Ehrentrom, the only thing rising faster than the volume was the tempo as the songs swayed in form from from rock to country-rock to almost caribbean. It did seem more natural to see him playing electric with those dreads of his, though.
Once again, these players seemed like well educated musicians. Of course, Noah’s music, rising from folk roots, was filled with simple melodies and meaningful lyrics, so it wasn’t the most difficult music to play. Aesthetically, they all sounded well practiced and confident with the pieces performed; Noah and Abby’s voices blended much better than I’d expected. As always, Noah’s lyrics explored the dichotomy of dark emotions stemming from inner desires and their more reasoned counterparts trying to come to terms with reality. This is music you have to hear a few times to really capture.
Although not as animated as the Symmetry / Symmetry frontman, Noah’s expressions did clearly display his own emotions expressing themselves through the lyrics. That said, at times it seemed as if Noah thought he was in a rock band. Fortunately, Noah’s musical counterpart, Abby, was more controlled and kept an eye on the song while Noah was away. Unfortunately, the bass player was almost invisible; He did play his part well … but that’s all he did while hiding behind the other members of the band. The drummer, on the other hand, seemed truly looking for ways to bring the proper feel to a song. From a rock-a-billy beat to a set of sleigh bells, he really put forth some effort to compliment the emotion of the piece.
What I have here are three new pieces, shown in order as they appeared. They didn’t mention the titles and, even with the latest CD in hand, I have no idea what they’re called. That said, I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Feel free to listen to them more than one, you’ll definitely appreciate them more the second time.
Review: Symmetry / Symmetry @ the QCafe
Jan 16, 2010 Concerts
Like the other acts that evening, this band seemed educated both musically and lyrically. Playing after the Empty Space Orchestra and before Noah Gundersen, this trio created a tasty blend of 90′s lyricism and 70′s guitar riffs driven by simple, catchy melodies. There was something for everyone into the Seattle sound to enjoy.
The lead singer and front man, Daniel Jones, was an eccentric collection of hops, screams, and sudden unexplained gestures. Needless to say, as lead singer he embodies the bulk of the band’s personality. Andrew, the drummer, although not as wild as Daniel, seemed genuinely interested in the music, keeping a steady, if sometimes erratic, rhythm. The most “normal” of them all was the fill-in player, Joel. He played both keys and guitar proficiently, moved appropriately for rock music, and, as expected, played an integral part vocally to the bands sound. In short, Joel was keeping his hand on the wheel while Daniel was hanging out the window. Andrew kept the engine running.
I’ve selected three songs that I believe show the breadth of what I witnessed that evening at the Q.
The first is called “The Great Saboteur” and reflects a more pop-rock based piece.
This next one is “The Wedding” and displays a more slow, artistic sound featuring the keys and a haunting melody.
The third one is “Drugs are Quick”, and as the name suggests, it is short. The song relates a simple message with less metaphor while walking along to an electronic beat.
Tags: Qcafe, rock, Symmetry / Symmetry
