Review: Children 18:3 @ Studio Seven
Jan 25, 2010 Concerts
Posted by
Gabe
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
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