Review: Garage Voice @ The QCafe
Mar 13, 2010 Concerts
Posted by
Gabe
I arrived at the Q a little late for the first set (as usual). It’s a long drive from Everett to Queen Anne and there’s alot to do before I can start my journey. Needless to say, by the time I arrived, Adam Pasion was in the middle of his set. Adam is a good musician. I don’t personally care for his style, but I’m certain he has his fans. As usual, neither Adam nor Lower Lights Burning (the second act of the evening) stopped me from buying a great direct-buy, fair trade, organic coffee and settling down for the show. Like I said, not my cup of tea, yet still good musicians; I ended filming a song but never used the video.
In preparation for Garage Voice, I ran audio from the sound board digitally into my laptop; I’d like to give a big thanks to the great volunteers at the Q. I made sure to get the lighting right and found a decent perch for filming; The bench on the back wall next to the sound board is a pretty good spot. Once my coffee arrived, all was ready.
Finally, after much anticipation, the voices and instruments I’d heard online so many times took on flesh and began to set up on stage. Yeah, I do sound like a fan of theirs. Why not though, they’re a great band.
A local legend, Garage Voice is both talented and original, delivering edifying lyrics woven into memorable melodies; In my opinion, this trio sets the standard for semi-acoustic Christian music. Garage Voice has no need for gimmicks. They’re not embracing compromised lyrics nor a compromised lifestyle to attract audiences; The respect they garner from both secular and Christian audiences is respect they earned.
How can I gather all this from a single performance? Easy. In attendance that night, hooting and hollering, were Noah Gundersen, Endeverance, Tom Rorem and many other northwest musicians come to pay their respects. It’s not that they didn’t enjoy Adam or Lower Lights, it’s just that you don’t earn the kind of vocal approval they yelled out over night. These boys are truly musically blessed and everyone paying attention knows it.
Their set at the Q that night, most of which I will post below, displays both the talent and diverse styles of the band. Each song was unique from its brothers and sisters, displaying a personality all its own, yet was threaded into the consistent whole that is Garage Voice. Sometimes bluesy, other times classic rock, there was really no way to tell which tact the song was going to take; More often than not, the musical turn was an enjoyable one.
That evenings set, more than anything, reflected the relationships fostered on their recent tour. With a smile, the band gladly invited fellow musicians such as Adam Pasion and Tom Rorem to take part in their sets. It probably wasn’t the most seamless integration ever in some cases, but the extra voices and instruments did add something new to the songs … perhaps something we will never hear again. There was something just fun about the way they played together.
Speaking of that, I’d have to say the most infectious thing about the music of Garage Voice is how fun they are. Not just the catchy melodies or interesting solos, these songs are truly from start to finish musical rides with enough twists and turns to keep the children of the “A.D.D.” generation interested. And it isn’t just the audience, these guys appear to really enjoy playing it as well. The music isn’t something they turn out because they have to, it’s something they get the privilege of sharing with audiences.
Their shows aren’t just about sharing music, though. Through uncompromised lyrics, Garage Voice delivers a clear and sober message about the role of Jesus in their lives. It’s really hard to ask for more: Quality aesthetics, solid lyrics and on top of that, a very friendly demeanor.
After the great set (enjoy the videos below at any time), I had a chance to chat with a few of the players. After asking just a few questions it became clear how outstandingly friendly and truly interested in their fans they were; They’re real people as well as performers. Yup, I’m a fan.
So, yes, I heartedly suggest you see Garage Voice live. I believe their live shows are even better than the recordings. Of course, that’s just my opinion. Listen to their music online and then the songs below. You tell me.
Tips of you Hand
Psalm 91
Repentance
All to Pieces
Loud as Your Miracles
Do No Harm
Tags: blues, Garage Voice, jazz, Qcafe, rock
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