I am so far behind on reviews I am combining what can only be described as a whirlwind of coverage. It seems weeks ago I had just made an overnight trip to catch Briartone, Sparrow’s Gate and Stiletto Formal in St George, Utah at the Electric Theater. Briartone made me think of a rocking Bright Eyes with a taste of rockabilly. Sparrow’s Gate was a nice surprise, hailing from San Louis Obispo, they have only been a band a few months. Stilettto won the crowd over as usual. Friday before Vegoose I checked into my hotel in Vegas and then headed 3 hours north to Cedar City,Utah to catch a band I had heard about the last several months: Meg and Dia. Not for one show but two. First, at a coffee shop and then at the University of South Utah Holleween party the same night. Fronted by two sisters ages 17 and 19 I had heard them described as the next Tegan and Sara. I had a demo cd which was radio ready acoustic pop. The shows however, rocked. More electric and punk influenced which worked really well. The band has signed with Dog House Records said to be another imprint for a major label. A new full length is due in January. The band is currently on tour with Lydia. I was given a hot tip about a local band called Digital Black and stayed for their show. The female lead singer can be described as Courtney Love on drums or a female Kieth Moon. They did not have a demo so more on them as info becomes available.
I then headed the 3 hours back to Vegas rolling in at 3 am only to make a 10:30am curtain call for the press at the Vegoose Festival. That weekend is covered so rocket forward to the next weekend. Where, I found myself in Tempe,AZ for the “show of the year” at the Marquee Theater. Eight Phoenix area bands were featured. The Stiletto Formal, Lydia, Goodbye Tomorrow, BlesstheFall, Kerosine Kids, Eyes to Kill, The Cover Up and Troop 101. All the bands were really good but three stood out. BlessTheFall presented a strong EMO show.Fans body surfed and were joined by members of the band on the front row and taunted from atop the PA system. Goodby Tomorrow took the stage with frontman Matt Gilbert reminding me of an 1969 era Robert Plant. Not vocally but in his stage presence and expression. More a mainstream pop genre reminescent of Keane and Embrace. Gilbert played keyboards and guitar when not exclusively on the mic. Thier website hints at an important announcement soon and may involve a major label.
It was amazing to see the ravenous response to Stiletto Formal’s art punk. Headlining to a crowd of 1700 after selling out smaller venues for months.Word was the labels were out in force checking them out as well as surveying the other local talent. Stiletto has signed with the same management as Greely Estates and had a full page ad in the recent Alternative Press along with Lydia. The band is heading back into the studio for another full length cd and bracing for increased interest from the music industry.
Five days later I am back in Tempe for Switchfoot, Eisley and Augustana. The later band riding the strength of its recent full length on Epic and charting to number 6 on KROQ Los Angeles’ request line. Eisley is finishing a year of touring in support of “Room Noises”. Tonight’s crowd was supportive and the merch booth for both openers did a steady business. I am told that they will head back into the studio in January to record their sophomore effort. A producer has yet to be decided. Having already worked with the likes of John Shanks, Rob Cavallo and Rob Schnapf the sibling band are seasoned studio veterans. Other top producers are interested in working with the band. Don’t be surprised if the band again produces some of the songs themselves. Switchfoot showed why close to 2000 fans packed the Marquee. The show was tight and fans sang along with approval. Body surfing was frequent during thier set. All but one show on this tour have sold out.
My final stop was again in Tempe at The Clubhouse were I finally got to see what the buzz was all about with Pistolita. They have a very passionate delivery with a sound that is hard to describe. Sometimes characterized with slow ballad intro’s that suddenly erupt in to a rocking frenzy. Recently signed to Montebon Hotel(another WB imprint) they look for a February release. Also on the bill was an excellent local band Ticker Tape Parade. The vocalist was top notch and songs pop oriented. Hot Rod Circuit rocked and were much improved over the time I saw them on tour with Brand New. Guitarist “Spacy” was straight out of the 60’s reminding me of Clapton and Pete Townsend.The songs rocked. Opening the night was Orange County’s The Breakup. 21 year old lead singer Lana Reiss was reminiscent of Avril Lavigne and the band was tight. Closing the night was Piebald who had a devoted contingent up front singing along.The band rocked and invited members of Hot Rod Circuit and Pistolito to sit in at various times adding to the excitement. As you can see I have covered hundreds of miles and perhaps close to a couple of thousand the last month. Friday I head to Naples, Florida for the Save the Spirit of New Orleans benifit.
