After hearing Nine Black Alps on Morning Becomes Eclectic a year or so ago, I’ve been looking forward to seeing them come to town. Last time they were here I was on my way to Austin for SXSW and on the night I was going to check the XFM Manchester showcase at Exodus (at SXSW) I got a call from Ice Cream Man to have some Sam’s BBQ then head over to the Blue Genie for The Vice Party with Wolf Mother and The Stills. So when I saw them added to the Troubadour calendar I quickly got my order in for two tickets. My date canceled, I gave away the extra (show was not sold out) and took it easy for a while before the Fever came to the stage.
Though the crowd was less than capacity, (big night in Irvine with the Roast) those that showed early were enthusiastic for the Fever. This being the first I’d heard them, I gained an ever growing appreciation for their music as they moved through their set. Mostly sounding of indie or rock to start with, I started to hear a bit of a Slavic or “gypsy” influence that pulled me in even further. These guys were rocking it, and at one point between songs made the comment that they were the best band to come out of New Jersey since Skid Row. I can’t say I disagree, but I also cannot tell you any other band that’s hit since Springsteen and they definitely didn’t bring Skid Row to mind when I heard their music. Check them out on tour over the next few months.
With the short break and only two bands on the bill for the night, Nine Black Alps took the stage around 10:30 to play for about an hour. With the slightest of a stumble that a rock and roll smile couldn’t deny, they ripped into “Cosmopolitan” and forward through an incredible set of music. With a couple of broken strings, an acoustic number and at least one broken bottle on stage, Nine Black Alps played a tight set of rock and roll, good and proper. Check out their site and look for them back in town soon.
With that I was off to the Little Radio warehouse for another incredible show and possibly another review to come soon. Check it out!
Peace.
