It had been some time since I talked to Ice Cream Man (probably Detour Festival and then bumped elbows at the Kooks show at Spaceland), so when he sent word about Ladyhawk I was quick to give a call and see how things were going. He was just back from CMJ and had great things to say about this band. If there’s one thing I’ve learned as part of the crew, it’s to take Matt’s word on the music he’s seen and/or been listening to. Ladyhawk would be no disappointment. Although I was more interested in seeing them at Little Pedro’s downtown (my neighborhood), I’d head to the Mint just the same and check the show.
I arrived just in time to catch the opener Revolution and the Make Believe. In a top hat and pink and white suit front man Lucas Revolution lead the three piece through a wonderful fairy tale sing along about the “Dumb Prince” who would be king and the war he would wage on the “Brown People on the rock”. With all its twists and turns their set left me absolutely delighted.
Before Ladyhawk took the stage I introduced myself and mentioned something or other about the CMJ show, to which Drummer Ryan Peters responded “I heard they filmed that one. I’d like to see it ’cause I don’t really remember much of it.” Must have been some good times and rock ‘n’ roll going on in NYC. Would it be any other way? Doubtful! The band hit the stage and turned it up. Loud. Vocalist Duffy Driediger made a comment that they were from the north and that it would be that way and we would most likely leave as a result. The soundman asked to have the amps turned down at one point to try to get some vocals in the mix. This would only disappoint them. The sound was great though (the tunes and the music that is). Given a proper stage these guys could’ve blown the roof off a place. Their heart is still in the garage though, right where it should be. Check them out if you get the chance.
Peace.
