The rumors were true that Eisley has found new passion in their performance. They also have a message to convey: That they are doing alright and are ready to breakout and leave the past behind. To get a better idea of what I m talking about go to their website or myspace and view the video for Somebody Loves You Boris Yeltzin they appeared in. Better yet lets see what they come up with when they return to the studio hopefully in the next few months. Phoenix has been an iffy market for them. They have opened for the likes of Snow Patrol, The Frey and Switchfoot, here. A couple of headlining shows and an appearance at last years Edgefest had mixed effects for building a fanbase in the valley. So, to counter that the band agreed to an in store and friends helped put the word out. Adding highly touted Arizona band Blackmarket to the bill was another trick up their sleeve. You would think being on a big label automatically brings out the promotion but that is not always the case. Tour mates The Myriad were MTV2’s breakout band of 2008
.
The instore held at Zia Records Chandler store showed encouraging results. But, with their last release being 8 months ago many core fans already own all the bands releases. Also, fighting the economic downturn all bands are competing for the tight fans dollar. Press helps. The local version of the College Times ran a photo and Eisleys interview which appeared in the Washington Post. Blackmarket received a glowing preview in the online version of the Phoenix New Times. All of this added up to 180 fans on a Sunday night in a tight market. An increase from their last solo appearance. All in all a positive result. I certainly saw an improvement in the band s performance. Stacys vocals are at their best. And Sherri has transformed into windstorm vocalist. I thought Chauntal had no room for improvement but she was even more animated than in the past. Her guitar work is tighter, still as is the whole band.
The Myriad was quite impressive. Really good songs and a show reminiscent of Mute Math at times. I have known Blackmarket for a long time. They made the rounds with major labels showcasing but I think they werent ready. At that point last year label heads were afraid to invest in a new sound and a band without a huge fanbase. Blackmarket was discovered by Japan, thankfully, and sold 10,000 records making only one concert appearance. Quite a return.They play there again in July at the Fuji Rock festival. They are self releasing an EP in the US June 24th. Online distribution is planned with hard copies sold at shows and for promotion. I have the Japanese full length and along with the brand new songs previewed at this show the sky is the limit. I look forward to seeing what all three bands will do in the future. My next planned review is Dresden Dolls and Smoosh in Albuquerque.
