Three bands on a Tuesday night. The enlarged stage of the House of Rock. Great entertainment value for your seven dollar admission fee. I would say the bar was at approximately half capacity. Good for a Tuesday night. The band I was there to see, former natives, Megafaun, who's members Brad and Phil Cook, are the sons of Paul Cook, of the most recently reviewed accordion band Squeeze This. Paul was also the first person I remember referring to the Freaks & Geeks, who was not an active member.
Tuesday night would be the second time I have seen the band Megafaun --Though I can't remember for sure. The first time might have been in the band's previous incarnation, DeYarmond Edison, when the singer Justin Vernon had not yet morphed into that which has become Bon Iver.
To quote an unnamed source (who reads these pages and will delight in being so called) Megafaun sounds sort of like Country-Space-Folk music, with a heavy dose of Frank Zappa. I really liked this description. With some sounds from electronic synthesizers but much more from instruments, and even household objects. The opening track involved drummer, Joe Westerlund, drawing a violin bow along the edge of a cymbal -- which makes an incredibly eerie wail. But then he reached down and grabbed something. ...could it be? No! But, yes, I am sure it was. The heat shield that sits under the burner of an electric oven. Holding this just over the cymbal, adds a tunable buzz to the underlying wail. Amazing!
And, I would have to say amazing didn't stop there. It was a night filled with it. From the first time I saw Megafaun years ago, and my mind was opened to what instruments could be in a rock band. Before, a banjo would have been out, and now suddenly in. I remember that night, going to the House of Rock for the first time, thinking I was going to be seeing a traditional rock band --maybe a bit on the lame side, because I was from the big city, and these were the neighbor's kids. I expected to see a Strat or Les Paul on lead guitar, a five string bass guitar and a drum kit. When the band walked out, the lead was wearing a banjo, the opening song started reminiscent of 2001 Space Odyssey. I was initially thinking, "Oh god... It's going to be a long night." but then before you knew it, the first song was over and I found myself saying, "Wow, that wasn't bad at all" Megafaun stretches what many consider to be rock music, but I think the stretch is worth it.
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Still, as good as Megafaun was Tuesday night, I would have to say the band I was most impressed with, in many ways, was the indie rock band, Laarks. They were so un-expectadly good. I mean, lets face it, the warm up, to the warm up band? You just can't get your hopes up. So often, those low expectations are fully warranted. But, then every once in a while you get a surprise. And, thats just what it was on Tuesday night. I would have to say the Laarks were exceptional.
The positive energy behind the vocals of Ian Jacoby, lead singer and keyboardist of the Laarks was fantastic. The exhibit of energy coming from behind the drums, by Brian Moen was nothing short of spectacular. ...Almost distractingly spectacular the first time you see the band. But, you get used to it and start to appreciate them for their sound. Luck of the draw here with the video. I *really* wish I would have taped the previous song, which was much more typical of the rest of the set.
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The disappointment of the evening were The Rosebuds. Ok, let me stick in my disclaimer. To me, they tasted exactly like 80's pop. And, being one who experienced 80's pop the first time, and hated it, I expect they would have been doomed from the start as far as I am concerned. But, above and beyond that, it seemed like they had some real sound problems. Their voices were under-mic'd. At the mid point of the bar I couldn't make out any of the lyrics. Closer in, maybe it was better, but I am not so sure. The HOR just isn't that big to be having drop off to that degree. It seemed like any time they boosted the vocals they got some wicked feedback. I think the band would improve just from a drawing and quartering of their sound engineer.
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Final word? Laarks, see them! They are local and play around this area. They are worth the drive. They are an up-beat, happy, danceable indie rock band. Loved 'em! Megafaun, they come into this area a couple of times a year. Totally worth your time. Exercise your mind! The Rosebuds, not so much. Could be just me though. If the sound is improved, and you like 80's pop influenced music, they could be a good time.
Tuesday night would be the second time I have seen the band Megafaun --Though I can't remember for sure. The first time might have been in the band's previous incarnation, DeYarmond Edison, when the singer Justin Vernon had not yet morphed into that which has become Bon Iver.
