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| Assembly Required at the Snout Saloon |
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| Written by John Abbott | |||||||
| Sunday, 07 March 2010 20:38 | |||||||
 When I walked into the Snout Saloon, it was packed. A very full bar. It immediately occurred to me, the last time the Snout was so filled with people was New Years night. The band that night, was again Assembly Required. The reason for the draw, is in some ways a mystery to me, because technically, they are far from flawless. I believe they are improved by the personnel change since New Years, the band has picked up Jason Chambers on bass. Still, they are best described as "a little rough around the edges" But, they are a party band, and somehow either despite the crowd, or with the help of the crowd, Assembly Required puts on a great show!As I made my way up to the stage, I looked at Chambers, with his Fender Stratocaster hanging from his neck and said to myself, "That's the funniest looking bass guitar I've ever seen…" it turns out that they switch off, giving Chambers a set on lead. I just heard Jason Chambers last week at the Snout Saloon, doing his solo act on acoustic guitar. A few of the rough edges could be due to the reconfiguration of the band. I don't think you would need two hands to count the number of weeks these guys have been playing together. There were a couple of times a song would start out, there would be some fumbling around and then a pause for a little band pow-wow. Sometimes they would work it out, other times they would just play something else. It was interesting the band had a harder edge to it once Brady Hasmuk switched from bass back to lead. I was happy before, but happier after the switch. I think it's great they have the talent to do this, it's almost like having two bands in one night. Musical highpoints, as much as I bitch, there were actually several. I was very happy with the version of Maroon 5's song Harder to Breathe . It played well into Jason Chamber's vocal range and his ability to quickly spit lyrics. Another was End of the World (and I feel fine), and a song I mentioned the last time I reviewed them, Kenny Wayne Shepard song Blue on Black. All great! But it wasn't all rosy either. I don't usually bring stuff like this up, but feel in this case, I must. Musically, a low point, was an attempted Pink Floyd, Comfortably Numb. A lofty goal to be sure. I think it was best described by Dan, a fellow Harley rider who was sitting next to me, who said "Well, that needs a bit of work." And yet, I think somewhat in the style of Assembly Required, there was something to like about it as well. Between the sour guitar notes, and a couple of cringers in the vocals, the second guitar solo was a very worthy effort.
Sound-wise, Assembly Required sounds great. They travel with a dedicated sound man. A great thing for a band. I can't believe I am typing this in seeming surprise, but unconditionally, bands who have someone on the sound board sound so much better. In this case, he also operated the lights. The band has a good light show, a floor laser, fog effects, and all the cool stuff that really makes the show into a party and makes up for those occasional botched notes.
 A great surprise, just after midnight the bar was graced with the presence of a long lost friend, Jess Mackey. Released from the battle trenches of motherhood for the night, she was out on the town. Almost a year since I had seen her last, it was great to run into an old friend. Great to tip back a couple of Red Stripes and catch up. I have been holding down her spot on the pool table at the Snout, listening to a lot of excellent music over the years since I met her in that very spot.I do complain some about Assembly Required. They are not perfect, but I had a great time and I was by no means alone. My suggestion; you know what you are getting into, relax your standards, plan to stay late - they get better during the later sets, prepare for a good time and see them! I have to also give no small amount of credit to Lisa, our bartender for the night. Lisa muscled her way on stage, wrested the mic from Jason Chambers (who admittedly was sounding a little warbley on this particular song) shoving him away and waled out a fantastic version of the Gloria Gaynor song, I Will Survive. Its those small spectacular events, when something unexpected happens, and it just works, that make live performance so much fun. Hits: 145 Comments (2)Subscribe to this comment's feed...
I have seen Assembly Required a few times now out at The View on Lake Wissota, downtown Chippewa Falls, and I think one of there first shows at T&C I have been in a few bands when I was younger out in Seattle. This band has it going on a solid drummer and a lead guitarist that shreds a long hair rhythum guitarist that also sings. I did notice a different bassist bands change people come and go. I do think that the first three have a solid thing going on no matter what the set up. Anyways John you bash these guys a little much there just fine sour notes are something that happens his vocals are prob. better then yours so in the end theses guys rock oh and John I do agree with you about the "sound guy" thing he does a good job making sure vocals stay clear and are louder then the insturments. So just as you said John GO SEE THIS BAND!!
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March 26, 2010
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You are right, I do bash on these guys a bit. But, I feel like no more than is brutally honest. My vocals? They would sound like someone is strangulating a goose if anyone was stupid enough to hand me a microphone. But, I am not a musician, I am a critic. I try to provide an unbiased, single mans opinion of what I am hearing. What I hear when I am listening to Assembly required is not perfect, but it is always fun. I do give these guys a great deal of credit for always providing a good party. And, since the bar is always full every time I have seen them, I think a lot of other people feel the same way. Assembly Required is worth seeing!
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March 27, 2010
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| Last Updated on Saturday, 20 March 2010 18:21 |
