Last week's Radio Rubber Room Wednesday night rock out was a blast as always. First there was the blazing funk duo Boxwave, followed by an immensely talented group of young musicians, Splendid Suns. Lastly, The Dream Machine slayed the shit out of the fattened calf as they welcomed back the prodigal son, Jason Kincaid who was in town recording drums on their upcoming debut album.
Even as Boxwave began to soundcheck, my head had already commenced bobbing. The two piece consists of a bassist and a cajon player, each instrument used to its full capacity and beyond. Their set was a rolling array of bass effects and pulsing rhythms; tribal, metal and all in between. I believe I even heard a didjeridu somewhere in the mix. Check out Boxwave's recently released debut album "Broad Street Grease" on Amazon.
Splendid Suns' set was the high point of the night for many. I couldn't count the different genres they touched on, as they jumped from grungy, dissonant melodies, poignant changes in time signature, the heaping style of Tom Waits and all the while, stayed completely together as band. Splendid Suns features members of Sound Storm, and we were all delighted as they pulled the lovely Brittany O' Neill on stage for a song. Beneath the band's flair, frontman Andrew Bayne's deep, raspy vocals keep the sound down to earth. Sometimes, a band containing this much ability can lead to aimless jamming, but I heard solid, full songwriting. I need to see these guys again. Soon. Do not miss a chance to see Splendid Suns.
With Kincaid back on the drums for the night, I remembered why I came to like The Dream Machine so much. They always give us an inventive, pulsing rock show, but there was an added effect of comfort and confidence that came with the presence of their former member, especially from Brian "Spiderhands" Riley on bass. One of The Dream Machine's strongest qualities is their ability to fuse songs together, which they did to great effect last Wednesday. Come to think of it, after eight vodka tonics, a lot of things were rather fused together.
This Wednesday at The Republic, special guest Sofia Talvik will open for Cardinal Compass and weekly standard The Dream Machine. Sofia Talvik, an accomplished Swedish folk-pop singer/songwriter, is indeed a special guest. She's got a rich pleasantness to her voice and her songs are rather easy-going, but there is a balancing severity in her content. Her fifth full length album, released earlier this year, is titled The Owls Are Not What They Seem. Any folk artist that references Twin Peaks stands a good chance in my book.
I'm looking forward to the sharp, lively folk sound of three-piece Cardinal Compass. Here is a fine concoction of twangy, strummy guitar playing, simple but catchy melodies, and a female voice both sultry and wispy. Good ingredients. I like what she's singing about - the lyrics are thoughtful and meaningful, and there's an existential concern involved. Wednesday is my favorite day of the week and this one is looking pretty damn good. Come be a part of it at The Republic, 10pm.
