Last Wednesday at The Republic, Radio Rubber Room gave us a touch of the new as well as the old. The evening launched off with Toxic Moxie’s debut live performance, followed by our familiar comrades, The Dream Machine.
I may not have known exactly what to expect from Toxic Moxie, but it sure as hell has all the proper ingredients for a great project. Justin Shear keeps the funk rolling with his array of effects, as he is wont to do. What I found particularly badass was Mitch Kordella’s ability to keep a strong hand on the bass while carrying melody on the keys simultaneously. Then you’ve got Danny Crawford, scholar of percussion, focused and in constant control.
I would never have guessed that this was Toxic Moxie’s first show. When they started, I made a note that they could probably use a strong lead singer – and I would most likely have kept this opinion to myself had Mitch not formally announced that they are in fact actively seeking a vocalist. Toxic Moxie has tremendous promise; be sure to catch their next gig.
The Dream Machine, warmly received by a familiar crowd, proceeded to belt out their old standards. They’ve created quite a niche for themselves at The Republic over the last year, and they generated a degree of coziness; many of their songs have become something of a credo for those long wild nights at The Republic. TDM’s long-awaited full length debut album is projected for release by the end of the year, so keep an eye out for what I can only imagine will be a shitstorm of a release party.
This Wednesday at The Republic is shaping up to be quite a treat. Radio Rubber Room presents The Manifestivus (out of Richmond/Charlottesville) and recently formed super group Thumper. I had the pleasure of seeing The Manifestivus in Charlottesville this past Sunday – it’s a finely tuned, delicate and artful project. Lead man Bryce McClellan’s breathy vocals and warm guitar meld naturally with Alex Lee’s violin. On drums, Isaac Friend offers careful and well-crafted movement – I really like the rise and fall momentum this band creates. After the show, we managed to transform Bryce’s house into some insanely twisted psychedelic freakshow…sorry if we broke anything, Bryce!
If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Thumper, well--do it! Tim Beavers, Brian Riley, and Neko Williams comprise this rock powerhouse. It’s fierce, it’s hyper- energetic and it’s louder than all shit. Great new projects are springing up all over the city, and Thumper is absolutely one of the best in progress. At The Republic, 10pm, the games begin!
http://www.facebook.com/events/367664279984476
Words by Dan Mulrooney
Images by Tyler M. Conta