28
Jul
2009
Something Old Something New
The problem with finding new bands is that you never know if they actually rock or if they just put up a good front. A few months back a band came through town that sounded awesome for the first 30 seconds or so, until the guitarist jumped off stage and busted his knee. That intro and one chord sounded absolutely awesome, and I was bummed that I didn’t get to hear more. The same band returned for a second go at it tonight, and I was sadly disappointed.
Don’t get me wrong, the music was decent enough; however, the show could have done without the melodrama. Shortly before the band went on, I saw the bassist surreptitiously take a few pills at the bar. It wasn’t the act of taking the pills that seemed odd, but his method of receiving said pills. He was drinking out of a red cup, which at this particular bar meant that he was not drinking a beverage that contained alcohol. A girl in a blue shirt handed him a few pills from a container in her purse, and he seemed rather intent upon not being seen. A few minutes later, I saw him take the stage for the “check song” and to tune his instrument. He was crouched against the wall of the stage, very much as though the wall was the only thing keeping him some semblance of vertical.
The set began and I thought for a moment that he was going to be ok. He was jumping around and full of energy; it was captivating. The band made it through the first minute and I gave a sigh of relief. The drama didn’t erupt until about thirty minutes into their set.
Before all of the drama with the bassist, the guitarist was shooting secret little smiles at a man in a red shirt. I think that was the only time he smiled during the entire set, and i must say that his appearance was much improved by the difference in facial expression. The rest of the time he was concentrating so very hard that he seemed detached from the crowd and from the music. While this gave him the ability to play his solos cleanly and excellently, he traded his showmanship for his precision.
So, on to the drama. The first thirty minutes or so went off without a hitch. Then, mid song, the bassist threw down his guitar and lay down on the ground. The singer had that moment of “holy hell, what am I gonna do now” and tried to play it off as he checked on his band mate. He joked that the venue was cursed, and went to check on his band mate. He made up some story about a panic attack. After a brief intermission in which the bouncer made her way to the stage, the band decided that they were going to try to finish their set. They had about 15 minutes left, and they played 2 more songs (which only took about 10 minutes).
The bassist was propped against the wall, trying to tune and play his guitar. I don’t know if it was hardcore or just stupid, because the bassist was very clearly messed up on something. I must admit that I felt sympathetic towards the singer. He comes once and the guitarist blows out his knee, he comes another time and his bassist get jacked up on something, and he is left standing center stage looking like the asshole of the century.
Despite the obvious difficulties the band was having, they finished their last two songs and helped their bassist off stage. A few minutes later, as 7P was setting up, two paramedics walked through the bar to the back stage area. For the next 30 minutes or so, you could occasionally see the flashing blue and red through the exit door. The singer was telling anyone who asked that the bassist had too much sodium from beef jerky bought at Buck-ees on the way from Houston and that caused a panic/anxiety attack. I give him props for ingenuity as far as the tale goes, but I doubt that is the actual story.
So, after all that drama from the outta towners, Sever Perfect takes the stage. Now, I’ve been to see this band several times at different venues, and I have to admit that they have progressed a lot since last year at Jack’s when they were competing for the battle of the bands to play at Oyster Bake. Their sound is cleaner and a bit more refined. It’s obvious that they have more practice with the songs that are older, and they are already introducing new music into their set list.
Sadly, they did not play Mexico, my favorite song; however, they did play two newer songs which rocked. They also played a few covers, my favorite of which was Stone Temple Pilots, Plush. Awesome song, awesome cover, and of course I adore the band.
The feel when Seven Perfect plays has changed a lot since the first time I heard them. It’s changed a lot since their cd release party in March. I really hope that this band makes it, and I can’t wait til the next new thing from them.
28
Jul
2009
When The Music Moves Through You (May 10, 2009)
There are bands whose lyrics will capture you, others will catch you with a hook or a melody, and then there are the truly great rock experiences. These bands don’t need a hook, and you don’t need to understand what they are saying, you need only to hear the beat and feel the energy.
I have been to see many bands play live, whether local or mainstream, there are only four experiences that stole my breath and left me screaming for more. Don’t get me wrong, I have enjoyed the majority of the live shows I’ve been to; however, that feeling of being absolutely, unrelentingly, unabashedly engulfed by the music has only been present at a precious few. Tonight was one such experience.
The musical experience that makes you want to cheer and weep simultaneously is something that no amount of money can purchase. An acquaintance of mine recently made me listen to this band through the window of his car; this odd request was followed by him informing me that the band would be playing on Mother’s Day. Now I was in a quandary; I really wanted to see this band, but my mother would never forgive me for ditching out early on Mother’s Day.
Ultimately, dear reader, you know my choice; as I would not be writing about this tremendous rock experience had I chosen not to go.
So, not knowing exactly what to expect, but knowing that the cd sounded good, I ditched my mom early and got ready to rock. The excursion to Scout was uneventful and we arrived in time to see one of the three opening bands. They were a local flavor, and weren’t half bad; however, they lacked the energy and the showmanship which makes a rock show extraordinary.
When Volbeat came on I was in the middle toward the back. I’ve been to Scout before and determined that position to be the best for actually hearing a band. By the time the second song of the set was over I had made my way to the side and purchased their cd. By the time the third song was over I was near the front on the side, just out of reach of the mosh pit and just in reach of the stage. And by the time the fourth song ended I was in love. This music didn’t just captivate, it enthralled. It was one of those experiences where the music moves into you and out of you with all of the tenderness of a rapist and all of the licentiousness of a lover.
By the time the band left the stage I could feel their music in every inch of my body from the tips of my hair to the bottom of my feet. The music had demanded that I jump, so I jumped; that I chant, so I chanted; that I move, so I moved; and that i feel, so I felt. There came a point where I was not standing in the venue with a bunch of people that I did not know, but rather that I was standing in the moment with others who, like me, were along for the journey. I was standing in the moment, begging the music, that fleeting, ethereal, tremulous thing, to return to me – to us – for just a moment more.
The band obliged and played several more songs before calling it a night. A moment more was all we asked, and a moment more was all we got. But oh! that moment! I drove home from the bar and could still feel the vibrations in my fingertips. I put the cd in and blasted it all the way home, so that the moment would linger with me.
In the end, when you go to a rock show you are not going for the band or the crowd or the booze, you are going for the moment. Very few bands can create that moment, and of those even fewer can make it feel effortless. This band managed both with the grace and equanimity of rock stars sprinkled with the down home flair of a band that is not yet mainstream.
As such, I stand in quiescence until the music moves through me once more, and that transient moment returns to me.
24
Jul
2009
New Editor
As many of you have probably noticed we haven’t published a show in a while. The reason for this is because we have had some problems with our editor that has made it impossible for us to get video on the website. Fortunately we have resolved this issue and are now in the process of getting it done. So please be on the look out for our next show which will be coming soon!
5
Jun
2009
Welcome to the Journey
What up music lovers?! I’ll keep this first blog short. Very excited about MusicSeenSA and am eager for the upcoming weeks and months to experience the San Antonio music scene. I’ll admit that although I love music, I haven’t experienced the local music scene as much as I would like. This journey will be an exciting one and we invite you to take it with us. Whether you are new to the scene or an expert, join us as we learn about it together. Not only will the music be incredible, but we’ll get to know the people behind the music… the artists, producers, promoter, and the fans.
So come along on what promises to be an awesome ride! The crew, Lauren, and I are ready to exposed the little known but amazing San Antonio music scene!
27
May
2009
Last of our Kind
Last of our Kind
Last of our Kind (LOOK) is the preeminent Alternative Eclectic Experimental Rock Band on the San Antonio music scene today. In a remarkable career that started out as a two piece Instrumental act , the Quartet of Amadeus Fernandez on guitars , Bryan Alfaro on guitars and vocals, Eric Miculka on drums and backing vocals and Derek Easterling on bass and backing vocals continues to push the standard for original rock music. Critical acclaim and a wide demographic fan base has built a dedicated following that grows each year. Whether headlining a local bar, playing music festivals, benefit concerts, or sharing the stage with such celebrated acts as Grammy nominated band Grupo Fantasma , The Dreaming , Vallejo, Blowing Trees, February Chorus, VAST, Mothers Anthem, Sounds Under Radio, among others looks great on LOOK’s accomplishments but it’s not what keeps them at the forefront of the music scene it is the energy and vitality of their music and songwriting, but most importantly the showmanship in which it is delivered. From its humble, inconspicuous beginnings as a open mic act, to making finals in every battle of the bands entered, LOOK’s journey has been one of hard work, perseverance, and dedication. Their music is clever, melodic, refined; their performances are entertaining, mesmerizing and epic. There’s a reason that San Antonio Current magazine awarded best instrumentalist of San Antonio 2007 to Amadeus Fernandez ,why SARocks.com was impressed with new vocalist Bryan ; and why fans really enjoy the new additions of Eric on drums and Derek on Bass — all within a year — because they’re that good! Amadeus chord progressions and riffs are catchy, delicate, and sets the mood for the songs, Bryans Vocals are melodic, vibrant, passionate, and daring. The understated bass play by Derek masterful. The seamless, efficiency of Eric’s drum play and his jazz background is extraordinary. The interaction among the 4 represents Alternative Eclectic Rock at its best. The news keeps getting better— LOOK is just hitting its creative stride. Their much anticipated self titled Freshman Album “Last of our Kind”, set to be recorded this summer, comes a year after the band found its roots and began to grow. By all accounts, for this “eclectic band,” as SARocks.com recently described them, it would be best to keep your eyes on this band and your ears tuned in to their music. Witness history in the making. This is welcome news for LOOK’s faithful and ever-expanding fan base. Yet — even better news for the world of Original Rock — LOOK has finally come into their own. Recently they were awarded the top honor of San Antonio’s best band at the Hard Rock Cafe’s Battle of the Bands contest where they had an opportunity to go on and compete for a chance to open for Dave Mathew…. unfortunately they didn’t make it to the top 5 but it was definitely a great journey for them and a great accomplishment to be in the top 22 in the nation. They are currently working on another contest put on by Myspace, Toyota and Universal Records so they need the help of all of you the fans are really what make anything possible. Check back on our website for the latest on this and other bands.
