Zomo
- The Hangout
Friday, January 16th
The
night was cold…so cold that telefonics could not
arrive on time to start the gig as promised. So Zomo stepped
up to the plate!
An unusual band by Erie standards. Where so many bands are content to
play bar rock, Zomo pleased the enthusiastic crowd with numbers ranging
in style and influence. From REM jangly pop to quirky start and stop
art rock ala Fugazi, to indie stalwarts such as Built to Spill to big
hook Weezer-esque sing-alongs, the influences are all there, blended
into a nice package.
The
playing was tight and there were lots of swirly and unusual
sounds going on. Coming up for a break there would be
a burst of feedback, or some low-frequency hum, or a
sudden shout or off-key banter by one of the singers
(Aaron and Justin, looking positively dapper in the finest
thrift-store duds), all held together by drummer Dustin,
sitting apathetically behind a LOT of drums…borrowing
from Charlie Watt’s school of drumming, making
it look easy and effortless, yet never dropping a beat.
The highlight of the set was the show-stopping closing number Harvey
Wallbanger, with the repetitive chorus—harder, faster louder…harder,
faster, louder…while alternating dynamically from driving punk,
to jangly, singer-songwriter stuff.
A
hard band to sum up in a couple of paragraphs…a
band with lots of influences, trying to hit on many different
levels. Check their website and buy their new CD…they
are only earning minimum wage ya know! - photo & review
by John Johnston
Telefonics
- The Hangout
Friday, January 16th
I
had been waiting with great patience for many months
to see the telefonics perform
before this show, and with their beautiful set at The
Hangout on Friday January 16, 2004 the band did not disappoint
me one bit. In fact, there were certain moments where
I was just so totally blown away that I forgot where
I was.
Opening the show with the song "Transmission" the band set
the mood with the unique blend of pop, new wave, and art rock. One of
the main highlights was the song "Indian Summer" which had
me bopping my head non-stop. I'm hoping to see that song on their next
album...
However, the highlight of their set had to be the last piece they performed,
the haunting "Instrumental." Art rock at it's finest? Without
a doubt. With their ambient sounds, sampled voices, and unique percussion
(some beatbox mixed with baseball bats smashing various computer parts)
The Telefonics left the stage with the crowd in amazement and in my case,
begging for more. I can't wait to see these lads again... - photo & review
by Justin Hoenke
Black
Rose Diary - The Hangout
Friday, January 16th
Is
it about the music or the sex appeal?
Combining all the right elements of rock, punk, beer and attitude with
the sweetness of young catholic schoolgirls and the glamour of legends
like Bowie and T. Rex BRD are
an unstoppable force.
Highlights…Josh singing the verses from Nicotine with the audience
screaming along…John throwing up after the set, all over his GIANT
new kit, literally leaving it all on stage, Zach and Jeff flailing on
the floor during Shallow Grave and a impromptu "Who’s Your
Favorite BRD member" contest initiated by unashamed groupie Gina
Rullo (you may have seen her in such roles as…singing for telefonics).
A powerful, tight, yet loose, happy, yet angry, satisfied yet hungry
closeout to a diverse night of music on a cold, cold January night. Oh,
and check out the new tune "Funny Like a Funeral" the next
time you see these Erie boys play live. A kind of departure from the
Stones-esque punk/rock formula…kind of indie…poppy but with
a friggin’ hook a MILE long. You will be singing it in your sleep. - review
by John Johnston, photo by Justin Hoenke
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