This is an open forum for staff members, contributers, and fans alike to submit their reviews on the latest music releases and concerts. In an industry that is drowning with overprocessed, grossly overrated, unoriginal crap these days, this is our chance to allow the real stars to shine, if only on our humble, little stage; and expose you to some of our favorite talents.
Reviews are given 1 - 5 stars.
Arriving at this show, I was nothing short of excited to see some of my good friends play. They had brought their rock back to Boston, after a 6 week long tour across the United States, and tonight was the night. With Shanghai Thrills being from Boston, and Lights Resolve being not too far away from their home state of New York, you could feel the excitement in the air.
The Kyle Mann combo opened the showcase, their music reminding me of so many bands mashed together in an amazing way. Piano driven melodies mirroring Jack’s Mannequin and The Hush Sound, with a lead singer sounding pretty close to the lead singer of Interpol. They had me entertained from the moment they walked on the stage, their music captivating me. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a piano driven band!
Lights Resolve was up next, and they took the stage by storm! I’ll take a quote from my past spotlight from them that the lead singer, Matthew Reich said himself; “Our first goal is to have a killer live show that goes beyond just playing music that will kick the audience’s ass.” They have definitely accomplished that goal for me. With more confidence and “ummph” then I’ve ever seen in them before, they played songs from the EP, as well as some new ones that didn’t disappoint, that had the crowd swaying, jumping, and singing along. Every time I see these guys, they seem to cast some type of musical spell with their “ass kicking”, because I love them a little more each time. They never cease to amaze!
The last band that I got to catch was Boston’s own Shanghai Thrills. They expressed their happiness of being able to sleep in their own bed that night then proceeded to rock the house with their alternative rock blend, which comes so easily to them. Their stage presence is fun yet exhilarating, and you can’t help but want to dance along to their songs. The highlight of the performance had to be when Lights Resolve played a prank on them and got on stage during their last song to not only sing along, but toilet paper them in the process! It made for an interesting ending to their set! All in all, in a room full of friends and tour-mates, they welcomed themselves back wonderfully.
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Reviewed by: Ellen Leonard | November 2007
