Spirits were just a duo. While that sounds wholly underwhelming, the set was anything but! Besides they had a backing (bass?) track playing along. With both members manning vocal mics the drummer threw his curly hair around and gave us a strong beat. Meanwhile, stage left saw a stellar guitarist workin his whammy bar to the max. If the single Open the Door was great, the next song and short set closer, was really, really great!
"Fur is dead" reads the kick drum. To my disappointment this was not a political statement but a fashion one as Rikers took to the stage in fur-lined leathers. The tunes started as 80's era rock, to match their attire, with an extra helping of synth. Leading the way in the dramatic fashion of many frontmen before him, the singer engaged the crowd despite his far off look, singing with the voice of the punk rockers of the timeframe his band is shooting for. At least I hope they are shooting for it as they were bordering on parody, complete with the keyboardist wearing his sunglasses inside the very dimly lit El Mo. If I knew it was a joke I'd feel more comfortable with the schtick as I found myself anxiously amused by it. The music itself moved away from the synths into more rock territory as the short, 5 (?) song set continued. The crowd was lapping it up, easily dancing along as the repetitive hooks were a snap to find. Apparently record execs were in attendance scoping them out - I'd love to hear their take!
Kristie Nicholls Band aren't breaking new ground in the apt rock realm but at least they're doing a decent job of it. I'd liken them more to Thornley and 3 Doors Down before Theory of a Deadman. Only caught a few tunes but they knew how to play. The question remains; Which one of you dudes is Kristie?
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