Last week Philly’s WXPN played host to their 10th annual Non-Commercial Radio Convention an event that brought together industry folks, listeners and artists to talk shop and, of course, to rock out. With a line up befitting the celebration of the incredible endeavor that is public radio the two nights of music saw some superb acts share the stage at World Cafe Live. I was lucky enough catch some of what Non-Comm had to offer.
Retribution Gospel Choir
Retribution Gospel Choir got things jumping right off the bat with an intense set that filled with mega guitar riffs and brooding bass lines. The group, a slight reconfiguration of the group Low, flew right through their set not even slowing during a bit of mouth on guitar riffing. RGC’s reved up bluesy rock got an excellent way to get everyone in the mood for a night of fantastic music.
Alberta Cross
Alberta Cross was next to take the stage downstairs at The World Cafe. The Brooklyn band brought their brand of riff riddled southern rock to the party in full force. It’s grizzled rock that pairs wonderfully with lead singer Petter Ericson Stakee’s unfettered vocals. Watching the two guitarists toos off their power solos made the conversational nature of their playing much more apparent and brought out a new dynamic in their music. A late bit of slide guitar gave the set a nice bluesy finish.
Gaslight Anthem
The Gaslight Anthem took me totally by surprise. Continuing the evening’s variations on the theme of rock they tapped straight into some good old rock and roll. All four members played their instruments as if they were mere extensions of themselves leaving them to put on one hell of a show. They don’t challenge the conventions of classic rock and roll – great americana ballads set to punctuated percussion, racing guitars and rhythm baring bass lines – they just make sure they do it damn well. Their 35 minute set went by too quickly and I now I’m left wanting more, much more.
[MP3] I Do Not Hook Up (Kelly Clarkson cover)
Minus The Bear
The final act of the night, for me at least, was the experimental jam band Minus The Bear. Sticking closely to the material on their new record Omni they cut a memorable set upstairs on the cafe stage. The increased electro influence was front and center and really made the Seattle group’s music pop. All five members seemed lost in their own jammin universe only lending their spaced out sound an air of authenticity. The live delivery of Minus The Bear’s new sound solidified my approval of their evolution. It was a great end to a spectacular night of music.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s recap of Non-Comm night 2.