For some reason, recently I have been into exploring groups garnering praise their harder rock and roll ways. Chalk it up to the taste left by Megaphonic Thrift or simple pursuit of my musical curiosity. Whatever it is, it lead me to North Star Bar for the third week in a row to get a dose of some tenacious rock and roll care of Band Of Skulls & The Whigs.
Band Of Skulls
Britain’s Band Of Skulls started the night off properly with a mighty charge straight into the beginning of their set. Band Of Skulls’ music is layered and plays like a slow burn. You don’t immediately realize its potency until you’re already caught up in the intensity of the galloping drums and wafting guitar riffs. The trio has a much calmer stage presense than what I was expecting. They put all their energy into their playing to the great benefit of their sound and live show.
Technically, Band Of Skulls aren’t terribly intricate. The bass lines constructed to counter weight the more nuanced guitar and drum solos. The vocals bassist Emma Richardson contributes however give the group a smokier flavor, a bit of soul you might say, than are typical of a rock group.
They held the audience’s attention for the entire set. At times raising them to the fist pump synchronized head nodding level. When playing from their album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey they let themselves stray away from the refined sound you hear on the recordings. When allowed to get a little dirty on the familiar “Blood,” as well as, “Death By Diamonds & Pearls” BoS reveal the true depth of their talent. The group even strutted out some new material which suggested they’re looking to dabble in both punk and pop waters. It will be a welcome evolution for the group who clearly have a grip on how to interpret classic genre’s in their own voice.
The Whigs
Following Band Of Skulls sonic wallop was Athens psych rockers The Whigs. On record you’d expect a delivery similar to Band Of Skulls. Instead there was a display of much greater musical dexterity. This trio has built some carefully constructed musical compositions. It isn’t conveyed well in their recordings but when you watch as Julian Dorio militantly pumps his percussions and Tim Deaux races adroitly through his bass lines you recognize just how excellent The Whigs are.
Lead singer Parker Gispert’s soaring spacey voice gave the intense instrumentals a southern rock sheen. This meant songs like “Half A World Away” came off as softer anthems while, on the other end of The Whigs’ spectrum, songs like “Like A Vibaration” got a gritty agressive pulse. The trio’s stage presence was equally focused and authentic. All three seemed to trance out while they played without sacrificing a sense of the whole sounds. It was a testament to their skill that despite their slightly autonomous playing style the set rocked out seamlessly.
The Whigs, commonly associated with a psych rock sound, surprised me during their set when they pushed into glam pop territory. While playing “Kill Me Carolyn” the bass and drums hit whirring pace and Gispert’s voice hit 11 there was an undeniable pop vibe. It made their live show that much more alluring. They’re touring all over the place until May so if you want the perfect live soundtrack for your spring get yourself a ticket. The Whigs are well worth your dollars.
[MP3] The Kids Are Alright (The Who) – The Whigs
[MP3] Death By Diamonds & Pearls (Daytrotter Session) – Band Of Skulls