I was not familiar with The Struts before seeing them live on Dec. 17th. I checked them out (I hear tell of a channel called You Tube) when I got the assignment. I thought it'd be fun to hear the band in their element. A band can't be a band unless they perform, right? Also, I figured it gives the band a fair shake.
You see, the description of the band's style is not my cup of tea as I drink coffee. Don't get me wrong, I like a dose of 70's glam but was I ready for a dose of a potential cartoon of 70's glam? A dose diluted with baking soda and talk? A real poncho or a Sears poncho?
There is apparently a contingency of bands paying homage by waving the flag of all things retro. In some strange way this is cool. Some bands use elements of production style, vintage equipment (to the point of making some equipment that actually SUCKED in the 70's and 80's hip, exotic, and expensive in the now), and even a look to capture the vibe. So when I say give the band a fair shake, I mean I'm a cynical cunt when it comes to the new school waving the retro flag. I'm a geezer, I was born in '72, I got a dose of the real shit baby! I'm also a musician and respect the effort bands put forth even if I'm not into they're music. I wanted to HEAR The Struts live with no preconceived ideas.
I'm happy to say this band kills it live! They create pomp and an identity through theatrics. The singer looks and dresses so much like the early incarnation of Freddie Mercury and in a way strives for the vocal sound.
The Struts put most of their energy into the look. This is a good thing here. Believe me. it gives them an alternate identity that probably feeds into the energy they put into the music and live performance.
On stage, it's apparent there is no place they'd rather be. They seem genuinely grateful for the opportunity to have a crowd to perform for and are aware they have the coolest job in the world. I can't point out any one particular high point or lull for that matter. The Struts hit the stage with a purpose!
From the time they swaggered on to the stage the audience (believe me when I tell you, there is a big fucking difference between an audience and those in attendance. It's up to the band to make them one or the other and this audience was at full salute.
The Struts are a highly interactive band with the audience. The female population had made up their collective minds. These are handsome boys. Let's face it, this was no Motorhead show. Yet, regardless of the plumbing, the audience was right there with The Struts from start to finish. If there had been a needle to gauge enthusiasm, it would've been pinned in the red, baby! They know how to lather themselves up and keep the crowd with them.
What an excellent way to be introduced to a band and a great band to be introduced to. The sound does have SOME connection to 70's glam.
They are not a Queen, T Rex, or Spiders from Mars Saturday morning cartoons. The band has either opted to go noncommittal to the whole retro thing ( which is good, they risk sporting the Sears poncho), they want to push they're original thoughts (also good), or they're young to the point that what was on the radio and background noise needs more time to be chelated from their music.
These guys look really young and what was on the radio in the 90s and early 00s is nothing to write home about. Yet background music works into our subconscious.
They seem to have good a good source to pull from and I look forward to great things from these good looking sonsabitches!
Keep the windows down and your eyes on the horizon people!
Tom
I am glad to hear that it was a good show. I love the rather brazen vocal on "It Could Have Been Me", and I am going to loo take a look at some more of their stuff.
ReplyDeleteGood thing it's only an EP...
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