“1-2-3-smile,” said singer Gosha of Uzuhi. I couldn't help but follow his words and be mesmerized by the joyous nature of the band. From that point on I was hooked. The way he paid attention to and interacted with the crowd was pretty amazing. His energy simply lit up the room. The band was wild, sweet, and fun. Keyboardist Tsubasa had a stuffed animal rabbit in front of her. She said that she was sick but the crowd made her feel better. “I love you,” she said. At one point Gosha grabbed the rabbit and danced around with it. This band was a raucous rock 'n roll Japanese punk band. I never saw a band, especially a punk band, be so happy and lively. The audience loved it. Heads were turning and it was overall a great time. When the band finished they told the crowd to come close to the stage so they could take a photo. We all gathered and, of course, smiled. That moment was pretty priceless.
The London Souls switched things up a bit. The New York rock 'n roll band, who recently opened for Joe Perry (of Aerosmith's) new project last November, were in full form here. Shades on, hair poofy, the singer had a smooth vibe, dressed to impressed, and to my memory hardly spoke to the crowd. I got a Hendrix meets Kravitz with some soul vibe from them. The music was compelling, driving, and all the goodness of rock-and-roll. However, it wasn't particularly original. What stuck in my head me was the line “Are you gonna let your man push your around?” In other words, women don't let you're man push you around. Right on. Original or not, it's great to hear the spirit of rock-and-roll come alive and capture an audience.
The London Souls switched things up a bit. The New York rock 'n roll band, who recently opened for Joe Perry (of Aerosmith's) new project last November, were in full form here. Shades on, hair poofy, the singer had a smooth vibe, dressed to impressed, and to my memory hardly spoke to the crowd. I got a Hendrix meets Kravitz with some soul vibe from them. The music was compelling, driving, and all the goodness of rock-and-roll. However, it wasn't particularly original. What stuck in my head me was the line “Are you gonna let your man push your around?” In other words, women don't let you're man push you around. Right on. Original or not, it's great to hear the spirit of rock-and-roll come alive and capture an audience.
With the frantic live performance of Uzuhi and the smooth jams of The London Souls behind the night, it was tough to guess how Outernational would square up. Not to compare, each band brought their own vibe, but to be at the show to see the headliner and then be that impressed from the opener, you wonder what could Outernational possibly do to cap off this wonderful show? Well, readers, you're in for a ride. Not only did Outernational bring an awesome show, but they were also joined by a special guest and threw in a covers. The band's politically charged punk rock songs were perfect for a live setting. Looking at the crowd, you could see a wide cross section of people of different races, ages, genders, and so fourth. It mattered for the purpose of showing diversity and the kind of fans Outernational have. It further highlights what the band represents. That is “against borders,” as singer Myles so passionately declared. He said that there should be no borders among nations, people, or music, but that he's against Borders bookstore until they carry the band's latest EP Eyes on Fire. The idea seemed simple. There should be no barriers that hold people back. A call for freedom? I think so. It was a rare evening where I felt connected to the musician, to the band, in a way that it is hard to share. Was he actually saying some of the things that I've been too afraid to say? What are the implications of what he is saying? While engaged in the music, yet trying to take in what Myles was it saying, I couldn't help but feel awed and inspired.
The set consisted of songs from the band's latest EP plus some older songs from Future Rock, including “Sir No Sir” and other I haven't heard before. The Rage Against the Machine and Anti-Flags influences could be heard. But wait, Myles announced a special guest. Who could it be? Justin Sane from Anti-Flag. He performed “The Fighting Song” with the band, in place of Tom Morello, to play acoustic and sing. Members from Uzuhi also joined, to dance and singing, too. The anthemic tune was forceful and fun. The crowd was jumping, as was I. Justin stayed on for one song, but I couldn't tell which song it was. They also played a Woody Guthrie cover. The band did an encore. I haven't been this impressed with a full line-up in a while. Check out these bands. They'll enlighten you.
The set consisted of songs from the band's latest EP plus some older songs from Future Rock, including “Sir No Sir” and other I haven't heard before. The Rage Against the Machine and Anti-Flags influences could be heard. But wait, Myles announced a special guest. Who could it be? Justin Sane from Anti-Flag. He performed “The Fighting Song” with the band, in place of Tom Morello, to play acoustic and sing. Members from Uzuhi also joined, to dance and singing, too. The anthemic tune was forceful and fun. The crowd was jumping, as was I. Justin stayed on for one song, but I couldn't tell which song it was. They also played a Woody Guthrie cover. The band did an encore. I haven't been this impressed with a full line-up in a while. Check out these bands. They'll enlighten you.
-By Margarita Morales
Outernational
The London Souls
Uzuhi
Actually, it's "Are you gonna let THE man push you around".
ReplyDeletemehzuhi,please like us cause we're japanese cause our music is mediocre at best
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