 I Like Shiny Things
Unfortunately Matt and I have jobs that sometimes make us work longer then 5pm and we couldn't make it in time to see Please Draw In Me. Which is lame because they are one of our local favorites! I heard they rocked it though and that is all that matters.
It was good to make it up to The Service Station again. The last time we were there was for The Devil Wears Prada. Other then the fact that it is super that the North Side has a venue like that, I think the sound in the venue is some of the best sound work I have heard. I also like the cleanliness and the size of it. The café is full of comfy chairs for parents to go while their kids are in the show, or for tired dancers.
We got into the venue in time to hear a few songs from Stockholm who took the stage second. I loved the front-man's silver shinning shirt. I like how more and more in the music scene people are incorporating the piano and keyboard in different genres. This kid could play the piano, guitar, and sing. It is also cool to see brothers play together. I think that Stockholm was the perfect match to open for the Back Row Kings; another local band that features a piano/keyboard player and pop vocals with a dash of rock.
Both Matt and I were happy we got the chance to see the Back Row Kings again because the first time we saw them at the Caterina they were missing their guitar player. Holy cow, what a difference a guitar makes. They sounded completely different.
 Their front man was in a great mood and he knew how to work the crowd. He is an entertainer without a doubt. Opening up with their song "Reckless Pedestrians," they kicked the crowds butt with their energy. The power rock mixed with pop vocals and a keyboard is a new sound to me, there is a scene for this sound hence the show, but I am still getting used to it. I like the bands ability to take it from fast to slow songs too.
Their guitar player looked to be as tall as Brett Dennen and their bass player probably covered the stage from side to side 50 times. The whole group was bursting with life. We got the pleasure of hearing a new song never played live called "Live Life, or Die Tryin" they named it that night back stage - that’s pretty cool. Recommend you check it out when it is up on their myspace or maybe on their E.P./CD.
The Back Rock Kings had a fun little intro that was the theme song from the amazing TV show, I don't know if you have ever heard it...The Office. It was fantastic, plus The Office is one of my favorite shows. It was pretty close to being on par with Relient K's Office song. I like their stick of ending their set with their song "Giving Away the Ending," because well it is the end of their set. I am glad we got to see the whole band, for what they are doing it rocked. They have great attitudes and fun music, what more do you need from a show?
 Shiny Toy Guns. Wow. I am a little bummed they were a wee late but that is life and they are a touring band. I am really glad that they still made it and decided to play and not cancel that is pretty much awesome! The band loves Spokane, which was their sixth show. From the start with 40 kids at them to now with a couple of hundred. I am intrigued to see where they will go from here, Knitting Factory/Arena? The band defiantly packs the punch of a shiny toy gun. I love their songs "Le Disko," and "Ricochet," I was more then happy to hear both of them!
One of my new favorite parts about going to shows is seeing the kids who freak out when a band mentions what song they are going to play next and it is their ultimate favorite tune ever. Sometimes I am that kid, and the other times I love seeing the kids that have been counting down the days till the show. Wishing they get to hear their song by their band. It was cool to see that happened a couple of times tonight. Shiny Toy Guns sounded flawless, even while they were switching instruments, dancing, and working keys. I dug how they slanted and stacked their keys, it looked really cool. The sound effect microphones were grand, it made them sound like robots - loved it.
Sisley reminds me so much of Karen-O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. This girl looked like a sparkler but was a complete firework. She worked it like this was her last show, even in 3-inch heels. A badass without a doubt. Shiny Toy Guns were also able to take it from a electronic indie sound to a rockin' tune in a stroke of a key. I was just blown away by their performance, they sounded just like they do on their CD. These kids knew what they were doing.
 Dale from R.A.W.K. you RAWK for bringing them to town. It was a great show. I am glad we got to see them at the venue we did because I think from here on out they will be playing huge shows where I will only be able to see them on a screen because I am so far away. Keep a look out for them and make a point to check out their music if you haven't before. Sorry, if you missed out on the glowstick dance fun... I am sure they will be back.
Check out more pics from the show HERE!
Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com |
