There is no better feeling in the world than going to a show to see a beloved band and walking out loving their opener more.
Sorta what happened last night.
First let me preempt this by saying Love Via Dance Machine did a great set. Like a parent putting their child on a bus to school I will relinquish my hold on them. Their very confident now. Amazing what a few months can do for a band. A fantastic and energetic set opening for Ian Walsh at the Space in Hamden CT. Congrats LVDM!! Conquer the world!
Now where was I?
Ah… so “merch’ tables are the epicenter of these underground shows. Lets face it the bands aren’t making jack from playing So I always try to take some time to support. I was greeted by a nice kid who beckoned me like a carnival huckster to purchase something from his table
Solfege Radio?
Why would I purchase your swag if I have no idea what you sound like?
from behind me comes a voice. “good point” a hand extends ‘Hi I’m Marco I’m the lead singer’
And so it begins. After the nerdy glasses wearing boy explains to me what a Solfege is (its the do re mi scale btw…wtf) and apologizes for not feeling well and having a sore throat (hey man me TOO!!) he gathers his posse and steps to the stage.
To quote their Myspace page
“Solfege Radio came together in January 2008 and consisted of 17 year old Marco Torriani (Vocals), 16 year old Connor Wilson (Bass/Vocals), and brothers Jon (Guitar/Vocals – 18) and Matt Stolpe (Drums – 14). The line-up rounded out shortly after with the addition of Joey Nester (17) on Guitar and Vocals. The young band quickly became veterans of the NJ music scene by winning the preliminary rounds of the Jersey Shows 9th Annual Battle of the Bands.” Is Donny, Connor? just wondering….
Now I’m not quite sure what constitutes as ‘veterans’ in New Jersey but a year together ain’t bad.
To be completely honest with you i was stunned to discover their ages. Aside from one, (who should be more aware of who’s watching in a dark club tsk tsk) the band members were incredibly poised and true salesmen. Which, after all is what they’re supposed to be doing.
As for their live performance I stood there with an incredible smile on my face. After a severely disappointing previous act up stepped Solfege like a real live rock band. Lead singer removes his glasses and goes from Clark Kent to Superman in 1 fell swoop. I haven’t seen a transformation like that in years. The raw strength of teen aged angst coupled with the smiling charm of a confident leader in training. Joey- guitarist and shared vocalist reminded me of a 50s hipster pomped up and swagger but the chemistry between he and Marco was electric. They seem to play off each other in a harmonious way not common with ‘kids these days’
This is another interesting factor Jon(guitar) and Donny (bass) were one. From their movements to their expressions these two belonged together. We jokingly said we had the plaid bearded ones to the left and the squeaky clean funsters to the right held together by a very strong very focused drummer. The chemistry was intoxicating. The set energetic. The professionalism outstanding.
They have 2 songs up on their myspace both engaging and strong. Id watch out for them in 2010. Ill try to catch them again but they seem to hover in New Jersey- would think that’s due to school schedules. But they do hot Worcester MA in April. So we will check that out
In the meantime give them a listen
http://www.myspace.com/solfegeradio