07/23/02 Baltimore, MD, Sidebar

w/ Modest Proposition, Karmella's Game

[setlist]

my slumbering heart
small figures in a vast expanse
capturing moods
executaion of all things
wires and waves
paint's peeling
science vs. romance
pictures of success
spectacular views

[review]

(from blogspot.com)

So... yeah. The show last night was a little weird overall, but really good. Probably really good in part because it's only the second show I've been able to get to in the last 6 months (France, again), AND that I got to see and meet Rilo Kiley, who were all really cool and happy to be there.

So, The Show.

Leave it to the Sidebar to get a really good Indie Rock band and scramble to fill the bill with bands that that only sort of relate. They related in that all had chick singers, and that was about it. On top of this, the sound guy showed up around 9:15, nursing a clearly broken foot, and cursing at the bands for cursing at his over-used, under-loved PA equipment that probably should have been replaced about 10 thrash-core shows ago.

The first band, Karmella's Game, finally took the stage. They were really pretty good considering they'd only played a few shows so far, they were local, and still straddling the whole drinking-age, not-drinking-age barrier. A four piece with Drums/Vocals, Bass, Guitar/Vocals, and chick-singer on keyboards. Think Ozma with female lead maybe, and she rocks out a little more than the girl from Ozma. Jenny Lewis of RK described them as "Weezer", which fits pretty well. Great vocals, a free demo CD (tracks: Not the End, Burning Wood, and Queen of Plastic Pants) and a good way to get the crowd going.

If only the momentum had kept up....

The second band was also local, Modest Proposition. Think Indio Girls or Ani Difranco, but worse. One girl on lead/guitar, bass, and drums. They were the black sheep of the venue. They, strangely enough, also brought the biggest crowd, all lesbians, and even more strangely, none of them really cared to watch. They were just there because their girlfriends and friends were there. I suppose a few of them were watching, but most were in the back smoking, comparing tattoos and drinking mix drinks. (Funny because it's true. I'm not making anything up here.) I ended up getting into a conversation about the merits of complimenting other peoples art and, you guessed it, tattoos. That, thankfully, pulled me away from most of the set. Finally, as I was wishing I could afford another beer, a girl I had met turned to me an commented how this was the never ending set, and they finally stopped. I heard a guy from the back of the bar shout out "You suck!" which was lost in the noise of the crowd, and they started tearing down.

Rilo Kiley was next, and last, as far as anyone there was concerned because everybody left before the metal band that somehow got on the bill even finished setting up.

Rilo Kiley was great. I've been looking forward to seeing them for a year now, ever since a friend gave me a tape titled "MUSIC TO MAKE LUNCH TO", with Rilo Kiley's second album, Take-Offs and Landings on side A, and a mix on the other. I love the tape and love the songs. And now I get to see them.

Rilo Kiley is a LA based quartet. And goddamn!, if they don't have their shit together. Their drummer Dave Rock (I'm assuming that's his real name) is really great, calm and collected behind the drumset. Unfortunately I never got to talk to him and I'm sure he's the most overlooked member of the band, but I suppose most drummers are, no matter how good. On bass was Pierre de Reeder. He also doubled up on keyboards and guitar as needed. Really nice guy to talk to, really great on the back up instruments. Blake Sennett is a powerhouse on the guitar. It didn't occur to me when I watched two people pack and unpack his effects pedals board. AMAZING. High voice and breathy vocals, and a perfect rythm/lead guitar combo for the whole show. Then there's Jenny Lewis. Jenny the super way cute redhead who sings lead most of the time and spent most of the pre-show time drinking her complimentary beer through a straw. And then she screams--rock vocals to boot!

They played a set that was probably an even mix of songs from their first two albums and their third, yet-to-be-released. Like I said, I'd been waiting for this show for a while and I really have nothing bad to say about them. Catch them if you can and pick up their "Take-Offs and Landings" when you have the chance. They just left Barsuk Records (home of Death Cab for Cutie) and moved to Saddle Creek Records (home to Bright Eyes and The Faint). Catch them when you can.

-kyle william

[bootleg]

Video, 41m. Good quality.