Tuesday, January 19, 1999
Devoted crowd tunes into small venue for big sounds
MUSIC: Packed house at Troubadour hosts stylings of Remy Zero,
Furslide
By Michelle Zubiate
Daily Bruin Staff
Not too often does the Troubadour rock on a Thursday night, but
when a combo of promising talent and a band too big for the venue’s
britches strikes, the end result proves a show of electric
excitement. Last Thursday night, Remy Zero and alt-rock freshmen,
Furslide, delivered an entertaining set to a grateful audience at
the Troubadour.
Each band created a wave of support with their individual
styles, placing their unique signatures on how rock music should be
interpreted. Unlike many of the small bands trying to establish a
reputation in the music biz, both of the night’s bands seemed more
concerned with producing a solid set than trying to establish an
image.
Furslide, a New York band, introduces the talent of female
singer and guitarist Jennifer Turner, who once played guitar for
Natalie Merchant. Her talents remain appreciated in a genre that’s
dominated by men in the ’90s.
Her refreshing take on sound, coupled with the undeniable talent
of drummer Adam MacDougall and bassist Jason Lader, seems to have
nowhere to go but up. In less than a year, they’ve opened for Lenny
Kravitz, Placebo and now Remy Zero.
The highlights of the band’s set included "Over My Head" and
"Bring You Down," which both feature highlights of Turner’s vocals
while mixing in guitar solos and riveting chords.
At times, the songs did seem to blend into each other without
distinction. Yet Furslide’s creative spirit remained evident in a
tempo that defied consistency, never stale or monotonous within a
single tune. Although they still have a few kinks in their sound,
it’s nothing that won’t iron out with a little time and
experience.
Remy Zero consistently draws a crowd, and the sold-out
Troubadour, packed to the gills, proved no exception. The band
adores all with vocals closely resembling those of The Smashing
Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke.
The Alabama natives have often drawn comparisons to U2 and
R.E.M., but they definitely stick to a unique and inspirational
style. The band seemed out of place in such a small venue when
their reputation left crowds of disappointed fans without tickets
outside on the sidewalk.
Lead singer Cinjun Tate carried the audience with not only his
impressive vocals but his unique charm and captivating personality
as well. His quirky mannerisms added to the visual appeal while the
uplifting guitar patterns took care of the sound.
One of the characteristics of a great band remains the talent
for overwhelming chords along with an organized sound.
Too often, one goes to a concert where the band covers up talent
with chaotic electric hooks and nothing seems to make sense. Remy
Zero’s music remains deliberate and distinctly musical. Every chord
has a purpose and inspires awe with its immense ability.
Both groups showed that rock music remains alive and well in
bands that continue to make quality music.
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