Bass Drum of Death / Left Arm / Roundheels / The Volcanoes @ the Firebird, St. Louis

Pictures and words by Duane Clawson

As I was reviewing the photographs from this show, I was reminded of a few things:  a. the lighting at the Firebird can be a photographer’s nightmare. b. the four bands listed above were moving too fast for me and my camera. c. I need some Earlove hearing protection for my ears.  The four bands on last night’s bill at the Firebird produced enough sonic energy to run a small city in Iowa.  Up first was Volcanoes, who were true to their name; they could go from boiling to an eruption at given time.  This St. Louis duo, a collaboration between John Ryan and Eric Peters, saw both Peters and Ryan switch between bass, synthesizers, and drums.    Volcanoes' Facebook page gives the best description of the band’s sound as “a blend of heavy electronic-dance and rhythmic drum n' bass which people don't know whether to mosh or dance to”.  Volcanoes did an excellent job of laying the sonic foundation for the evening.   For more on this band visit their page on Facebook.

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Nikka Costa @ Old Rock House, St. Louis

Pictures and words by Duane Clawson

I think back in the early 1970's there was some sort of genetic engineering that took place that was not known to the public.  There was DNA extracted from James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Diana Ross, and Janis Joplin.  This extracted DNA was baked in blues, soul, and funk to form what we now know as Nikka Costa.  Friends and neighbors let me tell you, this woman and her band gave all they could possibly give for 90+ minutes to the packed house at the Old Rock House.  Simply, they could not have asked more, and if they would’ve asked, I have no idea where it would have come from.  Nikka said at the onset of her show she liked it hot.  She wasn't lying.

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Keb Mo @ Soldier's Memorial Park, St. Louis

Pictures and words by Duane Clawson

What a thrill it is to live in close proximity to a music-friendly town.  That town is St. Louis.  Every year, St. Louis hosts a series of free shows called Celebrate St. Louis Summer Concert Series. These concerts kicked off over the 4th of July holiday and continue for the next two weekends with concerts on Friday and Saturday.  This year featured a variety of artists from Montgomery Gentry to Bare Naked Ladies.   These concerts are intended to be held under the Arch with the Mississippi River providing a wavy backdrop for the music.  This year, as in past years, the Mississippi River crept out of its banks and these concerts were moved to Soldier's Memorial Park.   Nonetheless, it’s free music and the city does a great job of providing the artists and venues.

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Mountain Man / The Blind Nils @ Off Broadway, St. Louis

Pictures and words by Duane Clawson

In the middle of July in St. Louis, you’re always looking for a place to cool off.  Tonight, the good folks at Off Broadway provided the cool air and cool music.  Local musicians Jerry Baugher, Cassie Morgan, and Adam Hajari form a musical union they call The Blind Nils who specialize in alternative, country, and folk.  Cassie switches between an assortment instruments while onstage.   Adam’s steady rhythm guitar and occasional banjo provide a perfect backdrop for Jerry’s lap steel guitar.  This band projects the vibe of a more upbeat version Iron and Wine.  I will let you be the judge of this band by providing a link to a performance in the studios of KWUR .  After hearing what this band is capable of I believe you’ll come to the same conclusion I did, these guys are really good.

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Elizabeth Cook / Caleb Travers @ Off Broadway, St. Louis

Pictures and words by Duane Clawson

Alright kids I’m going to veer a bit off track with this review.  On this night at Off Broadway were two performers geared more toward the singer-songwriter and country side of music.  Up first was a standout in the St. Louis music scene.  Caleb Travers has been recognized for his efforts as a musician and a songwriter through St. Louis area music polls.  It should also be noted that on this night at Off Broadway, Caleb gets my vote for all around solo entertainer.  Caleb and I chatted briefly after his set where he explained why he was currently without a band, but in my opinion, there is really no need for a band.  If I were to label Caleb’s voice and sound, he would be the St. Louis version of Rob Thomas.  Caleb got the evening rolling by covering the Everly Brothers before he launched into the majority of music from his upcoming seven-song EP, Ain't No Jukebox.  In between songs, Caleb is a fountain of stories and information on how a song came to be.  Be it a ballad or an acoustic rocker, Caleb displays a massive amount of emotion and passion throughout every song.  Do yourself a favor, if you see this gentleman is performing at your favorite venue, get there early and check him out.  More on Caleb can be found at www.calebtravers.com .   

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Nicole Atkins and The Black Sea / We Are Warm / Animal Empty @ the Firebird, St. Louis

Pictures and words by Duane Clawson

I’m going to start this article a little pissed off.  Not by the bands of the evening, their music, the sound, or the lighting of the venue.  What grinds my gears is the fact that local venues set ridiculously low prices to see not one, not two, but three bands, one of which is a national touring act and no one shows up.   I don’t know if people are lacking in a sense of adventure or they are just too lazy to leave the house.  People it just makes me mad to see such a poor turnout for good live music at a cheap price.  I will now climb down from my soapbox and dive into the main portion of our music dissection.  

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Detroit Cobras / Girl In a Coma / Roundheels @ the Firebird, St. Louis

Pictures and words by Duane Clawson

So once again, I found myself at the Firebird on a Wednesday night, not knowing quite sure what to expect.   I had heard from a friend that the Detroit Cobras were a must see and that was enough to spark my musical curiosity.  The first band on this triple bill was the up and coming St. Louis band, Roundheels.  Roundheels is comprised of Brendan Corcoran on vocals, Jacob Lewis on guitar, Eric Moore on the drums, Jessica Brock on bass, and Brian Marek on keyboard.  Roundheels frontman Brendan Corcoran is a bouncing, weaving, dancing ball of energy.  The band has many influences to their unique sound, which you will find dashes of punk rock, 80’s pop, and new wave.  Roundheels played a very energetic set to the small but gathering audience; I personally like the theory, ‘come early, stay late, you never know what musical gem you may find’.  Roundheels standout songs were “So much on my Mind”, and “Live with It” and in addition to the standout songs, Roundheels nailed their take on “Tainted Love”.

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Video: Arcitic Monkeys @ Palladium Ballroom

enjoy.

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