Here's a link to my myspace blog.
Today I blogged about my friends T.I.A. They are essentially a modern ska punk band who range anywhere from reggae to rap. They are from Fairbanks, Ketchican and Anchorage.
They played a show at Bernie's Bungalow (7th and D st.) with another traditional Punk band from Anchorage called Spitshine. The show went amazingly well and it filled the upstairs bar called the Paradise Lounge where Bernie's has a DJ spin dance music on weekend nights.
My friends Shybones (who also help host these band nights every 'Thirsty Thursday') were slated to play but had to back out at the last minute. T.I.A. was asked to play and brought a slew of fans with them to compliment Spitshines loyal following.
It was about as fun as a small local band night could be. Everybody seemed to have a good time as was evidenced by the dancing and screaming that ensued. The dance floor stayed full for the entire set and the excited crowd bounced around with teenage-angst-inspired glee.
From the looks of them, you'd think they were going to sell you your new T-shirt from Pac Sun. Winston proudly wore Buddy Holly glasses and anime styled hair. Larry dressed up in a black button up with the rest sporting cool modern hip clothing.
Spitshine warmed up the crowd with loyal fans singing along to there favorite local punk band, who's lead singer had the names of the songs tattooed on his arm. You would have thought T.I.A. were Greenday or Sublime judging by the audience reaction with the way lead singer/guitarist/songwriter Winston worked the crowd.
A few covers, such as The Pixies "Where is My Mind" which they used to open the set, set the tone for what kind of band they are and what kind of show you were going to see. The originals were fresh and dynamic and sounded decidedly like something you've heard before on some rare Ska Punk B-side.
The bass played by Larry was poppy and fun. Shared lead guitar licks were served up simple and tasty by lead guitarists Winston and Amon. Jordon's trumpet was a perfect compliment to the upbeat ska riffs, and separated them from the mindless metal most local bands choose to perform. Drummer Dana didn't over do it like some drummers do, but provided a danceable energy served with percussive precision and clean energetic drum fills.
Highlights included when trumpet player Jordan set aside his brass for the mike, and rapped a cover of an Eminem/Dre song called "Forgot About Dre" while the rest of the band rocked up the catchy rap samples. This seemed to humor the resident funk-rappers ATF who joined Spitshine for an impromptu mash-up in the previous set.
There appeal seems to be that they are enjoying themselves just as much as they think the crowd should. They are not another pretentious pseudo metal band in GAP clothing and matching pho-hawks. Nor an over-aggressive band you'd think to hear blaring out of a suped-up truck with a confederate flag and a driver wearing an 'affliction' t-shirt with silver embossed embroidery.
They are something far less sinister or deceptive. A fun unassuming garage band that has as much fun practicing at a friends house with a few beers, pausing for causes and such, as in front of dozens of adoring fans. Playing something rarely heard in this state. Pop music.
Go figure. Being entertaining and tasteful are still appealing. Who knew?
For some Great Photos of the Show see J L Photography's Blog
Add them as your friends on Myspace and Facebook and go see there next show!
Check out Shybones, Sunbury and a special treat... the UAA Jazz Quintet for an acoustic show next Thursday at Bernie's at 8pm. (corner of 7th and D st.)
NO COVER!!! Great Live Music!!! Three bands that actually get PAID by the BAR!!! Does that really still happen?
Hope to see you there!!!
Spitshine: http://www.myspace.com/spitshineband
Sunbury: http://www.myspace.com/sunbury
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