RX at the HOB
Tonight was a night that I had been waiting to happen for sometime. I have been a fan of the RX bandits for a few years now, but I cannot recall them ever coming to Connecticut in recent years to give a concert. They were the last band on my list of "bands I need to see live but haven't yet" (other groups on this list include used to include The Youngblood Brass Band, Dave Brubeck, and Streetlight Manifesto) so getting to see them tonight was extra special because I would finally be able to cross them off my list.
So, after taking the 6 to downtown Cleveland, I arrived at the House of Blues. Boy is this place nice. And greedy (they charge $4 for a coat check! All places I go to in CT this is free!). But the decor and everything is really well done in these places. It reminded me of a Hard Rock Cafe.
Anyway, I went to see a rock concert, not goggle at the murals on the walls. The RX Bandits came on stage and played an amazing set. I don't know if it was the equipment at the HOB or just the talent of the Bandits, but they sounded amazing live. Their set sounded like a studio recording, they are just that clean and amazing. Their set list was composed of solely their two most recent albums, ...And the Battle Begun and The Resignation. I can't say I had any particular favorite (because they were all so great) but I really enjoyed the jamming they did in between songs and how the trombonist, Chris Sheets, played a set of four toms. It really added to the depth of their sound.
Overall, I really enjoyed the RX Bandits' set. I stayed for about half of the English Beats' set as well, and liked what I heard as well. My only complaint about the evening were the kids. I don't know if it was just a fluke or if all Clevelander's are like this, but no one danced. I think besides me there were about 5 kids who were swaying and jumping and just, in general, having fun, while every one else stood their like zombies. The lack of energy really killed the excitement of the show and I could the band was affected in a negative way as well (I recalled all the hardcore/Africa shows that I've played at were the crowd just doesn't get into us. It blows).
I had fun though and hope to see them again sometime soon. Maybe in CT. Maybe even at Bonnaroo (in my dreams).
So, after taking the 6 to downtown Cleveland, I arrived at the House of Blues. Boy is this place nice. And greedy (they charge $4 for a coat check! All places I go to in CT this is free!). But the decor and everything is really well done in these places. It reminded me of a Hard Rock Cafe.
Anyway, I went to see a rock concert, not goggle at the murals on the walls. The RX Bandits came on stage and played an amazing set. I don't know if it was the equipment at the HOB or just the talent of the Bandits, but they sounded amazing live. Their set sounded like a studio recording, they are just that clean and amazing. Their set list was composed of solely their two most recent albums, ...And the Battle Begun and The Resignation. I can't say I had any particular favorite (because they were all so great) but I really enjoyed the jamming they did in between songs and how the trombonist, Chris Sheets, played a set of four toms. It really added to the depth of their sound.
Overall, I really enjoyed the RX Bandits' set. I stayed for about half of the English Beats' set as well, and liked what I heard as well. My only complaint about the evening were the kids. I don't know if it was just a fluke or if all Clevelander's are like this, but no one danced. I think besides me there were about 5 kids who were swaying and jumping and just, in general, having fun, while every one else stood their like zombies. The lack of energy really killed the excitement of the show and I could the band was affected in a negative way as well (I recalled all the hardcore/Africa shows that I've played at were the crowd just doesn't get into us. It blows).
I had fun though and hope to see them again sometime soon. Maybe in CT. Maybe even at Bonnaroo (in my dreams).
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