I'm sipping on some sunshine.
January 23, 2010
Crash Kings-- They were an unexpected treat when I went to the Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge, Mass. last December. I went for Rooney and Rooney alone. I knew nothing about the opening acts, who were Tally Hall and the Crash Kings. While Tally Hall came out with kazoos and xylophones, Crash Kings came out on the stage rocking shaggy hair, Converse, and subtle confidence. They did not have any kind of gimmick. They just had some great tunes that totally blew me away. They gave Rooney a run for their money.
I've always been a major guitar enthusiast. If there isn't a lead guitar in the band, I'm always a bit skeptical as to whether they will truly capture my heart. Crash Kings successfully trumped my no-guitar policy. A 3 man band, the Crash Kings feature 2 brothers, Tony (keyboard and vocals) and Mike (bass) Beliveau. Lastly, there is Jason Morris on the drums.
Again, I think, how can you possibly play rock and roll without a guitar? Their answer was the clavinet. A clavinet is a keyboard with guitar strings. His clavinet is equipped with a whammy bar, which allows him to bend notes like a guitar would.
I was a skeptic, but after seeing these guys live and then hearing their full album, they've won me over in their guitarless ways. They've developed a solid harmony that makes their rock almost operatic. The lead singer's voice is rough and strong, but manages to reach a falsetto that's clean and still so powerful.
The bass is completely amped out creating a thick, heavy sound. And the drums, well Keith Moon once said, "To get your playing more forceful, hit the drums harder." I think Morris takes a cue from this-- as most drummers should.
Each song features an amazing rhythm section that just makes you want to nod your head and move your hips.
So with that, my Saturday pick is Crash Kings' song "Mountain Man."
I highly recommend you see these gentlemen live. I also recommend taking a listen to their songs "14 Arms," "You Got Me," and "Raincoat."
