Ready Set Rendezvous
Ready Set Rendezvous are a three piece pop-punk band that hail from Livonia, Michigan. Their sound is more or less standard at first blush, but is more rewarding with repeated listens. It's relatively obvious that they're trying to break the mold of pop-punk music by incorporating alternating tempos and left-of-center musical arrangements. While this doesn't always pay off, when it works, it's a great thing. This approach makes their better songs seem like mini-suites, creating a sort of pop-punk opera. Incredibly ambitious for a band this young. I'm looking forward to seeing where they go from here.
80D
The downriver area is of no shortage of hardcore metal acts, and this works to 80D's determent. This band of four from Monroe, Michigan are hardcore down to it's most primitive elements. While this works in their favor at times, it mostly makes them sound basic and somewhat bland. Operating without a bassist, they still manage to get a crushingly heavy sound. Introspective lyrics and Henry Rollins-like posturing from the singer makes them seem both like musicians in touch with their inner selves, and poorly xeroxed copies of better bands from a better time.
Hello Kelly
The only band on the bill not originating in the downriver area, Hello Kelly are a professional touring band from Nashville, Tennessee. They play a brand of tight pop-punk with U2-like atmospherics and, at times, shy bedroom pop leanings. Amazing showmen, they whipped the small crowd into a fervor and played to the room as if it were an arena. Anthemic music and triumphant vocals served to lift the atmosphere to new heights, and had the whole crowd singing along. Be sure to check them out if they come to your area.
Sidestreet-Hitchhikers
Sidestreet-Hitchhikers are a blues-rock band out of Wyandotte, MI. With a sound that fuses their love of blues and a more alternative sensibility, SS-HH were a force to be reckoned with. I say were, of course, as this was their last show. It's quite a shame, because I had a lot of faith in this band. Playing with a fury not often matched in this local scene, SS-HH shows were always a joyous occasion for the few fans who actually got to see them. Short-lived as they were, they were quite legendary, and I can't wait to see what these guys do next.
The Whistlers
About the closest thing to true noise pop in the area, The Whistlers are as tuneful as they are raucous. Their set was unfortunately marred with technical problems and poor attendance, which is par for the course when it comes to shows at the Modern Exchange. I believe the sound guy was absent after the first song, when microphone feedback deafened the crowd and the band, making it impossible for the band to go on. After that issue was solved, The Whistlers launched into a full-on set full of their candy-coated noise jams. Their set ended with most of the audience on the stage, myself included, banging on instruments and making a monstrous racket. A wonderfully fun band. Go see them if you get a chance.
