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Pretty pop versus low down dirty blues
Another hot July Wednesday night in Dayton and what better place to be then Canal Street Tavern to witness the second to last show of the second round. Tonight’s match-up is between the pretty pop of Psylis and the low down dirty blues of The Mergs. I entered the door and examined the Dayton Band Playoff grid posted on the wall next to cash register. I wanted to see who tonight’s winner would face in round three and figured out it would be the very popular rock underdogs, Orange Willard.
With an American flag bandana in his back pocket and a black jelly bracelet, the Psylis singer belted out a hook filled set singing pop songs with a rock beat. He was cool and confident and did well leading this five piece that included two guitars, bass, drums, and keys. When the band began their first set I found myself really not sure if they were my style. However, as the set continued and the band played through the pop-punk anthem, Word of Mouth, and the bass heavy, The Final Curtain, they began to win me over. The crowd filed in by about 9:30 and immediately descended upon the front of the stage and dance and yelled, “whoo, Psylis rocks.� Psylis really got the crowd rocking when they played a decent cover of The Killers song, Mr. Brightside. The band’s upbeat hot rockers kept me more interested than their slower ballads. Although, my favorite song of theirs, Renee’s Place, had some ballad-like piano parts, and it still found a way to rock. At the end of the song the pounding bass drum and wondering guitar leads gave way to a strong voice singing “drive onto Renee’s Place.�
Then the stage was cluttered with combo amps, high-top Converse, sunglasses, and holey jeans as The Mergs took the stage under a flash of a few cameras. I remember really liking these guys from round one, but couldn’t recall exactly why. It did not take long to figure out what it was about this 60’s, sticky-floored, dark, blues rock band that I found charming. It was the voice of an old soul with a baby face who sang songs like Jim Morrison about rivers, trains, and Louisiana. This band has a dark aspect to their music that is hard to explain, but it’s overwhelmingly present. The melodies and minor chords gave the songs depth and a cool undertone. The reverb on the lead Strat was set on high and that’s the way it should be for good blues music. The highlight of the night came as the band answered the requests from their fans to play a cover of Gloria. Other favorites included the upbeat blues boogie song Stormy Night, and the thick bass and sore-throat screams on the traveling song Television.
I decided not to even vote because I thought both bands were fairly equal. I enjoyed aspects of both bands and wish they both could continue on, only one will meet their fate against Orange Willard next round.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Dayton Band Playoffs
Comments
By Matty @ CST
July 23, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this
Yes the bands get paid per vote, but Kris perhaps shouldnt vote because he is press(that means a reporter). That almost like if Mick or I voted, which we cannot because we are working there. Use yer brain Kid, I mean KeithBy Buck82
July 21, 2006 8:02 PM | Link to this
Nice move Keith, you’re an idiot.By Keith
July 21, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
If you don’t vote, the bands don’t get PAID. Nice move. Pick one next time.