48 hours of Audiovent and NYC - still catching my breath. What all began as a "hey that’s a cool tune" at an Incubus concert two months ago has ended up in a relatively new band from California literally over-taking my car and home CD players. Not that I’m complaining. On first listen, you may be compelled to lump this quartet in the SumHoobJimmy category, but listen closely or you’ll be missing one of the best things to come out of the west coast since the last great California chardonnay. That, I should know!
I bought the CD after the Hershey Incubus concert where I first heard "The Energy" single. I swear it hasn’t left my CD player since. My fascination with Incubus aside, this band just has me hooked. Having sweated through a 107-degree plus performance inside the Electric Factory in Philadelphia only deepened my belief that these guys are going to make it, and make it big. They play with a style and savvy that is usually reserved for bands twice their age minus the attitude with twice the gratification.
Example - last week the band made an appearance at a local record store on Long Island NY. I’d be supremely negligent if I didn’t mention how very gracious and hospitable the folks were at Looney Tunes in West Babylon. This store rocks and if you don’t make it a point to check it out on your next visit to the island it’ll be your loss.
It seems most bands come in and do the prerequisite appearance/signings for fans at this store. Audiovent not only appeared and signed, but also performed a full out 30 minute set for fans as well. Performance space was tight, and the band’s sound seemed to overwhelm the local PA for the first few numbers with Jason and Ben cutting out on a good portion of the songs. I’ve witnessed severe tantrums by bands in similar situations, but Audiovent handled it with courteous style and class and moved forward to put out one of the best performances I’ve seen in many a moon. After a quick ten minute break, they were ready to sign and chat with anyone and everyone who showed up.
Yes, this is all standard operating practice for an up and coming band such as Audiovent, but I’ll say it again, it is their style and savvy that sets this band apart from the rest. They want it, they seize it, they genuinely appreciate each and every fan that comes to their shows, buys the CD and supports the band.
They have a certain sparkle in their eyes when they perform that says how much it all means to them and my only hope is that they never lose that spark and keep their happy feet firmly planted on the terra firma. I wish them nothing but the best.