Good god could it get any hotter?! Whatever hell is like, it must surely resemble the Electric Factory in Philadelphia on this night, minus the most awesome tunes provided by Greenwheel, Audiovent and Our Lady Peace.
There is always the pre-requisite parking circus to be dealt with for any Electric Factory show. I usually stick with the higher-priced on-site parking as standing for four plus hours then walking a mile to my car just isn’t an enjoyable option for me. Here’s my eight dollars, smile and get me close to the door ok?
I guess I’m what you could consider one of the lucky ones in that I can head straight for the second level of the EF and the over-priced bar that lies on the second level of the venue. Tonight, I think Satan had a cooler place to stand then we did in this spot.
Greenwheel took the stage just shy of eight and proved to be a pleasant surprise with their strong originals and energetic performance style. My good friend and reliable music critic Diane says she loves these guys. I can see why.
I admit, my main draw to this show was the middle act, Audiovent. I heard their single "The Energy" long before I knew they had higher contacts in the music industry. It hooked me in, and then I traced the collective family tree’s to link them to one of my current favorites, Incubus, and one of my past CD loungers, Todd Rundgren’s Utopia. Who knew I could get all of these connections from one band? Talk about your six degrees of separation.
Their set was tight and remarkably cool for such a scorching night. Starting off with "Back and Forth" and blistering through the current single "The Energy", the boys never skipped a beat.
I’ve mentioned this before in reviews and to others, but what amazes me is this band’s composure and seasoned performance style. I’m convinced that these guys have lived other lives and are possessed with the spirits of musicians twice their age. Watch Jamin, you’ll see Bonham’s rhythms come to life. The play and style that goes on between lead singer Jason Boyd and guitarist Ben Einzinger draws to mind the feel and antics of Daltrey and Townsend. And never forget the amazing fretwork of bassist Paul Fried. Is this guy really under 25?
Make no mistake, this quartet has a sound and feel all their own and they’re ready to take the musical world by force if necessary. Thought provoking lyrics coupled with amazing musical stylings. This band is the total package. Having just wrapped up their tour with Our Lady Peace, Audiovent is headed out to headline a few shows of their own across the country over the next several weeks. Check them out now, or kick yourself in the ass later.