Concert review: Firebrand Showcase with the Humanoids, Kentucky Knife Fight and the Blind Eyes at Off Broadway, Saturday, November 13

Some of St. Louis’ best bands came out to play at Off Broadway Saturday night to support their favorite music playground: Firebrand Recording. The local recording label hosted its 2nd Annual Firebrand Showcase, featuring the Humanoids, Kentucky Knife Fight and the Blind Eyes. The event was a hit considering the bar’s flowing stream of alcohol and, best of all, the samplings of impressive local music that would please any rock palate.

Each band that performed seemed to outdo itself song after song throughout the evening. For a night dedicated to support Firebrand Recording and what the local music scene has to offer, all three bands acted as a great push-up bra for the label’s notoriety. The Humanoids, Kentucky Knife Fight and the Blind Eyes kept the audience dancing (2 guys actually fought over dance floor space) and singing along to their lyrics. It seemed that after each set there were more people visiting the merch table to buy CDs or t-shirts out of full interest in the music played. Despite the very long intermissions, the show ran smoothly and successfully.

St. Louis band, the Humanoids, kicked off the night with a race to the punk finish line; the band sprinted from song to song. The rough and tumble punk sound of their music was a wake-up call after the slow set up time. With vocals that cut like a razor blade and instrumentals that got my heart racing, the 5-member band didn’t disappoint as their set progressed. Somewhat resembling music that says, “Hey! Let’s beat the crap out of each other then go get a beer,” the simple, barbaric, punk rock is tough but welcoming. The only drawback of the set was the overwhelming volume, but somehow it worked with the band’s strong-willed music. Looking around the crowd, it was evident that the Humanoids had the audience captivated.

Kentucky Knife Fight’s act was about as sharp as their attire. Their southern blues/rock/punk sound kept the venue filled with soulful melodies and turned the audience into a dancing wave of people. The backyard blues style of music is reminiscent of classic rock and blues; however, the band’s music has an edge that makes it something special on the St. Louis music scene. Songs like, “Sex Crimes,” halfway into the set were smooth with a dash of sexy, judging by some couples’ dance moves in the crowd. Altogether, the band’s incorporation of banjo, harmonica, bass, guitar, drums, clapping and stomping combined a feeling of Southern chivalry and outlaw mentality.

The last band of the showcase, the Blind Eyes, gave a sweet touch to the end of the night. Named one of the Best Bands of 2009 by The Riverfront Times, the Blind Eyes are pleasant and playful with their take on indie rock. With three members leading the band, the sound is layered with old school rock and charm. Lovely in the way they sing, strum, and drum, the Blind Eyes create a certain innocence in their music that made me fall in love with their catchy songs.

As if all three bands didn’t already perform with a fire on their own, the end of the night finished off with a supergroup performance in which all 3 bands combined to play one last song. With two drum kits, three guitars, two basses, three singers and one clapper, Off Broadway thundered as the collective performed Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys are Back in Town.” The night ended on a fun note as the 11 musicians performed “karaoke style,” glancing at the lyric sheet and laughing together. By watching all of the bands perform at once on stage, it was evident that Firebrand Recording is creating a genuine force within St. Louis music.

Posted by | November 14, 2010 | Concerts | Comment 

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