| Expect the
unexpected! From the moment of their
opening number, Mano Mano, Chicago's Watchers,
fronted by singer/keyboardist/guitarist and unofficial Tasmanian Devil
Michael Guarrine,
unveiled themselves as a force of frenetic, raw energy and world-wise
singing, spastic dancing, and musicianship which caught me completely off
guard!
Even before the performance started,
I knew something was up when the entire
proscenium of the tiny indoor stage was left clear, except for a couple of
amps, with all the instruments shoved to the rear and the keyboards facing
backwards (or forwards, I guess, if your goal was to walk right up and
play them).
Whether you love or hate his frenetic
dancing and aerobatics, you can't help admire the fact that Guarrine
sings, plays and, well, dances and leaps without missing a beat, with
crisp rhythms, pointed vocals and an innate sense of unabashed self which
is rare in this cluttered, conformist world.
I couldn't help but be amazed, but
someone else I spoke with hated every minute of it - she called Guarrine
"icky", said his hair was too short, and his pants were too slick
--- so I'm not sure she was moved by the same elements of the
performance that I was!!! In all my wildest fantasies I could
only hope to be so icky!!!
And without missing a beat, Guarrine and
his equally frenetic band mates kept up the momentum - Gold |
|
Standard was hot, a
completely unique combination of funk and hard rock like nothing else I've
ever heard; Dirty Sponsor was a total blast with its
relentless, hard-driving beat. Exchange was replete
with more frenetic hopping and near-acrobatics accompanied by conga solos,
keyboard runs and and incredible pounding backbeat.
I was breathlessly and pleasantly surprised by
this unique, high energy performance. This band is a party waiting
to happen - let's hear it for Watchers, and hope for more to come!
By all means, do not pass up the chance to see this band live!
|
