NXNE - Wow!

Well, we've just returned from North by Northeast and what a time it was. I can say this was most definitely a turning point in my life, as well as I believe in the career of SEeKing Dawn. Being in a band / the music business for a living just became a reality.

But before I splurge anymore on what an amazing time it was I wanted to start by doing one of a couple reviews of bands we saw while at the festival.

The Most Serene Republic

We saw this band at the Reverb on Thursday night, our first real exposure to the festival. They started at 11 to a packed crowd. They have really been building a buzz of late and are ready to explode. I had heard / heard about the band on CHRW, London's local college radio station who was doing an interview with the drummer. I immediately connected with them when they said they loved the Stars. They had actually been at Call the Office when the Stars played here in London. The Stars had actually made mention of them during that show and said to look out for this band.

So I did. And they didn't disappoint. Their lead singer was the scrawny starving musician type with big hair. Not a Fabio in the least, yet his character and personality were far more memorable than any "looker". His voice was small and emotional, similar to that of Death Cab for a Cutie or Stars. The mix was disappointing as I really wanted to hear far more of his, as well as the female backup vocalist (who also plays guitar).

The energy this band created was amazing. The drummer reminded me of Animal from the Muppets. His style was hard yet still interesting and varied. I had a chance to talk with him after and he says he gets that from everyone. The keyboardist really added an extra punch. And he was no hack, showing off his traditional piano skills when a guitarists amp was being fiddled with. They broke into some Coldplay after making a comment about putting a little too much "Clocks" into their new album. I would tend to agree although that is another entry entirely.

This band is going somewhere. Their character alone makes them far more memorable than so many other bands out there today. Their music is powerful and deeply interesting, drawing you into to a crazy weird world. Go out and buy their album "Underwater Cinematographer" when it becomes available at the end of the month. Or check when they're coming to town and buy it at their next show.