Dead Meadow @ King Tut's
As Dead Meadow begin their set, one thing is abundantly clear: drummer Stephen McCarty has cultivated a really boss moustache
| 01 Apr 2008
Youthmovies (****) are setting up their equipment at King Tut's; the sound guy is sweating, running to organize numerous instruments for the group. They erupt on the stage, mutating the room's energy and the previously passive audience becomes completely malleable putty in the hands of this Oxford quintet. Distortion is layered upon itself as guitarist Al English dances from pedal to pedal, and controlled blasts surge from a trumpet. Often citing Sonic Youth as a major influence, their sound is even more multi-faceted: sharp and concise, yet equally animated and daring. They might be opening for Dead Meadow on this particular tour, but this performance bodes well for future headline gigs.
As Dead Meadow (***) begin their set, one thing is abundantly clear: drummer Stephen McCarty has cultivated a really boss moustache since he last set foot on these shores. However, facial hair irrelevances aside, the band's musical stage presence lacks a bit of luster. Their predilection is towards grungy rock that pays homage to many a Southern rock group, interspersed with psychedelic, swirling guitar riffs akin to Widespread Panic and Pink Floyd. The laid-back performance is nicely contrasted with Jason Simon's smoky, monotone vocals and the trio's coarse, trippy melodies. Garnering lengthy 'whoo-hoos' from the King Tut's audience and a sweaty front row in particular, it appears Dead Meadow can nevertheless hold their own against all comparisons to produce their own, individual sound. [Beth Malone]
As Dead Meadow (***) begin their set, one thing is abundantly clear: drummer Stephen McCarty has cultivated a really boss moustache since he last set foot on these shores. However, facial hair irrelevances aside, the band's musical stage presence lacks a bit of luster. Their predilection is towards grungy rock that pays homage to many a Southern rock group, interspersed with psychedelic, swirling guitar riffs akin to Widespread Panic and Pink Floyd. The laid-back performance is nicely contrasted with Jason Simon's smoky, monotone vocals and the trio's coarse, trippy melodies. Garnering lengthy 'whoo-hoos' from the King Tut's audience and a sweaty front row in particular, it appears Dead Meadow can nevertheless hold their own against all comparisons to produce their own, individual sound. [Beth Malone]