"Evolution": Wild Flag @ The Black Cat 10/20/11

Words: Paul    Photos: Kevin
I know it seems odd to use the term “evolution” in reference to a band that only came into existence at the end of last year but I could think of no better term what I saw from Wild Flag this year.  Within eight short months, Wild Flag gave an inspired (if raw) debut performance at the Black Cat, released a fantastic album, and finally returned this past Thursday as fully formed rock stars flexing their muscles at the same venue.  It is a rare thing indeed to be able to witness this type of change from a national act in such a tight window of time.

When Wild Flag first played the Black Cat in February, I had no idea what to expect.  All I knew was that two members of Sleater Kinney, the lead singer of Helium, and the drummer from the Minders had formed a band that had been getting rave reviews on its first tour.  There was no album, no video, nothing to indicate what their live show would be like.  But reputation and curiosity were enough to get me, the rest of the CG staff, and a sold out crowd through the door – a door which they proceeded to blow off its hinges.

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Things That Rock: The Felice Brothers

Welcome to our new column, Things That Rock. Sometimes there's just so much damn rock going on that we can't get to everything we want to in a timely fashion. That sucks because it means there's some really good music that we just don't get the chance to talk about. WELL NO MORE.

Things That Rock is our new official blow off valve. Sometimes it will be a review of a show that deserved more mention than we gave it, sometimes it will be simply a band that we love and are just now finding the time to tell the world about it. Whatever it is, it has to meet one criteria and one criteria only: THAT IT ROCKS. So keep your eyes peeled for the column, and without further ado, here.we.go.

Touring in support of their latest album, Celebration, Florida, New York based band The Felice Brothers made a stop at The Black Cat a few weeks ago. Historically, the bands music has been at sort of dark glance at a Gothic America that is just outside of what most people know as everyday life. Their songs owe as much to Dylan as they do to the carnival barker personality of Tom Waits, and until now they’ve respectfully, if not purposefully, stayed well within the musical boundaries that those two artists would suggest. 

The Felice Brothers have always had an edge to them. A bravado. But they've never given any indication that they would become the indomitably fearless band that they seem to have become. The Felice Brothers these days seem have become unhinged in the very best of ways. It was clear from the start that while they may be operating inside some weird genre of folk rock, the old rules no longer apply.

At times lead singer Ian Felice seemed to be less singing than howling like some feral animal. It’s an energy that flows through the band as a whole, and makes for some damn exciting rock and roll. On record, the material from Celebration, Florida tends to sound more like a band that isn’t quite sure of their direction, but live it quickly became clear that these were the songs of a band who just didn’t give a f@#@ anymore.

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Win Stuff: 2 tix to see DUM DUM GIRLS this Saturday @ The Black Cat!!

[CONTEST CLOSED]

Oh, your faithful Word Economist has made a grievous error.  A while back, I purchased tickets to see the Dum Dum Girls at the Black Cat this Saturday, October 22nd.  Unfortunately, a short time ago I was gently reminded by Lady Word Economist that I have a wedding to attend this Saturday.  As a result, my tickets must be forfeited. But my loss can be your gain...I am giving BOTH tickets away to one lucky @ChunkyGlasses Twitter follower.

However, I won't give these tickets to just anybody.  See, Dum Dum Girls new album, Only in Dreams, is one of my favorite LPs of the year and a mortal lock for my year end top-10.  So, if you want to see Dee Dee and her band for free, you have to show me how much you love the new album. Just leave a comment below or send a tweet to @ChunkyGlasses (Yes, you can enter TWICE) before NOON SATURDAY telling us what you think of the track "Coming Down."  Any entry that includes the terms "Mazzy Star" or "Fade Into You" will be immediately disqualified.  You're better than that.

GOOD LUCK!