Skankin' Punky Calypso Reggae sounds at Lyrica in downtown Orlando (2-27-10)

20WT

*

Lyrica is one of the newest live music venues in downtown Orlando. It is formerly Cairo, and located at 22 S. Magnolia Avenue. The place is very spacious – around 11,000 sq. ft., with a large bar directly centered ahead upon entering the main floor. The dance floor area between the sound booth & the stage is more than sizeable, and the stage is large enough to accommodate a 9-piece band (which it did). The P.A. hits hard. There is an upstairs balcony overlooking the stage, which leads back to another bar & restroom area. Outdoors on the second floor is a rooftop patio overlooking Magnolia Avenue, with another bar. The venue’s capacity is around 1,000. Now, with all that said, I have to ask: Why in the hell were there only 25 people there? Oh, yeah...it is Orlando.

Apparently, a couple of bands canceled, which left only two live acts. Opening the night was Tampa’s Johnny Cakes & The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypso. This 9-piece band of pirates combines Reggae, Ska, Punk, and Calypso...all with a four-piece horn section, vocalist who plays the steel-pan, drummer, bassist, percussionist, and a guitarist who shreds up and down the fretboard. All the musicians in this band are tops, and as a whole, very tight. It’s easy to see past the musical skill that this band displays, because they have a scathing sense of humor in the lyrics and the live set becomes a party. It’s undeniably infectious...it made me want to dance, and I’m a crappy dancer. They raise hell on stage, and bring the good times with them wherever they go. Speaking of dancers, they had two of their Jellyfish Dancers present, which made things even more interesting. The Jellyfish Dancers are cute gals in island gear who do dance routines to the music, sometimes with their jellyfish props (modified umbrellas), sometimes without....sometimes on the stage, sometimes out on the floor. This is one of those bands that are so much fun, you don’t want them to stop playing. Another great set from Johnny Cakes & The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypso.

Next up was a Jacksonville, FL band called 20WT (yes, as in twenty weight motor oil). I had heard the name before, but was not familiar with their music. As I have mentioned in the past, I have a special place in my heart for three-piece bands, especially when they throw down. These guys did, and then some. Here’s where things get tricky...this band mixes Metal & Post-Hardcore guitar riffs, some quick-tempo Punk Rock, Reggae, Ska, and even a little Rocksteady into their sound. The musicianship of each member of the band is absolutely superb, with quick stops and smooth transitions between the styles. These guys change it up so fast, it’ll leave your head spinning (or, maybe that was something else) with powerfully distorted opening sections making seemingly effortless shifts into flowing Reggae, Ska & Rocksteady movements. After the first band raised the bar so high, these guys kept it soaring through the rest of the night. I’m still trying to place their sound...something like The Police of the late 70s would be like if they met with a freak temporal genetic accident with Quicksand, The Specials, Slayer, Tom Morello, and Madness. Take a second to figure that one out. Vocalist/guitarist Wilson clearly has vocal influences from Sting, and his intricate guitar work has virtuosity written all over it. Bassist J. Hooks has a heavy low-end, while walking up and down the neck. He was a little buried in the main mix, but it was obvious that he was doing some serious work. Drummer Dave has a lot of Stuart Copeland in his style, and held the band together like a machine. These chaps also like to party, and they have an unapologetic sense of humor in their banter between songs. An excellent set from a band I am looking forward to seeing live again soon.

But, where were the people? It was all but dead at a live music venue this large in the heart of downtown Orlando...big surprise. Service from the bartenders was good, and the place was clean & ready for a party. I wish the best for Lyrica to thrive, but they have an uphill battle ahead of them to bring quality original bands to a city of Emo scenesters, Hip-Hoppers, Techno throwbacks and reality TV devotees. I must continually remind myself that this is Orlando, and I shouldn't expect too much. Pardon me for thinking that people in this glossy metropolis would actually come out to support live original bands they’ve never heard of. If this show had been in any other large city with an active nightlife, the place would have been packed. I saw scores of people peeking in through the windows, as if they were saying:

“Huh? Who is that?”

“I don’t know.”

“Me neither. Let’s go to Tabu...”

It seems that people in Orlando are more interested in WHO is there and how many are there, rather than exploring to see (and hear) what is actually going on. Sheep, looking for a flock. Lame, as usual.

-Marc Ganancias