Denver mixed-genre pair, Breathe Carolina laid claim to the stage of The Space on Nov. 20th and pretty much beat its audience into submission with something very base, animalistic; almost feral. There was definitely some sexual energy in this mix of dancey pop-punk mixed with dub-step, and raw screaming. The crowd followed along as if radio-controlled.
Breathe Carolina has a fairely large, dedicated fanbase in CT based on the soldout house. The band noted feeling like they were playing in their best friends basement. The show had a basement feel in its closeness, the heat it generated and the proximity of the audience. These conditions ramped up the energy to a fever pitch. For a room that small, it was, at times, overwhelming.
As for the music itself, most is very original. Breathe Carolina doesn't back away from experimentation. Sometimes genre combinations work. Sometimes they don't. Melodies started to hook you but then the screaming kicked in and pulled this reporter up short. However the audience didn't seem to have an issue with it. Lyrics are very suggestive and at times crude. This is not an act for kids under 14. It was a little disturbing to find members of the grammar school crowd in the audience.
Big Chocolate was quintessential dub step. The samples and remixes were predictable and felt to be more about getting a crowd moshing than creative value. The audience seemed to appreciate it though.
Call Me Anything dropped by from Boston bringing their pop-punk sound. The bassist breaking out a little Pete Wentz during sound check left a bit of concern over what was to come. It turned out, not only was he talented but so was the rest of the band. Although pretty much pop-punk with some dancey hooks, this band takes some harmonic risks in composition and proves that they are more than just another garage band. They also took a very melodic acoustic ballad and then added an all electric chorus and bridge in a combination that worked and worked well. Talking to the members after the show, they are dedicated to this band, so hopefully they will come back to the area in the future.
Finally was Southbury locals, New Year Premiere. The band has more of an FBR style. Although not bad, this band needs some more time out in public venues polishing their act. Instrumentals need to mesh more smoothly and vocals were a bit of a roller coaster. Lyrics tended to be predictable. However, most of the melodies were catchy. New Year Premiere shows potential.
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