The Bottleneck got rowdy last night for Dumptruck Butterlips' return from Electric Forest, featuring their side-project Mustard Sauce. The impressive sets of folksy jams turned the show into a lively hoedown all night long. The foursome of musicians that is Dumptruck Butterlips has been sharpening their already-impeccable art with countless shows in Lawrence and abroad lately, so last night's show summoned a hefty crowd of fans, ready to get crazy.
Dumptruck Butterlips plays everything from bluegrass dance ditties that get booties shakin', to slow soulful tunes for lovers to swing to. With two full sets at the Bottleneck they got to play it all, serving up a full course of sweet, fun music to satisfy a hungry crowd. The band explores a variety of styles using their diverse instrumental skills, raw, vocal power and dances to inspire the masses. From hula-hooping to dance-competitions for the crowd, Dumptruck Butterlips is the definition of a great party.
The dance floor was nearly full for the first set, an energetic, upbeat example of Dumptruck Butterlips' musical prowess. Drinking dancers twisted and bounced along to songs, cheering at every interval between hits. When it was time for set-break, but music was far from over. Before long, lead guitarist Mr. Mustard's side-project, tentatively named "Mustard Sauce" came on stage for a mind-blowing set-break performance. Combining two guitarists' skills with a smooth saxophone made for brilliant jazz jams, but what really got people talking were the two kids backing up the band, a 12-year-old bassist with fast, funky fingers, and a 13-year-old on drums, rocking out steady, dance beats. These young men demonstrated the kind of refined talent veteran musicians can usually only hope to develop after years-upon-years of practice. There could not be enough praise to express how unbelievably wicked this show was. Those young musicians have bright futures, so look forward to the maturity of these child prodigies.
First, the five dudes on stage were joined by Ziggy on keys, then Surka and Megan brought their beautiful voices into the mix, as well as a washboard, leading the climax of this heavy-duty special show. Mustard Sauce, by any other name would be as spicy and sweet, so music fans should hope to see this project continue to build and play on at future shows.
For their second set Dumptruck Butterlips turned up the heat with a promise of a free ticket to an upcoming music festival for whoever danced with the most energy and raunchy enthusiasm for their song. Judges had a tough choice picking from among the many wild and naughty dancers in the throng up against the front of the stage. The show raged on for hours, with a full bar of drinkers and dancers partying along. Dumptruck Butterlips has proven time and time again to be a radical band of fun-loving maniacs and their fans know it. Once you have seen them play you will crave more, so don't miss the next chance to get hooked!
Now for Previews:
Tonight, do not miss Ashes to Immortality's Demo Release Party at the Jazzhaus! Leaf, host of Festy Fest and guitarist extraordinaire will open the show. Come early to enjoy the sweet folk and bluegrass tunes and receive a free demo of this fantastic local band!
Friday the 15th, Sonic Sutra begins a 2 night run of shows at the Jazzhaus, promising 2 sets of epic psychedelic funk jams each night!
It's several weeks away, but a definitely MUST for everyone to put on their calendar: Mouth will play the Bottleneck along with Somasphere and the EZ Brothers Friday, July 29th. The show will sell out, so make sure you get your tickets early. Doors will open at 8 p.m.
Comments