Trees has cultivated and planted seeds in the Dallas grassroots movement for about two years strong. This past Saturday at the “We Are Sore Losers” EP Release show was no different.
Discovering authentic musicians whom play actual instruments is similar to finding Waldo in the Emperor’s new clothes—virtually impossible. Hard to find, but a great feeling of accomplishment once you do.
The honorable mentions were The Boombachs, Fly Union, and Sore Losers, whom all showcased divergent sounds that ultimately and cohesively made for a great string of performances.
The Boombachs emulated an edgier Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street band. They reminded me of Tran-Siberian Orchestra minus the holiday cheer. The saxophone, trumpet, drums, bass, keyboard, and even maracas all served as vital parts to every single note articulation. The singer’s voice had a Caribbean style which strangely complemented the constant jumping and alternative texture from the rest of the band.
Fly Union took flight after a group called, The Moonshine Kids who should be prohibited like the alcoholic substance after rapping about “say[ing] hello to Mr. nice guy” as opposed to nice music—makes sense. It is hard to rate Fly Union off this performance alone. It was great to finally see the three perform the “Girls these days ain’t nothin’ but trouble” track, I just wish that I would have liked something more original that didn’t rely on Will Smith’s initial song.
The main attraction, Sore Losers finally took the stage in a dramatic fashion.The guitarist, K. Cooks brought an aura of Guns 'N Roses, Slash, and Jimi Hendrix strung into one while he ripped up his first of man guitar solos. The atmosphere was similar to the excitement and anticipation built up before the drum entrance on "Welcome to the Jungle." There were definite highlights that stood out musically. The track, "Work" from the "Get a Life Mixtape," released late 2011, was amazingly crafted with a 311, late 90's jam session feel. Records such as, "Laugh Now Cry Later" featuring the up-and-coming pop singer, Charlie B., pulled away from the past Sore Losers with a darker sound. "Baby Wanna Roll" featuring Dustin Cavazos was a smooth track that could accompany a calm drive with the sun setting in the background. Cavazos has an interesting sound, and I look forward to hearing more. "If I were Rich" took the crown for the best performance of the night. The song is beautifully articulated with warmth in the instruments and in Brown's voice alongside the superbly talented harmonica player, Frederic Yonnet, who has played with the likes of Erykah Badu, India Arie, and Stevie Wonder. Sore Losers has obtained a more complex and alternative sound compared to their days as "freeloaders," but is growing into the development of their new musicality and representing Dallas the best way they know how. Congratulations to them for the exposure from the Grammys and Sundance; the world can finally see a masterpiece.
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