The Granada enjoyed a healthy crowd for a Wednesday night. The party people were out in force for this show and no obligations tomorrow morning were going to keep us from having a good time. From the time the openers, EZ Brothers finished their set to BoomBox's last song the venue was packed with eager music lovers, ready to rage. Unfortunately the band didn't seem to bring the same limitless energy.
That's not to say that this show wasn't epic. It was! BoomBox put together a thrilling set of electronic dance tunes that kept the dancers moving non-stop for two hours straight. Seamless changes from one song to the next meant there was no pause for breathe during most of the set. Butt-to-gut, people filled the dance floor to grind and shake to the beats while further back, dancers had more room to swing and spin around.
The audience was an adoring group of joyful partiers, full of positive energy and unrelenting dance-steps. When songs did actually end, the crowd cheered on until the beats got them dancing again. Hula-hoop dancers had their space in the back and a girl with multiple hoops even took the stage, to add to the visuals of the lights. It was comparable to a rave in all the best ways.
From their first song to their last, the duo that is BoomBox threw together some stellar tunes. Russ' beats and DJ skills compliment Zion's funky, disco guitar work and vocals. Together they make a disco-esque electronic dance party like no one else. The endless dancing might seem exhausting to a lesser crowd, but not so in Lawrence. Apparently nobody told BoomBox what they were in for. The band ran out of steam well before their fans, ending a sweet night with a sour taste.
Finishing their set at 1:12, a.m. BoomBox left the stage with a packed dance floor and people crowding the railings behind, screaming for more. For over twenty minutes the audience cheered, chanted, roared and clapped for an encore, but to no avail. John Gallup, of Cicada Rhythm took the stage and said something unintelligible into the mic. Normally seeing the man-behind-the-music is usually a good sign. He'll ask the audience to cheer even louder for the band and before you know it the encore is climaxing. But not this time. The crowd cheered on, some folks refusing to give up long after the lights had all come on and background music was struggling to overcome their cries. In the end, it became clear that the party people were being stood up, no encore. Weak sauce.
In total, it was a magnificent set of dance music that was just a little too short. Kind of like a good movie that ended abruptly... Or something else that was awesome, but ended too soon... But BoomBox is a fun band for folks who like to dance their buns off, so be sure to catch them any chance you get!
Now for Previews:
This is short notice, but there sure is a lot going on this weekend! It's more than the average music lover could probably afford, so choose your shows wisely!
Tonight: The Ben Miller Band will be jamming at the Bottleneck along with Andy Frasco and the UN.
At the same time local DJ god Iggy Baby will be playing at the Granada with Nick Arcade and Mitmo.
And if you're in Kansas City this evening, don't miss a chance to see Dirtfoot and Deadman Flats playing together at the Crosstown Station!
But most thrilling of all is the return of Billy the Squirrel, playing at Fatso's! This show is not only exciting because it's one of Lawrence's best jam bands - a blend of funky, psychedelic bluegrass that will melt your face - back from the dead, but it's also a benefit concert. So if you want to have a good time and help somebody out, this is your chance! Win win!
Friday: Fuzz Nasty will be getting their groove on at the Jazzhaus.
Meanwhile Thee Oh Sees, the Dactyls, Thee Water MoccaSins, and the Spook Lights will be playing the Granada. It's difficult to recall if the Spook Lights have ever graced the Granada with their presence before, but this legendary local band is one of the coolest, craziest acts you will ever see. Period. So to see them on a big stage, in a big venue, is pretty exciting! Rockabilly only barely described this awesomely weird band's style of haunted surfer rock. There is literally no other band that can compare with them. This show is just $10! Oh yeah, and if you're an Indie rocker Thee Oh Sees are a band you have to see. So be there!
Saturday: Deadman Flats is playing the Granada with some openers. There's some confusion as to who the openers might be. According to some websites it's Fast Food Junkies, as well as Tyrannosaurus Chicken, but on the flyers being handed out last night Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy may be playing instead of FFJ. Regardless, Deadman Flats are the kings of the local bluegrass scene, and their punked-out, fast-paced party jams will have the whole venue bouncin' so don't miss the party!
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