Chelsea Carnes, Maida Vale, The Northernness, Paxico Via Mexico
June 8th, 2009 | Published in Reviews | 1 Comment
Chelsea Carnes, Maida Vale, The Northernness, Paxico Via Mexico
1982 Bar
Friday, April 3, 2009
GAINESVILLE, Florida—Friday evening, I arrived at 1982 Bar for the evening’s concert featuring Chelsea Carnes, Maida Vale, The Northernness, and Paxico via Mexico. Overzealous, I found myself an hour early for the performance, but I sat at the bar and ordered a gin and tonic—sitting at the opposite end was Ben Hofer of The Northernness. The previous Wednesday evening Hofer performed at Flaco’s Cuban Bakery—a favorite hangout of mine—where he had announced his upcoming move from Gainesville to Washington, D.C.. Friday evening was to be his final show in Gainesville for some time. Not wanting to be one of those fans who burdens performers with declarations of “I’m your biggest fan!” I instead occupied myself with my drink.
The stage had been set, and as ten rolled around, music lovers slowly filtered in off the sidewalks and into 1982 bar. A small crowd had gathered in front of the stage, but being unfamiliar with Chelsea Carnes (and really there for the sole purpose of seeing The Northernness) I opted to remain at the bar. The performance provided a pleasant ambiance as the whimsical folk sounds of accordion wafted over the speakers. If you’re seeking to find a break from the stereotypical guitar-bass-drums music set, look no farther than Chelsea Carnes.
Madia Vale I was less impressed with—and not for lack of musical talent—as a result of almost unbearable volume levels. Early into their performance, I found myself utilizing a pair of earplugs to quell the noise. Perhaps if Madia Vale had been performing at another venue where the acoustics were of higher quality, I would have better enjoyed their performance. Conversely, this indie-rock band from Chicago did possess quite a stage presence, and under alternate circumstances I would not be averse to seeing them again.
Volume levels were under control as The Northernness took the stage. Ben Hofer’s voice, reminiscent of Cat Stevens’ on Teaser and the Firecat, captivated the attention of 1982 Bar patrons. His natural lyricism and raw talent had me rapt in each song. My only complaint of Hofer would be that he does not engage his audience as well as other performers of his caliber. I must however note that my favorite song from The Northernness asked for listeners to become a chorus of harmonizing “ahs” as the musician effortlessly plucked away at the guitar’s strings. Before Hofer’s last song, he bid farewell to Gainesville, promising to return [hopefully] in the winter for another performance.
Satisfied at having seen The Northernness perform, I was contemplating departure when the bar became abuzz with the praises of Gainesville’s own Paxico via Mexico. A friend of mine, Mary, emphatically declared “You will love them!” Instead of moving towards the door, I found myself standing front and center as the final show assembled on stage. Before the end of their first song, Paxico via Mexico had me tapping heels in time with the tambourine. The tantalizing guitar rifts of this Folk/Indie/Rock ensemble beguile their listeners in hypnotic manner. I have never before so quickly taken to a performance as I did to that of Paxico via Mexico. In particular, I was fascinated with the vocal quality of the band’s front-men—Ricky Kendall and John Dunne—who would often alternate songs. As a unit, Paxico via Mexico possesses a charisma that draws their listeners into each song. I only lament that they had just 40 minutes to perform. Fortunately, next month 1982 Bar has already booked Paxico via Mexico for two more shows, one on May third, and the other on May 22nd. If you’ve not yet had the opportunity to see this dynamic force perform, I highly suggest you go check them out!
- Sarah Madsen
December 12th, 2009at 5:10 pm(#)
[...] Here is a review of a Paxico show from Dischord and Shutter. [...]