After hearing consistent chatter about Aqueous, whose members hail from the Buffalo area, I finally saddled up to experience one of their live shows at Nietzsche's this past summer. Immediately, they struck me as being full of energy, hyper yet controlled, amped to be in the presence of their fans and willing to deliver set after set of creative and mind-bending material. There's one phrase that comes to mind when focusing on the nature of Aqueous that is creative direction. These guys are constantly making eye contact during their sets that usually signals a shift in the musical tone or a session of improvisation. "Jam" is not an appropriate word to label their style, although with any groovy-funky band that's usually tacked on. When leading into an extended section they explore the boundaries of what the originally composed material gives them to work with, often leaving room for unique covers of songs, notable examples such as "Bungalow Bill" and "In The Hall of the Mountain King."
Upon hearing an announcement that they would be hosting a residency at Nietzsche's (I haven't heard of any other local band securing the venue like this, corrections welcome) I mused again at their continuous push to expand and innovate ways for new and steady fans to breathe in their tunes. Recently, they joined Nimbleslick Entertainment, among the roster of known bands such as DrFameus and The Heavy Pets. For those of you needing an introductory to the band, Aqueous is generous with their music by posting sessions titled 'Live Nugs' and there's always UnclePhilsBlog on Facebook that will keep you updated day by day. To start you off with one of my favorites, below is the studio album Willy Is 40.
Now, on to the openers. In addition to each night having a different theme, the bands included on the roster will create an excellent musical foil.
1) Pigeons Playing Ping Pong. Located currently in Baltimore, Maryland, the Pigeons caught my eye after a friend woke me up one morning saying she had a gift for me. I ogled at the sticker that features four pigeons in a pop-art Andy Warhol-esque style and wondered whether this was an actual pong league. Soon enough, I discovered their infectious groove that's heavy on electro and full of hilarious funk. Here's a snippet from their time at Camp Barefoot Festival. A little "Help On The Way" is thrown in there.
2) The Mantras. After causing quite a rouse during their opening set for Twiddle a few months back, The Mantras stayed on my radar and I am pleased to see them returning to Buffalo so soon. Their fourth studio album, JamBands Ruined My Life, saw a dynamic change to their music and showcased their repertoire in collaborating Middle-Eastern fusion, electronica, blues, and funk. Fun fact: this album was recorded with the help of guitarist Jake Cinninger and sound engineer Matt Gordon of Umphrey's McGee in Jake's Boondock Studio's in Michigan. Take a listen to "Kinetic Bump."
3) Broccoli Samurai. Drawing their roots from musical genres such as drum and bass and electronica, this group from Cleveland, Ohio creates an ethereal resonance when they hit the stage. I see clear influences from bands such as Lotus, Pink Floyd, & The New Deal. Drawn out effects, builds that put the audience in the present moment. Definitely will be a treat to see live. Here's "High Grade."
4) BIG Something. Ambiguous name for an unambiguous style. Out of the four openers, BIG Something brings the heaviest rock influence. With the inclusion of saxophone, trumpet, and an electronic wind instrument, they combine organic sounds alongside synthesized chords. Burlington, NC is the place--but they've toured across coasts. Below is a song off their latest self-titled album.
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