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January 22, 2011 - With You I'll Travel

Mike Graff, who was a guitarist in the legendary Dallas band Course of Empire, was opening the show here at LaGrange. (Note: CoE, from my limited knowledge, was one of THE bands back in the day. In their case from '88 to '98.) So knowing what I just said I was interested to see what he was like. Decent and great. Those two words sum up his set. Decent, referring to his singing abilities. He had an okay voice, not bad by any means, but certainly not the best. And aside from his first two songs, "Boogie Rock" and "Slam Bam Women", I was never very engaged in his set. Which I was ready for it to be over one or two songs sooner than what it was. Now on to the great, which describes what kind of guitarist he was. But I guess there's no way you could spend ten years in band that is considered one of Dallas's most legendary bands, and not be great. Like I said, he performed a good show, but not good enough that I have a desire to see another one.

First off I might should give a shout out to the Dallas Observer for introducing me to the next act. The band is called Novaak and the Observer had written a good little review of their new record, which prompted me to check them out. And if it wasn't for that article, I would not have even been at this show. Their facebook page only lists frontwomen, Jessi James, and guitarist/backing vox, Blake Panter. But for the live show they had a full band, consisting of a bassist, drummer, and keyboardist. The songs I'd listened to (which was actually their entire album, & I listened to it a few different times) sounded truly amazing. And I had my doubts that they would sound that good live. They ended up sounding even much better. They opened their set with "Whatevertown" (I picked up a set list of theirs after they were done. That's the only reason I even know what songs they did.) And then went right into "Deepest Part". Most of the songs they did went that way, with Blake segueing right into the next song. They did a few others, "Mr. Memory" and "Marnie", before getting to one of my favorites, "With a Stretch". Jessi and Blake co-sang parts of this one, the first verse and choruses, and it sounded beautiful! They had a few songs left, "Just Be" and "Bound to Forget", before wrapping it up with their other song I really like, "1 Hr". Their set was pretty awesome, and after learning that they've only been around since last May, it makes it that much more impressive. And it really doesn't seem fair that a band, that has existed no longer than that, should have so much talent. But they do. Their songs have a Indie Rock sound, with even a little dash of Electronic thrown in, and the lyrics show a lot of maturity. And Jessi has a beautiful voice. I'd say one of, if not the best female vocalist I've heard of, and I'd go as far as saying one of the best singers I've heard of period. The only negative thing I can say about their set was that they failed to have their newly released "I Am, You Are" album with them to sell. Which was a big letdown, but if their plan was to make new fans and then have them see another show so they can get the record, then it worked on me. They'll be playing at Hailey's in Denton on 2/18, and if that means I can get a physical copy of the album at that show, then I'll be there. And speaking of the album, I'd highly suggest getting it. The year is still very young, but it should be a definite contender in making an album of the year list.

Menkena was headlining, and really this night was all about them, as they released their new CD, "With You I'll Travel". I'd seen them once before up in Frisco, and while they were entertaining in their own right, I wasn't too crazy about them. And the same could be said about this show as well. More than anything they're a theatrical band, which is nice to see. They use visuals for all of their songs, and it really does add to the show. Unlike most times that I've seen bands use visuals, where it looks like a desperate attempt to look cool. Their set started with the first video, a time elapsed video of the full moon going through all of it's cycles. Eventually the band made their way out to the stage and were greeted with much applause from the crowd, who had nearly packed LaGrange. I think they sound pretty good, but on the clips of songs from the album that I listened to, as well as the live shows, it's hard to even hear frontman, Jimmy Menkena, singing. I guess that works well for them, cause they certainly have their fan base, but I like to at least understand (and hear) a few words here and there. Aside from that aspect their 50ish minute long set was entertaining, with all the videos that accompany the songs, and the use of their own lights that they use. (Even when they are shining directly in your eyes, making you temporarily blind.) But it still didn't make me any more of a fan, which is why I didn't bother picking up their album. But I would recommend at least checking it out, especially the songs "With You I'll Travel" and "Rocketships".

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