LIVE REVIEW: Upright Man, The Jauntee, Viva La Hop - Brighton Music Hall 11/25
The best lineups are the ones that you would least expect. They take musicians that are complete opposites and have them play a show together. The result is a confluence of different genres, styles, and backgrounds.
From the psychedelic indie sounds of Upright Man to the jam-band funk nature of The Jauntee and finally the hip-hop fusion that is Viva La Hop, there is a lot going on at this show.
Upright Man are an alternative psychedelic band with some grunge and roots-rock influences. They kick off the night with “Animals,” which sets the tone for their entire set. The song features hard-hitting percussion skills paired with dynamic bass and keys and multi-textured guitar work.
I’ve only ever listened to their recordings, but seeing them on stage, carefully piecing together each layer of their songs is an experience on its own. I feel like I’m floating on a cloud.
“It’s time for a trip to space,” says bassist Nick Katz between songs. “I don’t know about you guys, but I really fuck with space. I mean, we all fuck with space, but…”
“He fucks with space the most,” drummer Max Yassky chimes in. “I”ve walked in on him fucking with space,” he says as they begin playing “Ecstasy.”
They play a cover of The Beatles’ “Happiness Is A Warm Gun,” and add in their own melodic guitar introduction, giving it that Upright Man flair. If I wasn’t already familiar with the song, I might not be able to tell that it is a cover. In this case, the band made it their own with the addition of their floaty vocals and airy rhythm section.
There are two types of musicians: the ones that sound better on their recordings, and the ones that sound better live. Upright Man fall into the latter group. Although their debut album was amazing, it is nothing compared to the full experience of seeing them perform it in person. Upright Man are a band you just have to see live to fully understand what they are capable of.
The Jauntee kick off the night with a new song. It features a heavy drum beat layered over keyboards, bass, and guitar.
“I moved to Virginia, to clear my agenda, basking in the splendor, well I highly recommend that,” vocalist and drummer Scott Ferber sings over jazz and funk undertones.
I’m swaying around the room. I’m digging their sound, but after the song’s five-minute mark, I’m a little over it. I am waiting in anticipation for the next song. This is when I realize that The Jauntee are a jam band and they're known for their long, impromptu songs. The crowd is clearly into it, too. They are hooting and hollering after each song, for the entire hour and forty-five-minute set.
The band hardly pause between songs, which is great at times, but it’s difficult to tell when a song is changing. There is also very little stage presence besides the occasional “We are The Jauntee” from guitarist Caton Sollenberger.
The ambiance of the room immediately changes once the band walk off stage. Now, in their place is nine-piece, hip-hop group, Viva La Hop who kick things off with a dual-MC platform, a music board, a horn section, bass, guitar, and drums.
I am impressed by their ability to create a blend of funk and hip-hop music straight from their instruments instead of solely relying on loops and recordings.
It looks like there is a party on stage, and I can almost see that energy being passed down through everyone in the crowd. The room is transformed into a nightclub for the remainder of the night, and I can feel the bass throbbing through every inch of my bones.
