Photos by Melissa Welliver

Love Like Fire!, Red Host, Bright Light Fever

Monday, Feburary 11, 2008
The Press Club

Very few things in life put me in a better mood than cheap beer and quality live rock’n’roll. Monday night at Club Pow! (inside The Press Club) provided a plethora of both with Bright Light Fever, Red Host, and Love Like Fire set to rock the surprisingly large and lively crowd.

After a couple very tall PBRs I was delighted to see that the local rock quartet Bright Light Fever was up first. I have been fortunate enough to catch these guys a couple times in the past, but this was their most superior performance (that I have seen at least) to date. Those in attendance were surprised and excited to witness Bright Light Fever debut a couple tracks off their new record entitled Red Hands in Holy Water. Lead singer Evan Ferro proclaimed to the audience that they are entering the studio next week but he did not hint at any sort of time frame for the release of the record. My personal favorites were “Food for the Rats,” a groovy little number that got people shakin’ their stuff, and “Locust,” which rounded off their set very well indeed. These guys are talented musicians who have developed a sound that is their own and they deserve more attention. Keep an eye out for the new record; it surely will gain them some well-deserved praise.

After a swift set change Red Host was ready to perform. This local trio, consisting of Chelsea Wolfe, Ian Bone, and Jess Gowrie has an immense sound. The best way I can describe it is this: If PJ Harvey got knocked up by Joshua Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, and PJ left Josh to raise the child with Dave Grohl of Nirvana/Foo Fighters, that child would most definitely be Red Host. They are extremely solid and all very good-looking. If that doesn’t make you want to go see them, then I don’t know what will. Red Host will be heading out on tour in the very near future, so check out their dates and tell everyone you know in those towns that they are no longer your friends if they do not attend.

Clear drum kits seriously kick ass. I don’t know what it is about them, but every time I see a drummer playing a see-thru set, I just want to dance. Dave Farrell, drummer of San Francisco’s Love Like Fire plays one of these sets, and he definitely did his part in getting people moving around. Love Like Fire’s infectious sound sits somewhere between Arcade Fire and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but has enough originality to keep it from getting old. They filled the room with incredible vibes and suddenly everyone had a huge smile on their face. I for one could not help but shake my ass and bob my head every time they dove into a new song. Lead singer Ann Yu’s voice is both emotive and enchanting. It has the tendency to make you forget your everyday worries and become lost in a sea of beautiful sounds. Love Like Fire stole the show, plain and simple. Their energy permeated throughout the crowd and left us wanting more.

You should get off your butt next Monday and go to a show at Club Pow! I promise you’ll have a blast. Bring your earplugs though; it’s fucking loud in that room.

    Jonathan Carabba

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    Find me at the bowling alley. Co-founder + Advertising Director + Marketing at Submerge. Contact: jonathan@submergemag.com

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