Fake Believe, The Red Line – Rudyard’s 7/11

Rock Houston here.  I realized yesterday that my blogs are going through the parent company’s facebook…  So you can tell the difference, I’ll try to remember to put my tag at the beginning of my reviews.

The parent company decided to go to Mango’s tonight so I found my way over to Rudyard’s.  Made it in time to see The Red Line, a bluesy pop band I’d never heard of before.  They played chord progressions we’ve all heard enough times that they’re engrained on our brains.  However, they made up for that with tight musicianship.  Singer/Guitarist Ryan plays with the soul of Rich Robinson from The Black Crowes, and gets his point across with a strong melodic voice.  The backing harmonies were rich and tuneful.  If you are a fan of Jonny Lang or The Black Crowes, then check out The Red Line.

Up next was Fake Believe.  I’ve seen them once before.  They are the kind of band that grows on you.   They’ve got so much going on in their music that it takes repeated listens. I probably still need one more go before it all clicks.  Come to think of it, Mechanical Boy is probably like that and I’ll go see them again and it will click.

Let me hit some highlights.  First, David, Singer/Guitarist has a great tenor voice.  I kept thinking of Jeremy Enigk and his Fire Theft project while he sang, even though the songs are not piano based.  Adam, their drummer, plays like he’s planning to buy a new set tomorrow.  Jason, the bassist, has an effortless quality to his bass playing that seems unfair to other musicians, up and down the fretboard.  And the keyboardist/2nd guitarist is kind of the mad scientist of the group, layering in all kinds of interesting bits.  Their songs are long and complex, yet memorable.  See them when you can.  They’ll be back at Rudyard’s next month.