The Summer Concert Series kicked off last Thursday with a set from the Beat Connection over at Red 7. The opening acts were on the level but it was Beat Connection who had us dancing by the end of the night. Red 7 was a new venue for me and they had some interesting choices for service. All in all it was good time for a school night.
Red 7 is smack dab in the middle of the Red River District in downtown. I’ve never been there before and it I have to say it is rather cozy. I especially enjoyed the display of boomboxes on the site and the outback ended up being spacious. I didn’t get a chance to hang out on the couches but I’m sure they are comfortable. The sound system inside left some to be desired but I gather the stage outback gets more sound attention.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1OUY13aCB4[/youtube]
Brothertiger was up first and he pleasantly surprised me. I’ve never heard of the dude, but the 80’s beach sound made me wish I had. Some of the lryics were weak, but when you are on the beach you don’t look for serious stuff. The knob tweaking was fine and the laptop manipulation glued the songs together fine by my standards. I wouldn’t say he’s a full on controlleeerist, but the whole package is worth another listen.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ienl67Gpp7Y[/youtube]
White Arrows were up next and it was redemption time for me. I saw the tail end of their set at the Fader Fort during SXSW and was anxious to see a full package of songs from these guys. So when the set started, I was a little disappointed. I think it was the sound system popping at the wrong times and the almost big time tumble of the visualsx that distracted me most. Toward the end they came back strong and I appreciated their energy.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lyw_9-zsPq4[/youtube]
Beat Connection was last and they set they night on fire. The best comparison I can give is Graceland era Paul Simon in jorts. The beat mashinator came through on his part but the guitar playing by the lead singer harkened back to some Mark Knopfler/Dire Straits rifss. I inadvertantly found myself dacing a bit to songs like ‘In The Water.’ If you get a chance to see these guys, go for it. Be sure to bring a coconut cocktail with a tiny umbrella in it.