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The Record Company. From LA. It’s an interesting choice for a band’s name. The Record Makers might be more apt for what they do, but that sounds like a fake label’s Best Of forgotten one-hit wonders from the 50’s. And maybe their previous label resented the name, having parting ways to the puzzlement of singer/guitarist Chris Vos, who added, “They did well by us.” Somewhat dispossessed, the band recorded The Fourth Album, released last year, in their bassist’s living room, and “Roll With It,” carrying a rockabilly swagger, seemed a pointed launch to the evening’s set.
The band is known for playing “back to their roots,” signaling a nod to 70’s rock and blues. Drummer Marc Cazorla can play either way, his style supporting and accenting the music without overshadowing it. Bassist Alex Stiff pairs well and adds sterling melodic riffs at times (when they’re at their best?), such as a fuzzy riff on the Black Keys-ish “How High,” the likewise loaded slide riff on “Gotta Be Movin’ and “Life to Fix,” all of which sizzled live. Both assist with backing vocals, and they tease what the band might sound like with a couple female background singers. The Stones did it. Why not?
Their contributions lessen the weight for Chris Vox, who brings a lot of variety to their music where many bands stick with the simplicity of a power trio. Whether a hollow body or Telecaster inspired custom, he’s got the retro tone down and doesn’t often opt for pedal effects. But over the course of an album, never mind a concert, variety helps. And that’s where a Fender Champ Lap Steel adds new dimensions, as well as frequent harmonica.
Vox also demonstrated how grounded the band is, not just in their music, but in personality. It’s not every guitarist who makes a point to hand a guitar pick to a fan in a wheelchair, and it’s not every (Grammy nominated) band that asks its fans to tell others about their music. Despite the strength of four high quality albums and an enduring reputation as a great live act… building an audience takes work.
A couple surprises were a two-song acoustic break with “Talk to Me,” their catchy single from the last album (and purer in this version), and “I Found Heaven (In My Darkest Days)” which had a kind of skiffle feel, as I recall it. “Gotta Get Movin’” likewise kicked ass, and while Play Loud is a brighter album than their more conservatively produced albums, and disappointed some fans, its songs mix damn well with the rest of the band’s material. The band changes its set list each night, so I’m glad these were included.
The set ended with an extended version of one of their best songs, “Off The Ground,” a stellar performance of a song with a grinding groove (there’s that bass again). The encore included The Beastie Boy’s “So Whatcha Want” (reportedly often requested and rarely played) and “I’m Getting Better,” featuring hard driving harmonica. And, a friendly reminder to “Tell your friends.”
Indeed.
Setlist:
Encore:
