A Musical Exploration

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Today’s Review:
The Go Rounds and The AntiVillains @ The Blind Pig, Ann Arbor, MI. 
Part One: The AntiVillains
Taking a step into the Blind Pig is like not showering for a week and truly embracing the liberation that comes with it. Ahhhh, the freedom of no longer wearing deodorant and conforming to social norms. I suppose I should write about the show and not my personal endeavors. With intentions of strictly doing a review of the Go Rounds set my pre-conceived notions were ripped away due to sheer admiration of the opening band, the AntiVillains. 

From their extensive Facebook biography the AntiVillains are self-described as Midwest Rust Rock, rooted in Toledo, Ohio. The current trio (missing their guitarist) consists of Sarah Cohen—vocals and guitar, Ben Cohen—keyboards, bass and vocals and Sam Woldenberg— behind the drum kit. I agree with the bands self assessment of Midwest Rust Rock and would go a step further in adding the element of Soulful Folk to the discussion. Sarah Cohen’s vocals are as hauntingly gripping as her lyrics are written. I felt an instant connection to the music from their opening song “Hum Along”. Their music yearning from a mournful depth that’d be impossible to ignore one’s emotional connection to. Sarah’s vocal melodies are complimented by an equally talented Ben Cohen, whom contributes through an array of different fashions and all distinctly effective. The band molds together beautifully in a fashion that seems to emulate the lyrically content. I was deeply impressed with all aspects of their set, from the sophisticated jazz influenced drums of Sam Woldenberg to the touching keyboard work of Ben Cohen. 

The AntiVillains encapsulated the essence of what it means to have a musical outlet and this brought joy through my bones and pulled the heartache out of my eyes. The earth still revolves whether we are sad or content, so why not get in touch with what’s really happening inside of you. Glad to have found this band. Find them on Facebook and listen to them here: 
http://www.theantivillains.com/listen
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Antivillains/336169229249

 Part Two: The Go Rounds
Now onto the ever progressive Go Rounds and the twangiest rock/punk/swing/ (do I really have to try and describe their genre) band and their trail blazing inventiveness. Let’s just call the genre: happiness in a quartet. Whom I kidding, this is no jazz band. Going above and beyond the normal constraints of Rock n Roll and definitively forming their own style, the band’s uniqueness and originality is immediately discernible and addictively enjoyable. What the hell is it about this band that I enjoy so much? Creativity and dexterity is the glue that holds together the band’s rigid infectiousness. Drew Tyner on bass and drummer Adam Danis on drums are intensely cohesive, clear cutting the stage and paving the way for the two guitars of Graham Parsons and Mike Savina to mesh exceptionally in a seemingly unimaginable way. The guys have definitely migrated into their own genre, but even within their true direction exists an overwhelming flexibility and openness. Voyaging through blazing speeds of rock and roll with compelling fervor and insatiable grooves. The Go Rounds combine elements of soul, funk and punk overtop of a foundation of rock and roll that’s been soaked in a heavy vat of reverb. Their sound is nothing short of groundbreaking.

Each and every time that I’ve been lucky enough to see the Go Rounds live has brought an unmatched energy of which the audience connects with the inspiration felt throughout the band. They rarely took the time to slow down during the set, ripping through song after song with ease and fluidity. Sadly, their set came to an end, but not before a shoes on fire rendition of “Going Up on the Country” by Canned Heat.
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Their oozing technicality and tenacious style makes you want to go home to practice and seek out that elusive next level of musicianship. Why should I go on trying to describe them when you could be listening! Check them out on the road when the Go Rounds bring their voracious energy and explosive show to a town near you. 
http://thegorounds.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/TheGoRounds

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