Review
Performing band deemed good background music
September 28, 2006
I’ve got to ask you what’s better, buying albums for the first listen or seeing a band live?
I think the answer to the question is completely rhetorical. I suppose I could be wrong though. Personally, if I can attend a live music event, let alone a rock show, count me in. The best way to get a feel for new music is listening to it live.
Well on Oct. 7 you’ve got a chance to catch a “comfortable” three-piece rock band from Minneapolis by the name of Consolation Champ. Along with Consolation Champ, another local Minnesota musician will be playing — Mason Jennings.
The Big Event will take place in the UW-RF amphitheatre for an Oct. 7 Aids Awareness benefit concert. If you’re looking for some mellow “rock” music and a great time, show yourself and represent local bands.
Consolation Champ is unique in the sense that it is a three-piece rock band suitable for all occasions, whether it be studying, partying, or even just as background music. While listening to the debut album, “The Invitational,” which dropped Sept.22 at a release party at the Fine Line Music Café in Minneapolis, I heard what I thought sounded like a blend of Jack Johnson and a merging of indie rock. The album can be described as catchy, with a twist of funky indie vibes that will contain whatever mood you tend to be in.
The group has been together for approximately two years, playing at local clubs in Minnesota. For a debut album, words such as solid, creative, and again catchy can only be used when describing “The Invitational.”
Some tracks to look for if you are in attendance are the opening track on the album, “She’s Such a Fox,” and “Wonderful Unknown.” Interestingly enough, they were recognized by iTunes music service, their genre classification being rock.
I disagree completely.
When I read the album description and saw the classification “rock-n-roll,” I chuckled. Honestly, I don’t think this is classifiable as rock music. Whether you like it or not, classification matters in today’s music world. But just like any other local band, they possess a passion for music and continue to impress fans and gain them at each live performance.
Be sure to check out this AIDS benefit show, support the local music, and don’t forget to catch recorded singles by Consolation Champ at their Web site, http://www.consolation champ.com and at http://www.myspace.com/consolation champ.
Until then, mark your calendars for Oct. 7 to give these guys a listen and form your own opinion.
Erik Wood is a student at UW-River Falls.