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Live review: Parlor Mob at ACL Fest
During a radio interview on Friday afternoon, prior to their set at the opening day of Austin City Limits Festival, the members of Parlor Mob talked about the direction of their in-production sophomore record, partially recorded in San Marcos. The unspoken desire to advance the band’s bluesy, proto Zeppelin sound in a new direction was a topic of some discussions, to which this reviewer can only say “Thank God.”
Tha’s because The New Jersey band might somehow have more Led Zeppelin in its DNA than Zepp workhorses Them Crooked Vultures, who count Zepp bassist John Paul Jones as a member.
Put it this way, when you can describe a band as Wolfmother only less cerebral, there’s a problem.
Before I hammer too hard, it bears saying that if Zepp, Blue Cheer and Lynyrd Skynyrd are your musicial paragons, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with what Parlor Mob does. vocalist Mark Melicia can caterwaul like few this generation and guitarists Dave Rosen and Paul Ritchie came a few furlongs within something Jimmy Page might’ve churned out circa “Presence”.
But after 25 minutes I’d had enough and was weighing fleeing to see either The Walkmen or Dr. Dog, neither of which I’d had the slightest interest in heading into Friday. Good luck with that next record, guys. You’ll need it.
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Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: ACL 2009: Friday, ACL Festival 2009
Comments
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By Jess
October 3, 2009 1:42 PM | Link to this
“Wolfmother only less cerebral”? A person who thinks Wolfmother’s music is in any way more intellectual than the Mob’s shouldn’t be reviewing.
By phranchk
October 3, 2009 7:35 PM | Link to this
Wolfmother? Really? This is one of the best bands of the last several years. Seen them twice now and each time they’ve killed. I predict huge things from them.
By van patter
October 4, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this
A career in music journalism, good luck, you’ll need it. The Parlor Mob will be huge.
By van patter
October 4, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this
Click here to report critic abuse.
By hula
October 15, 2009 9:43 PM | Link to this
haha I hope this isn’t your full time job, dude…
By Patrick
October 21, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this
Chad Swiatecki you’re a moron. What the heck are you doing being a critic of music? Are you serious about that Wolfmother comment? The Parlor Mob is freakin amazing, one of the best bands to come around lately. Their live shows rock. Your critique sucks. Get a life, schmuck face.