The Triangle

Issue date: 10/22/04 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Cal Hawk [Click to enlarge]

The Democratic organization, Concerts for Change, (formally known as Concerts for Kerry) decided to pioneer a slew of shows in the tri-state area celebrating nights of reflection on the Democratic Party and Bush-bashing fun. Saves the Day headed up 3 shows for this organization, one of them in our small concrete jungle of Philly with special guests, Philly's own, This Radiant Boy and Trouble Every Day. The Whisky Dix proudly held this night of pro-voting rambles and freedom of choice oration.

A country bar hidden deep on the north end of 7th Street, The Whiskey Dix brought to the eye a collage of hick pride and rootin'-tootin' western fun. With moose heads and deer skulls adorning the walls this place really meant business. As if the whole Bush family threw up their Texan pride all over the walls of this small shanty, I was met with the sight of antler chandeliers covered with miscellaneous bras (sure to have been lost by some cowgirl or another) and the Jim Beam stained floors.

Along with the Texan scenery you could also see hoola-hoops, hard hats, and grass skirts hanging from every nook and corner of this place as well. The stage screamed USA pride, half the size of your dorm room, with a huge American flag-waving overhead. Kicking off this rally of democracy were the Philly locals This Radiant Boy. Coming to the stage with a Hammond Organ and female back-up vocals they put out an indie rock sound much like that of a "Guilt Show" Get up Kids and then continuing with a more Anniversary sound. But besides all the band comparisons, this band was one of those unique types.

The harmony of both the vocals soothed out the sound leveling off the peaks and producing an over all ear-pleasing sound. They were a perfect opener for the night, getting the half drunken crowd riled up ready to randomly shout, which would continue through the entire night. (This is a bar show, afterall, what would it be with out a few "Free bird" and Journey requests?) Cutting through the mellow sound of the vocals was a wheeling guitar that could melt any face close enough.

The elements of a "classic rock" sound were greatly exemplified with a cowbell backbeat in the middle of their set and a calm swing that you could really move your hips too. Going from punch 4/4 to swingy 6/8 tempos' and then to a pro-voting campaign made this band not only political but quite diversified. With the heat of the breath that was screamed out of the singer Mike Guggino's lungs we could keep warm from the cold that was brought in with the open door. Bending pitch and scratching slinkys ended this band's set and brought us closer to the debate that was to be seen at the end of the night. (Ironically enough all these Kerry buffs and democratic crazies were actually missing the debate for a local show...but whatever)

Continued...

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