My biggest fear going in to Mêlée's set was that it would go by too fast. There was a twenty minute break after Ingrid Michaelson. It was a really long twenty minutes for me, sitting there knowing that Mêlée was coming on next. The band members were back and forth as always to and from the stage to the dressing room until it seemed that they had made their last trip. I can only imagine the nerves. My city's only independent radio station, which happens to be the best station in the city, broadcasts live from the venue most Sunday nights and the show was featuring all of Mêlée and the first hour of Matt Nathanson. Mostly I spent the time chuckling at people who had just now realized where the dressing room was and were stealing furtive glances back or even circling it a few times. Oh, brother.
As far as music goes, there are few things better than seeing a band live and realizing that they sound better than their recordings. In a world of mumbling, grumbling, and oddly annunciating singers, it was like some one had thrown the door wide open to let in some air; there was that excellent vocal clarity that first perked my ears. I noted good vibes between the band members. They related to each other as one might imagine they would if they were playing in someone's garage. Either they really get along or they're fantastic actors. From my point of view, they looked comfortable doing what they were doing and I can't even begin to explain how much impact that has on stage presence. "We should do a song about love," dead panned lead singer Chris Cron to guitarist Ricky Sans. "Good idea, do we have one of those?" No one was trying overly hard to be some sparkling sense of humor, but it just made them seem like very likable people.
They played roughly eight songs. The best song of the night was "Drive Away." It was like they tapped into a different energy that was previously hidden in the recording. I could tell many in the audience were fighting to stay seated at times. "Built to Last" was also exceptional and I think it was this song where Cron was nearly standing on top of the keyboard. It was pretty cool and done with enough spunk to be entertaining without being obnoxious or overdone. Anyone ever seen Sugar Ray in concert? No one is quite sure how to help Mark McGrath (tranq dart?). "You Got" was great to hear live, too. I can't find fault with any of the song they performed...which included, "Love Carries On," "Rhythm of Rain," and of course, "Stand Up"-- the closing song. My only disappointment was not hearing "Frequently Baby."
Not too bad for a first time in town.
Part 3 comes tomorrow and boy do I have a some interesting stories. Stay tuned, folks.
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