Last week Chicago was invaded by the Japandroids, a high energy rock duo from Vancouver , British Columbia with Brian King (guitar, vocals) and David Prowse (drums, vocals). The band exploded on stage at the sold out show at Lincoln Hall with a rocking whirlwind full of sound.The guys really killed it from start to finish and I think that its just crazy that a couple of guys could create so much intensity.
But to put it bluntly even though the band kicked ass, the crowd just didn't give back the energy Japandroids deserved. I know that if this band came to Detroit the audience would be going nuts. Sweat infested, whirlpool mosh pits would be formed instantly. Shoes would be lost, t-shirts from concerts past would be destroyed and every sweat drenched person in that venue would come out smiling feeling they got their monies worth. These Japandroids are not a fly by night band. In fact they almost called it quits after two solid years grinding it out until in 2008 they decided to go on an all or nothing kamikaze tour ending at Pop Montreal and the CMJ Music Marathon in New York City and they got a big break they were looking for. Pitchfork Media stumbled upon the band and gave there song "Young Hearts Spark Fire" a 'Best New Music' designation, instantaneously exposing the band to a large audience outside of Canada bringing back a breath of life into the band.
Since the Pitchfork review the duo have been working non-stop touring over in Europe and North America. I'm a big supporter of the underdog especially when they are on the rise to the top. So to see that the Japandroids are on the rise landing a record deal,selling out venues and even appearing on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, MTV Live, and recently on Last Call with Carson Daily, makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
I only hope that the Japandroids make their rounds to Detroit, so they can get a taste of energy from real music fans. If you'd like to get a taste of the Japandroids you can pick up their latest album Celebration Rock and get your droid on.
-Von Ecker
Pick up the latest vinyl from Japandroids at http://www.polyvinylrecords.com/
Born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Von Ecker has been painting and showcasing his work for the last 10 years. The CCS Alumni now works and resides in Chicago and on occasion attends events to report, review and create custom artwork for MCB
ALL PHOTOS BY SUPERSTAR CHELSEA SCHNEIDER
ALL PHOTOS BY SUPERSTAR CHELSEA SCHNEIDER