Here is how i found the band... and I am suddenly realizing that although it was over a week ago that I saw their last show, I have subconsciously waited until today, St Patrick's Day, to write my review of it; coincidentally I saw them perform exactly one year ago in the incarnation that sealed the deal of my love for them... I Was Totally Destroying U2. J.Booker is probably one of the top 3 biggest U2 fans, besides myself that I've ever met. I'm not here to tell you about that show, but I have to squish about it a little. Seeing IWTDI do the U2 show is as close to the real thing (ha) as one could get if only for the reason that they have obsessively watched and studied enough live shows to throw in all those random ad-libs and asides from ancient shows that only the true fans know. The first time I saw them do it, (the night before the U2 show at Carter Finley in 2009) I almost went wild with kindred-ness. I had found my people! IWTDI are U2 fans, and that certainly helps in any attempt to "cover" a band, but what makes their interpretation is the professionalism. There are no mistakes. That is the secret of IWTDI in any incarnation; especially as their true selves... These guys are PRO-FESS-ION-ELLL.
I probably know way more about the history and mechanics of this band than any other band. I am not here to bio the band, but I do want to elaborate on the perfection of the structure... So sure, John and Rachel share the LV spot, but that's the thing - there is no standout superstar in IWTDI. they are all superstars, there is equality and balance. I don't know if it's because of the U2 connection I have with them, but just how i feel about The Boys, (there would be no U2 if any member of U2 were to leave the band,) But IWTDI would not be themselves without every single member of this band. It's a perfect balance, They work so well together that if one were to move the others fall into place. There is no IWTDI without Joe, Curtis, Rachel, John or James. I have watched this band pay dues after dues, playing shows to 12 and playing shows to thousands; and it's an added bonus for me to be sat here writing this as they are playing at SXSW right now. I'm beyond proud. Beyond any level of ecstatic than i could express at their success. I can't think of any group of people i respect artistically, professionally, musically and personally that deserve it more. I love these guys. Big love. Big, big love.
There is so much I could elaborate on my connection to these guys, but long-time readers will know how to find the stories so there is no need for redundancy. It's been a long year full of lots of incredible shows, some awkward shows, some secretly attended shows, but i was there. I was there for all of them. I will always support and love this band. So they come to my King's? Of course I'll be there... Of course!
Raleigh Redress is "an ecologically conscious and forward thinking fashion show that challenges designers to think about impact on the environment in the development of their concept. Redress aims to showcase eco-friendly designers with accessible and innovative collections that show “green” is in all aspects of life, including fashion." (from their site, obvs) I don't personally know any of the designers this year, but i totally support the cause. I'm no eco-hippy, but I'm all for this idea. I was only more than happy to donate to the event by attending a show i would have gone to see anyway! ha! I dragged Hillary and Shawn along and my dear God, we had a blast. 99% of the time the show i see is directly affected by the company I keep. Just so happened I was seeing a show I would have loved, regardless.
Wesley Wolfe: I didn't stick around too much for. I did like what i heard, but I was having an off ear-night, and the acoustics were rough on me. I didn't have enough drink in me to tolerate the really really loudness of it. and if you know me, to say "this band was too loud", you know they were LOUD.
Bright Young Things: This is a band I've seen a couple times now and I have a budding interest in. I don't want to be completely superficial, but ooooh lordy, the LV is beautiful. And the closer you get to the stage, the prettier he gets. But okay I promise, that's not the only draw, they are adorable! And by adorable i mean their music is totally adorable. I don't mean to get all girly, but almost every song is like running in a sun-blinded wheat field wearing a sundress chasing butterflies. Every song is like the most adorable "falling in love" quirky montage in a Ben Stiller Rom-com. Somebody soon is going to pick up on this and these guys are going to get big, quick. I'm calling it now. BYT = famous soon. very soon.
IWTDI = already famous. or am i biased? I am biased. and also i am right. This show featured songs from the new album that I wasn't too familiar with (YET) but executed perfectly. That is the thing people need to know about this band, the level of dedication, the sacrifices made, the jobs quit, the dues paid, the time and money invested. You don't get to the point where they have now finally reached without the work they've put into it; and i can promise you, there may not be a harder working band in the triangle that I know of. and I know a lot of local bands. They went on a little late this night, so the crowd thinned out but they didn't seem to mind and played their hearts out, as per usual. So the show was stellar, as per usual. My pride and love was off the charts, as per usual. I'm tempted to gush, but I will refrain. and I will tell you once again, I Was Totally Destroying It are going to be the next big thing out of this town. I'm so glad I get to one day say I knew them when. Love you, guys!!! xoxo
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