BIG DATA / CASTLECOMER / FITNESS

Connecticut, you have to wake up. I know it’s a Sunday but when the Space Ballroom and Sirius XM’s Alt Nation promote a show the caliber of Big Data, Castlecomer and Fitness the house should be packed. Thankfully the attending audience was vocal and thoroughly energized.

The night started with Fitness. Fitness is a super group duo comprised of Max Collins (Eve 6) and Kenny Carkeet (Awolnation) whose debut album, Karate , was released earlier this year.

After a short intro the duo launched into “Sing”, the initial track from Karate. The pulsing tune captured Fitness’ hybrid sound, mixing rock with a strong synth backbeat. Collins was totally engaged and Carkeet animated. “Itch”, darker and funkier came next and the crowd began to feel the groove.

“Kill the Rich” and “Love the Surfer” followed and Fitness definitely won over the congregation. “Get Dead” ensued and it was surely their set’s highlight. When Fitness hit “Matter of Time” all was well in Whosville. It was a winning first date with Fitness.

From Nashville via Australia, Castlecomer is a rambunctious collection of cousins plus one long time mate. The band offers a lively blend of pop, electronica and uptempo dance rock.

Before their set began lead singer Bede Kennedy felt blessed. It seems Castlecomer’s van was in a five car accident right before the night’s gig. The band seemed psyched to be alive.

 Castlecomer proceeded to “Move” , a passionate song that enticed everyone to toe tap and sway. Bede played the room well. Tommy (Lead Guitar), Joe (Bass), Neely (Keyboards) and Patch (Drums) kept the pace going with their next number, “All the Noise”. The chorus which began “All my friends and all your friends And all of the noise” had the crowd rollicking. The band began to warm up and their stage presence soared.

By the time Castlecomer hit “If I Could Be Like You” my feet couldn’t stop moving. It’s an exuberant dance anthem that defies you not to shuffle.  Castlecomer doubled down with “Fire Alarm” and “Make Love Make Music” to end the show. It was a killer combination.

Castlecomer is a band you’ll be hearing about for a long time. Check out their new record Castlecomer on Concord Records.

The night’s headliner, Big Data, is the brainchild and creation of Harvard grad Alan Wilkis. Big Data encompasses multiple genres (electropop, indie electronica, funk) and easily morphs from one to another.

Big Data’s motif dwells on the computerization of our generation and their staging follows this theme. To further enhance this experience Wilkis (vocals/keyboards) expanded Big Data to include L1zy Vox (vocals), Gunner Olsen (drums) and Russel Henson (guitar/bass). I must say the band’s on stage persona worked well with Wilkis and Vox creating at times a jagged impersonal computer aura and easily transforming into a funk machine.

 Big Data opened with “The Business of Emotion” and then immediately went into “Snowed In” and “Clean”, all from Big Data’s last record 2.0. The crowd was hooked from the start. Wikis and Vox won over their fans with their excitingly playful demeanor. After every second or third song Wilkis would include the audience in a short discussion mostly on his artistic vision.

Big Data previewed a new song from their upcoming new L.P. called “Slay” right after playing “The Glow” where Vox showcased the awesome timbre of her voice. “Big Dater” and “Monster” (their huge hit) were indubitably crowd faves. Later the band premiered another new tune I believed is called “Unglued”.

The last two songs, “Private Eyes” (Hall and Oates cover) and their other hit “Dangerous” solidified Big Data’s hypnotic set. Can’t wait for the new record and next tour.

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