RED SUN RISING / SPIRIT ANIMAL / DUBÉ

Webster Underground in Hartford in association with I-Rock Radio hosted a great bill headlined by the perennial hard rock favorites Red Sun Rising. The audience was treated to three distinct amazing artists with the Canadian trio Dubé  and Brooklyn’s own Spirit Animal as support.

 Dubé based on the Canadian west coast consists of the three young brothers that are carving a large niche in the music scene. Their seven song set was forceful and raw. The band played a manic guitar and a crazed bass complemented by a solid back beat. Dubé’s songs were like sonic thunder. They opened with a strong grunge like tune called “Pretty Girls On Bikes“. Jan’s vocal was intense and powerful. Liam’s guitar hazed and aggressive. A formidable start. When they played “Stoned Love” the Nirvana/Screaming Tress influence was quite evident. The song morphed the Seattle scene into the modern age. The raving chorus had the crowd frenzied. On their final song “Back Of Class” another of their influences, Rage, hit full force. Quinn carried the song with a monstrous drumbeat. Dubé’s stage presence elevated their show to another level. I loved this band. Hopefully they return to the States soon.

Spirit Animal hit the stage next. Spirit Animal is a quartet based out of Brooklyn N.Y. who’s new album, Born Yesterday, was released in 2018. The band mixes indie funk, rock and pop into a huge cosmic ball that totally engulfs the senses. Lead singer Steve Cooper and band mates Cal Stamp((Guitar), Paul Michel(Bass) and Ronen Evron played an eleven song set that was bombastic and really enjoyable.

Most of their set consisted of songs from Born Yesterday with one exception. Their earlier hit “The Black Jack White” played well with the Webster patrons. Every song had a distinct fell with “Yeah!”, “Jfk” and “Painkiller” being standouts. Spirit Animal brassy stage presence combined with their rousing songs made for a memorable show.

What can you say about Red Sun Rising! They are a seasoned hard hitting rock band with multiple charted hits who blessed the Webster with their spirit. From their first note Red Sun Rising had the audience in the palms of their hands. Red Sun Rising is Mike Protich(Vocals/Guitar), Ryan Williams(Guitar), Ricky Miller(Bass/Vocals), Dave McGarry(Guitar/Vocals) and Pat Gerasia(Drums). Individually each member is an accomplished musician but as a unit they are spectacular. Their songs are both melodic and deep. Mike Protich’s vocals were superb and the harmonies beautiful.

Usually Red Sun Rising plays to thousands but tonight was a treat for both the band and fans. Intimate, up close and personal! Protich commented “these are the gigs we love. We are playing for each and every one of you”. And play they did.

Opening with “Veins” the set felt like a greatest hits record. “Veins” led to “Amnesia” and “Emotionless“. Ryan Williams’s guitar was sharp and Pat Gerasia’s drums boomed. The whole band thrived on the energy of the crowd. “Clarity‘, “The Otherside”  and the Alanis Morissette cover “Uninvited” rocked. An acoustic “Blister” worked really well. The band ended their set with a buzzing “Deathwish“.

Red Sun Rising played like they were playing Madison Square Garden. True musicians loving the closeness of the Webster. Just an amazing night with Red Sun Rising, Spirit Animal and Dubé.

 

 

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