Music Under Fire

At the North Star Bar, which lies just west of Philadelphia, The Republic Tigers and Tally Hall entertained 50 some people with a display of organized talent that left people humming and smiling all the way home.

The Republic Tigers

The five-man group from Kansas City took the stage and all eyes turned forward. With lead singer, Kenn Jankowski, in the middle, guitarists Adam McGill and Ryan Pinkston on his right and left, respectively, bassist Marc Pepperman off to the far left and drummer Justin Tricomi behind everyone, the group opened up on the tiny brick-wall surrounded stage in the back of the bar.

Although the traditional five guy alt-rock band was on stage, the presence of more people definitely appeared throughout the show. Using vocals from four out of the five members, a tambourine that seemed to make its way all around, solid use of foot pedals and two solo tom-toms that were constantly dabbled with, The Republic Tigers rocked.

"Buildings and Mountains", their signature single, came second during their set. This song, highlighted by the "oohs" and "ahhs" sung by the group, didn't disappoint in its live performance. With a knack for timing of all the little things (tambourines, vocal harmonizing) and the up-front sounds (guitar solos, crisp lyrics) together, The Republic Tigers surely showcased why they will be hitting venues such as the Tribeca Film Festival at Webster Hall in New York (5/2), Spaceland in L.A. (5/13) and then David Letterman back in NY (5/22).

What is immediately noticeable about the group, which ranges from ages 21-30, is their relaxed stance in front of everyone. Although not talkative outside of the songs, I got a good feel of what the band is like when talking to guitarist Adam McGill.












Here are their tour dates for the next few months.

4/17 DC9 Washington DC, Washington DC
4/19 gloria logan auditorium @ Salem High School canton, Michigan
4/26 Crosstown Station Kansas City, Missouri
5/2 Tribeca Film Festival - Webster Hall New York, New York
5/12 KCRW "Morning Becomes Eclectic" Los Angeles, California
5/13 Spaceland Los Angeles, California
5/22 David Letterman New York, New York
5/30 Center Stage Theatre w/ Nada Surf Atlanta, Georgia
5/31 Jack Rabbits w/ Nada Surf Jacksonville, Florida
6/1 The Social w/ Nada Surf Orlando, Florida
6/2 Studio A w/ Nada Surf Miami, Florida
6/3 State Theatre w/ Nada Surf St. Petersburg, Florida
6/5 Mercy Lounge w/ Nada Surf Nashville, Tennessee
6/6 tba w/ Nada Surf Memphis, Tennessee
6/7 Bluebird w/ Nada Surf St. Louis, Missouri
6/9 The Music Mill w/ Nada Surf Indianapolis, Indiana
6/10 The Basement w/ Nada Surf Columbus, Ohio
6/11 Beachland Ballroom & Tavern w/ Nada Surf Cleveland, Ohio

Tally Hall


Before the show even started, Tally Hall had a brief video played. Not sure what it was all about but when the band was all ready to go (or so everyone thought), they sounded very smooth. Although I didn't catch too much of this set due to talking to The Tiger Republic's McGill, the well-groomed Tally Hall certainly carried a The Kingston Trio feel to their singing style. When the trio at the front of the stage adjusted in their songs, a Weezer rock atmosphere developed, where all the electric was strumming and the drums pulsing. More often though, the well-tuned vocals of the three frontmen came back and hypnotized the moment.

Although a few technical complications halted the show for a bit, the group kept their cool and did some collective stand-up to give everyone a good laugh before everything was fixed.

Tally Hall will be playing with The Republic Tigers until the 19th in Ann Arbor, Tally Hall's hometown, before tailing off on their own set of shows.