With no warning, I wandered into something I didn't expect Thursday night- the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus playing acoustic. Although hardly a heavy hitting screamo fan or even RJA long-time listener, seeing the group hit the North Star Bar in north Philly could hardly be considered a patch on my arm for support.
Excited with the prospect of a group claiming my allegiance, I was quickly discouraged by lead man Ronnie Winter explaining after just a song that they were steering in a new direction on this tour in a more "mellow" direction. I swear. My music ego hurt by sudden regret for spending the $15 to enter, I stuck with it.
Winter and crew played, yes, but with such restraint one would have thought he was sick and the group knew their lead singer was mortally wounded. This was not the case- it was their plan. Unexpected for fans this showcase was, the acoustic ambling reaped its drolling lather on the crowd, which was ready to roar at any electric shock.
The verdict: Winter was great mid song but his strong voice became too subdued under the acoustic surrounding and a murky voice at a local show is forgettable. Where did the rest of the group fit in? I'm afraid they subsided to showroom decorum and listless plucking. The audience stood frozen and that showed.
No movement by the group and hardly any noticeable emotion surely hurt this outfit at the North Star. We at MusicUnderFire hope for more electric in the future.
MP3: The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus: Your Guardian Angel (acoustic) (buy)
1 Comment:
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May 2, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Having been at the North Star show I would have to agree with your assessment. Granted I am not a hardcore RJA fan by any means, I was hype to see how they would handle a small venue with their usual energized style. Although I was expecting a somewhat dialed down show, I was not prepared for an unplugged session. I am all for a band playing a couple acoustic gems for the ladies; but this was a drab show at best.
