Dave Alpert – TT the Bears, Cambridge, MA – July 14, 2009

 

 

…see the whole show gallery at ViscerevieW

The People(s):
 
Dave Alpert - Guitar Vocals, Keys, Songwriter
Mariana Iranzi – Bass
Rob Sistare – Guitar
Mark Purrington – Drums
 
Set List:
Tryin, Caught On You, Who Do you Think You Are, Get Out, Settle Down, Farewell, Catch Me if you can, Ties that Bind
 
The Place:
 
T.T. the Bears Place, Cambridge, MA
 
The “Thing”
 
The “Thing” about Dave Alpert, on this Tuesday night, in this venerable Cambridge venue is that he surprised the shit out of me. Let me put some perspective around that…I knew Dave could write songs; I knew Iranzi and Sistare could lay it down; and I found out that Mark could sit with anyone and hold his own. What I didn’t know, was that they absolutely killed it live. The MP3s on myspace, the “Peace of Mind” EP (which I reccomend picking up) will more then satisfy the power pop, catchy hook fan in you, but live…it’s different.
 
There’s just something different about the songs that explodes when Dave and crew step on the stage. They seem almost sibling like on stage, often exchanging face wrinkling intensity, for proud, nearly awe-struck smiles when watching eachother get off on their respective forays. The real kicker for me though, was seeing the vocal power that Dave fearlessly displayed for the room. Whether Dave and his music are your thing or not, I have no doubt you’ll enjoy seeing someone take something they created from pencil to stage, backed by 3 kick-ass musicians, just lean back and let it all out.
 
You’ll have 3 chances in August to catch them, and I strongly suggest you do:
August,  2nd & 23rd, @ Toad (7:30 early show)
August 11 @ Tommy Doyle’s (10 PM)

The Rex Complex – Toad, Cambridge – 7.4.09

…view full show gallery at ViscerevieW

The People(s)

The Rex Complex consisting of (at least this night) Rex, Jeremy and Greg.

The Place

TOADis a small neighborhood bar and music club featuring live music seven nights a week (never a cover!) Intimate and inviting, Toad boasts a huge range of local rockers, in addition to our legendary bartenders. As the Boston Globe says, “ Toad is a find in every sense of the word. From the nightly no-cover music (which has attracted a cult following) to the neighborly vibe, to the dozen or so microbrews on tap, it’s a one-of-a-kind bar and music club with a one-of-every-kind crowd.” Toad is located at 1912 Mass. Ave., right next door to Christopher’s – a perfect spot for a meal before the music or a late night bite! Toad is a 21+ club.

The “Thing”

The thing about The Rex Complex on this Independence night in this place was that no matter the crowd size, temperment or general mood of the room (slow to build due to 4th BBqs and fireworks), Rex and Co. seem to not give a shit in the slightest, and come out swinging with a show that verges on aggravated assault. I will never attempt to define what the Rex Complex plays, because definition seems to be pointless when trying to capture such raw energy, that literally jumps off the stage and screams how good it is right in your face. 

Warning: May scare frequent americana fans that frequent the Toad…and I think Rex loves that.