“We have vinyl,” Lendway singer Michael Clifford proudly told the crowd during the first set of their album release party at Nectar’s on Friday night. Of course, they also had CD copies of The Low Red End available, but it goes without saying that if you have vinyl you most likely have plastic too, and I imagine there’s more satisfaction talking up the vinyl. Vinyl is and will always be sexier.
A fog machine and chaotic sounds over the PA added an element of dramatic tension as the four members made their way to their instruments. The fog filled the dark stage as the noise continued to build until finally, when the tension could mount no longer, the PA cut out, and Clifford jumped right in and delivered the first lines of the album’s opening track Yardsale, followed four beats later by the rest of the band and a blast of bright stage lights perfectly on cue. The show was on.
From there, they played the new album in its entirety, only occasionally addressing the packed crowd to say something like, “We’ve never played in front of this many people before. It’s kind of scary.” There was nothing, however, for this young band to be scared about. Each song, from open to close, was delivered with the conviction and maturity of a much more seasoned band, and the crowd was listening.
Lendway’s notably developed songwriting ability is immediately evident and supported with strong vocal harmonies, restrained but creative guitar phrases, and a tight rhythm section. It’s clear that a majority of their musical influences come from the eighties and nineties Indie Rock scene, but they are in no way a clone of any particular band. With such an impressive first album and working band aptitude at playing live, they have shown their potential to further distinguish their sound as they continue to grow as a band. I’m looking forward to watching them grow as they likely will outgrow Burlington. Michael better get used to bigger crowds.
A fog machine and chaotic sounds over the PA added an element of dramatic tension as the four members made their way to their instruments. The fog filled the dark stage as the noise continued to build until finally, when the tension could mount no longer, the PA cut out, and Clifford jumped right in and delivered the first lines of the album’s opening track Yardsale, followed four beats later by the rest of the band and a blast of bright stage lights perfectly on cue. The show was on.
From there, they played the new album in its entirety, only occasionally addressing the packed crowd to say something like, “We’ve never played in front of this many people before. It’s kind of scary.” There was nothing, however, for this young band to be scared about. Each song, from open to close, was delivered with the conviction and maturity of a much more seasoned band, and the crowd was listening.
Lendway’s notably developed songwriting ability is immediately evident and supported with strong vocal harmonies, restrained but creative guitar phrases, and a tight rhythm section. It’s clear that a majority of their musical influences come from the eighties and nineties Indie Rock scene, but they are in no way a clone of any particular band. With such an impressive first album and working band aptitude at playing live, they have shown their potential to further distinguish their sound as they continue to grow as a band. I’m looking forward to watching them grow as they likely will outgrow Burlington. Michael better get used to bigger crowds.
Check them out here:
1 comment:
Let's be friends!
I have an interview tonight with Lendway, soon to be on the Deli.
http://www.thedelimagazine.com/burlington
http://www.myspace.com/thedelimagazinebvt
Cheers!
Adena
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