Aug. 08, 2012 - Issue #877: Corb Your Enthusiasm
KickupaFuss
Playing their cards right / Ashley Champagne
Fri, Aug 10 (8 pm)
With Heaviside, Dusty Trucker
Pawnshop, $10
The energetic, charismatic rock quartet has garnered rave reviews for its over-the-top live shows, unique sound and a spot in regular rotation from 100.3 The Bear after winning the station's battle of the bands contest earlier this year.
The group formed in late 2011 and features two former members of Apache Rose, Elliot Fraser and Daryl Pane, along with guitarist Brandon Jensen and vocalist Jesse Thorson. The band has explored elements outside the realm of traditional rock in the past, as heard on its single "Dance Floor," but Fraser says the group has returned to its roots, which is rock. They plan on keeping the fun-loving spirit of the group intact, though, which comes across through its music and live shows, which often involves the some interesting dance moves and all-around mayhem.
The ability to completely let loose onstage has always come easily for Fraser, and Thorson says he used to watch Apache Rose shows wishing he could have such a stage presence. The chance to perform alongside Fraser has pushed him out of his comfort zone.
"Now, I'm so comfortable in doing anything I want that I wouldn't need him to be there, but it's still wonderful to be playing beside him, and same with Brandon and Daryl," he adds.
"Everyone's so comfortable in their own skin."
"When you watch another band play, you feel the difference when they're comfortable playing together and that makes it a more memorable show, so I think we emulate that," Jensen notes.
Despite the mounting success of "Dance Floor," Fraser admits he didn't think The Bear would go for it due to the synth and dance elements, and even Thorson's vocals, which are a unique sound that's been influenced by Feist, Patsy Cline and Van Morrison.
"It's an odd choice and an awesome choice because we feel we're expanding their minds and everyone else's as well," Fraser says of the single.
Hearing a single for the first time on the radio is a surreal experience, particularly when it's played alongside the bands who have been an inspiration.
"They'll play Led Zeppelin and then they'll play AC/DC right after us and I'm like what the fuck is going on? How did we get lumped into that sandwich," Thorson says with a laugh.
KickupaFuss plans to start recording in August, with plans for a new EP release in the fall.
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