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Words by: Brian Brinkman | Images by: Eric Rejman
Signal Path :: 05.08.09 :: Beat Kitchen :: Chicago, IL
 Signal Path :: 05.08.09 :: Chicago |
Originating almost a decade ago in the secluded valley of Missoula, Montana, Signal Path has always found sincere appreciation and a large following in the Chicago music scene. It was thus fitting that after a two-plus-year hiatus, the electronic quintet that was returned as the original duo, featuring drummer Damon Metzner and guitarist/producer Ryan Burnett. Known for combining pop tendencies, catchy techno beats, melodic riffs and overpowering bass that tears through your bones, Signal Path was warmly welcomed back in a two-hour set that locked the crowd in an ecstatic, grooving trance.
In the crowded hall, Signal Path tore back onto the scene, opening with the atmospheric fan favorite "Kaleidoscope." While still clinging to the galactic house party style that brought them recognition, it was obvious from the start that they have intensified their sound, which is now edgier yet looser at the same time. This would be the last track they would take down memory lane, and the remainder of the show consisted of all new songs composed by Burnett and Metzner. The new songs were more open-ended jams surrounding various themes, weaving seamlessly through composed and improvised fugues. They were each fascinating, complicated songs that tested the audiences' ability to maintain the beat as much as it did Metzner's.
 Signal Path :: 05.08.09 :: Chicago |
In this newest installment of Signal Path, Metzner's drums kept quick, precise pace with the digitalized beat. Burnett, in control of the theme, strung together ambience, spoken word, techno, hip-hop, hard rock and industrial, all in a melodic, danceable package that basked the crowd in a rave-like spell. It was pulsing, it was charging, it both raised and lowered the blood pressure with each sharp shift of music. Sounds were manipulated, beats amplified, and a communal melody where anything was possible (anything on a dance floor that is) erupted from the speakers and was soaked up by the yearning crowd. With digital voices streaming from each track urging the audience to push their dancing to higher limits, Signal Path has that unique ability to draw more and more people into the music, which occurred throughout their two-hour show.
Midway through the set, Burnett picked up the mic, thanked the crowed for the inspired turnout and announced, "We are Signal Path... I guess!" It didn't matter what their name was though, for in their return to touring, in promotion of the next step for the band, they could do no wrong. Both Burnett and Metzner were locked into each other, never missing a segueway or transition. They were the epitome of tightness, both using their musical skills and the power of the moment to push each other and the music higher and higher.
With a new album due out shortly, which will be available for free on the band's website, Signal Path appears poised to reclaim their status among elite jam bands. Let's hope Metzner and Burnett take the positive reception to their first show back and are on the road soon so fans throughout the country can experience their inspired play.
Continue reading for more pics of Signal Path in Chicago...
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