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Stockholm Syndrome :: 06.29.04 :: Variety Playhouse :: Atlanta, GA
Joseph and Schools :: 6.29.04
Variety Playhouse, GA |
Comics, toys, and Jerry Joseph. That's how my day started as I prepared to get my first dose of the Stockholm Syndrome. As anticipation was growing in my gut, I knew that this was going to be a heavy day. The record/comic book store (where the band was performing an in-store show) was full of friends, fans, and colleagues interested in their first taste of what has become sort of a mystery rock 'n' roll band. The Stockholm Syndrome hadn't yet played a full tour in the U.S. and no one was sure what was going to happen. We had heard tapes from overseas, and a few notes from a mini-tour on the East Coast, but no one had heard the studio album and the alert level had risen to orange.
The Syndrome was off on their debut tour of the States and this was their first stop, an in-store appearance at Atlanta's Little Five Points record store, Criminal Records. As I walked into the store, it was no surprise to find Jerry Joseph on acoustic guitar, David Schools on modulus bass, Eric McFadden on guitar and mandolin, and Wally Ingram on djembe and tambourine, playing on the stage where I usually pick up my copies of Wolverine and The Incredible Hulk. I walked into the first song, which turned out to be "Tight." Unbeknownst to me at the time, this little bomb was one of my favorites on the new release, Holy Happy Hour. As I settled in to the used CD section, the band went into "White Dirt." The atmosphere was great and people looked like they were truly interested in the music at hand, even the employees whose store had just been taken over. Where was Danny Dziuk? The band's keys man wasn't present. Just as I realized this, his boys on stage gave a shout out to the missing member to pick out "some good dub." This is a great record store and playing music was not the only agenda for the Stockholm Syndrome. So Danny became a shopper and a fan while the set closed out with the highly political "Empire One."
Tom Collins :: 6.29.04
Variety Playhouse, GA |
After the in-store get down, the guys hung out, talking to folks and signing various items. I ran straight to the counter and picked up two copies of Holy Happy Hour and proceeded to make my way around to the boys for their autographs. Considering my history with Widespread Panic, I was extremely excited to talk to Dave Schools. Discussing Criminal Records, I was happy to hear Dave say that this would be the place he would shop for music if he lived in Atlanta. I left the performance with a lot of hope and excitement for the upcoming concert.
The Variety Playhouse is a favorite spot for concerts in Atlanta. As I bombed to the front of the stage, I found myself amongst a modest-sized crowd, and there was something amazing happening onstage. As I got settled in, I began to become a fan of opening band the Tom Collins. Kyle Spence was a familiar sight as the drummer of this powerful trio, having worked with J. Mascis and Dave Schools in The Fog. Considering their kickass set and what was about to follow, I knew this was going to be a great night of rock 'n' roll. The Tom Collins treated the crowd to a couple of tunes and then the curtains were drawn, like a present being unwrapped for Atlanta's music fans.
The lights came down and the box was opened, revealing five larger-than-life rock musicians. This time Danny was set up with keys and ready to show us his moves. They ripped into "Counter Clock World," and the night had officially begun.
Stockholm Syndrome :: 6.29.04
Variety Playhouse, GA |
There's something refreshing about Jerry Joseph's lyrics. Any other time in my life this band and this album might've gone right past me, but right now I want to speak out and fight back with some intelligence. This band is for everyone that believes in something, and wants to fight for it. So there we were, living in this "Counter Clock World," and the music was righteous. Next up was "Empire One," probably the most politically motivated song on Holy Happy Hour. I love the sarcasm in the song mixed with some ironic honesty. Lyrics like, "Ask me if I'm lyin' baby/Hell yeah I'm lyin'/I'm a liar, that's what liars do" make so many statements. Jerry really puts his feelings into the singing and there are some good spots for Eric to shine in the middle.
"Oil" came out next; progressively building into a kind of rock ballad, slow with tight instrumentation from the troops. This song has some great high points and shows the many styles this band has in its arsenal. Jerry then took some time to be humble and address the decent-sized audience. Apparently, some one barbecued Dave Matthews for the band and he tasted great, according to Jerry. The band then stepped into the slower "Spy." Jerry and Eric worked some beautiful guitar while Danny layered some tasteful organ work. Then the band went into one of my favorites, "White Dirt," an amazing song with great mandolin by Eric. The band finished the set with "Cosmo Sex School" and "Shining Path." "Cosmo Sex School" was a nice song that brought the tempo back up and into the powerful "Shining Path." It was a great first set for a band that had been hyped up in my mind for some time.
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Stockholm Syndrome :: 6.29.04
Variety Playhouse, GA |
Set breaks are great at the Variety because there are lots of places to go. There are always good conversations to have with people, especially at a show with Jerry Joseph, Dave Schools, and Eric McFadden in the band (nothing against Wally and Danny). Those three tend to bring out the fans with something to contribute to the scene.
In addition, anytime you have Schools playing near the birthplace of Widespread Panic you know you are going to get a "who's who?" of the southern roots music camp.
Danny Dziuk :: 6.29.04
Variety Playhouse, GA |
As the tents were emptied and people made their way back to the stage, anticipation filled the air. It was Tuesday night; people would need something special to keep them there until the end, so the challenge was set. The first set was good, but more was needed. The Syndrome came out with the Chagall-inspired "Jacob Ladder." This was certainly a great way to light the fuse of set two. The band was incredibly tight on the opener and smoked things back into action. "Couldn't Get It Right" flowed out of the wickedness that was "The Jacob Ladder," and what a sweet cover it is (originally by the Climax Blues Band). It reminded me of how Widespread Panic takes covers and makes them their own; to the point that you forget the song is even a cover. It was a great chance for everyone to have fun and showcase their ability, especially Danny who came ripping out of the chorus. While Danny was dancing on the keys it was wonderful to look up at the stage and see Jerry, Dave, and Eric singing together--a big highlight for sure.
Stockholm Syndrome :: 6.29.04
Variety Playhouse, GA |
The train kept a rollin' right into "Sackful of Hearts," a song that brings out the island breezes smuggled in from the recording sessions in the Bahamas. It was good that Jerry's voice was fresh and clear tonight because this song demands it. They moved into a very groovy "Bouncing Very Well." This one is the second half of the two-part island jam. It reminds me of music played at some four-star poolside resort where no one is paying attention to lyrics that would blow their country club-minds. The upbeat, fun lyrics in this one are a nice change of pace from the usually dark Jerry Joseph. "In Barcelona, angry policeman says internet cafe is no place for a drunk man to sleep...," and "Come take my hand baby we could get married we could have babies and live in a shack by the sea, fresh cut flowers, octopus cocktails, just close your eyes, its easy to see" are two of my favorite lines in the song. From one end to the other, they went into "American Fork," a political song with a serious message. This is a hard-hitting rock song with some dark lyrics about the American life and the world's perception of it. The show was wrapped up with a "Ray of Heaven," "Light is Like Water" > "Gloryland" > "Light is Like Water." The set showed typical Jerry Joseph song selection that you would encounter at a solo show, Schools/Joseph tour, Jackmormons, and now Stockholm Syndrome shows. This was definitely a great set of music.
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Stockholm Syndrome :: 6.29.04
Variety Playhouse, GA |
A tight "Princess Cruise" was the encore, leaving only two songs from the new release remaining to be tasted. The song is a hard rocking tune that documents the first debacle at sea that was the Jam Cruise. Apparently, Jerry did not see it the way I did. For some reason, musicians were not treated the same way guest were in the location of rooms. Being holed up in the bowels of the ship next door to a constantly practicing drummer isn't his--or my--idea of a pleasant vacation, and "Princess Cruise" told the story.
Get out of your houses and catch some Stockholm Syndrome. They are coming to a venue near you, and they want to assault you with their special touch. I am off to be violated again in Athens this Saturday night even though I could be at the Kimock/Umphrey's double bill. Am I crazy? How could I pass up the sweet sounds of the Steve Kimock Band and Umphrey's McGee? I'm not sure, but I'm guessing I've come down with a case of Stockholm Syndrome.
All Words and Images by: Jeremy Jones
JamBase | Georgia
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