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Opening up for Saturn Returns at Izzy Bar, Actual Proof's finish set me up perfectly to make it over to the Wetlands to see Loop Dreams. They're one of a bunch of young bands with whom I'd like to become increasingly familiar so I was glad the timing worked out. Actual Proof plays the kind of ride best taken blind folded so there are no distractions. The climbs are steep and drops, heart quickening but even if that kind of thing scares you, the warmth of Mark Holmes' voice will ease you right in and make you feel safe in the thrill.
No matter how small the venue, you can usually walk in and mill about to find your spot but Izzy Bar's live music area is more like a hastily converted basement. Down the stairs and through the door, you'll be about four feet from the band which, come to think of it, wouldn't be a bad idea for your average foyer. Why not have a live band ripping away to get you into the mood as soon as you get home? The band had just begun but Mark was already gone in one of his burning, orbital reveries that are never harsh. He introduced the second song, Emotional Rescue, as being about someone you shouldn't be with but are drawn to by some degree of magnetism. With a chopping bass backdrop courtesy of Stu Brooks, Mark's brother Dave (guitar) and keyboardist Ryan Kineslki wove a silken ruffle. Stu tugs back and forth with the sharp dance beats of Joe Tomino, eventually coming together for big movements which only propel Mark higher and further.
The packed little room of a girating crowd was tethered to the band, helping the arc from going beyond contact but feeding them still so the journey could continue. The well strung grooves on guitar and nasty bends from the bass help the songs flow into one another, driven all over the map at high velocity by the drums. Actual Proof is another group of musicians that urges musical context ahead. As Mark sings, "I wanna be your future man, strike me with lightning if you can," it seems obvious that couldn't happen because they're just too slick and wiry. They pull some nice roundabout slides on the guitar and bass with light organ tonics and a sprinter's hop with Mark opening an infinitely expanding code.
Their last two songs were the antithesis and emodiment of their titles, respectively. Grounded is a song that's anything but. It will get you dancing without volition and requires fine tuned agility. Ending with Hurricane, a low bass and scrape on the cymbals give the opening taste of the tune's onslaught which builds into waves of energy that flow well into a head turning logical assumption from the title. Left wanting more, I'm glad that
the guys from Actual Proof now live down here. They'll be part of a party planned for February 24th at Galapagos in
Williamsburg, Brooklyn that will include live bands and DJs, a combination sure to foster all night raging. If their music is any indication, this could be a great year for Actual Proof so I hope you all get a chance to join in the fun.
Howie Greenberg
JamBase NYC Correspondent
Go See Live Music!
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