MUSIC
“The band’s musical range damn near makes them three bands in one, and the artistry with which they blend and weave those styles and genres is superb.” was produced by Prince himself. The horns alone are a testament to superior musicianship. The backing vocals drip with soul and the rapped lyrics give it just enough contemporary flavor to put it firmly in the 21st century. “Birds On a Fence (Sarah)” is another exploratory tune whose classical synth sounds meld with heavy, mean guitar work in a synthesis of styles that Opposite Box has mastered. This is a song for putting on the headphones and taking a journey in the comfort of your head (and overstuffed chair to my way of thinking). The guitar solo work is fast-paced and, yes, funky, and the overall dynamic of the song borders on jam band, but with something more substantive and real than typical jam band music (which is why I refuse to label the band as such.) “Anteater Molly” is yet another classical sounding tune with a horn that speaks to your soul and an extended interplay between drums and bass that, frankly, is long overdue. One of the biggest problems I have in writing about music is giving the bass and drums their due. Truth is, if they’re doing their job right, they generally form the backbone, the platform from which the other instruments take off, and it can be a thankless job. This tune is
one that gives the rhythm section a spotlight, evincing a level of a virtuosity on both instruments that too often goes overlooked. “Creatures” is as smooth and mellow a song as you’ll hear, something equally at home on the stage or in the bedroom. Seriously, just listening to it makes you feel several degrees cooler than you are. For all the energy the band puts in to their music, it’s a lovely touch and a pleasant surprise to hear a song that shows the power of restraint. It’s an audio aphrodisiac. The band rounds out the selection with “NuJazz,” a tune that seems to take the best bits and pieces of every other tune on the album and recombines in to one brilliant song. Beginning to end, this new album is the cream of the crop from a band that already has a reputation for excellence. Available now on bandcamp, the very best way to hear this for the first time will be at Clyde’s On Main Friday night. If you are still one of those folks who doubts the musical scene in Chattanooga, this show alone should show you the error of your ways in a most glorious and satisfying fashion because the scene is thriving and with this release, Opposite Box has put themselves firmly at the head of it.
Kay B Brown
There's Plenty To See And Hear This Weekend Plenty to do this weekend, kids but there are three particularly big shows you need to know about. Friday night Clyde’s On Main hosts the CD release party of the latest by Opposite Box, Obscene. Joining them will be Dirty Girls, a hot blues/funk act from down south. Show starts at 9 p.m. Saturday night, The Music Box at Ziggy’s presents Harmony in the Chaos featuring the talents of Kay B Brown, Heatherly, and Rick Rushing with Dakari. The show is a
wonderful blend of acts all coming together as testament to the unity of music. Show starts at 9 p.m. Also, Saturday night is the fourth annual Half Way to St. Patrick’s Day show at Honest Pint. The show starts at 8:00 p.m. and features Olta, The Trinity Sisters, The Wolfhounds, The Secret Commonwealth and the Molly Maguires in what promises to be the biggest Celtic bash second only to the actual St. Patrick’s Day. — Marc T. Michael
THU9.14
FRI9.15
SAT9.16
Derek Wayne Martin
Rupert Wates
Chad Chig Martin & The Alabama Outlaws
Honest songs that question, comment, and reflect on life in hopes that his audience can make a meaningful connection. 7 p.m. The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com
An eclectic mix of acoustic, melodic art/ folk, with flavors of jazz, vaudeville and cabaret. 8 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien christunity.org
Gold old fashioned outlaw country with heart and soul. This ain't your "pop" country: this is the real deal. 9 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 • THE PULSE • 21