Just because I failed math, does not mean I do not appreciate the majesty that is SUNGAZER and their “7 comes after 5” style of music. If you are a fan of SUNGAZER, then you might also be interested in EVAN MARIEN X DANA HAWKINS. Just as talented as SUNGAZER’s lineup, EVAN and DANA were a phenomenal opener at Last Exit Live in Phoenix, AZ.
At a fully packed venue with almost as many heads as wonky time signatures, EVAN X DANA not only brought the sound, they brought the technique to back it. As a bass and drum two piece with tasty lines to back it, I was pleased to have assimilated a new band into my playlist. Knowing SUNGAZER, I was aware of the degree of talent that EVAN X DANA were bringing to the table, but I was not aware of just how disgusting their set would be; you know shit is about to go down when the drummer sets up his phone to record his next song. All in all, I am sure EVAN X DANA gained quite a few new fans that night.
With EVAN X DANA clearing out from their set, SUNGAZER bursts in with “Against The Fall Of Night.” With SHAWN CROWDER on drums, JARED YEE on sax, BUTTONMASHER on keys, in many forms, and ADAM NEELY on bass, this night was not only starting off cool, it was moving along like some kind of renaissance machine. Specifically, a Macchina of sorts, with CROWDER keeping the entire venue on beat, regardless of the time signature.
Since we are referencing history, we will also reference a silly little ditty by the illustrious Duke Ellington. Originally composed with a squatting type of dance to go along with it, SUNGAZER gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the origins of “Skrontch,” which made me scrounch off the first bass note. And speaking of dances that go along with songs, SUNGAZER’s own “Sungazer 2 Step" was demonstrated for the crowd and taught with the odd time signature to match.
Delving into history yet again, BUTTONMASHER and YEE had an amazing back-and-forth with their jazzy sax and videogame audio sounds coming from every keystroke. With solos and solis abound, the venue was making it almost impossible to hit the threshold of your musical limits. Drunk off of bass lines, riffs, and runs, everyone in attendance was so packed in to enjoy the tempoed gifts graced upon our ears that it was a herculean task just to walk alone through the venue.
After experiencing SUNGAZER live, it was as if I had experienced a “Vital Transformation.” If that sounds like something you would also like to experience, please check out the remaining shows on their tour here.
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