Hey Marseilles @ The Satellite LA (3.6.13)

Hey Marseilles

Unlike many band superfans, I tend not to go see a group I've seen within a few years of having seen them.  I decided to check out Hey Marseilles again because I only saw them play half a set and was wondering what would happen when they had their own showcase.

Tonight, it was a bad case of larengitis that happened.  I should have known something was up when half the band was huddled in the corner post soundcheck for like 10 minutes actively discussing something. Shortly thereafter Matt Bishop walked out, and rasped out an appology that he would not be singing in a voice that could have passed for Tom Waits.

Typically in cases like this, the band would not go on, but it seems to have suddenly snuck up on them to close to showtime.  Thus, the band went on sans vocals as interestingly no one else in the band saw it fit to sing themselves.  The one point of the night with vocals was when the crowd belted out the chorus for their hit "Rio" more enthusiastically than usual to fill the void.

It was nice to appreciate what the rest of Hey Marseilles does as they are all particuarly talented at their instrument of choice.  The guys soloed more and improvised on existing parts more, something I hope they continue to do when they're back to 100%.

The band played as long as they could without vox, then eventually had to stop. Slowly they trickled off stage until it was just eg, cello, violin and keys.



Then uncerimoniously, they walked off stage.  Clearly they all felt bad about the situation, and gave free downloads of the new album and signed posters to whomever wanted one. Nice touch, just wish they would have put the word out before the show so people knew what they were getting into.

Hopefully next time that happens, they'll be known enough to do a fun night of Hey Marseilles karaoke.