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.

Hey Marseilles @ The El Rey - LA (11.10.12)

Hey Marseilles

In a strange occurance tonight, Seawolf opened for Hey Marseilles after they left the stage.  It's unusual for a headliner to play before the opener, sure enough, but that's what happened.

Ever since I heard To Travels & Trunks I have been waiting for Hey Marseilles to do a show in Southern California. Their uplifting enegetic music is so well composed that it can be played with just an acoustic guitar or with full orchestration, 12 part harmony and all kinds of groovy things like that.

Matt Bishop

Often when you hear songs live, they are stripped down, missing some of the more essential intricate elements.  Fortunately, Hey Marseilles travels large.  There are at least six guys in the band, most of whom are musical slashes playing whatever is needed for a particular song.  This means that the full sound you hear on the album you get live too!



Philip Kobernik

They played some songs from their upcoming second album, sadly I did not write the names down (as I was running around with a camera).  It looks like they will maintain the feel of the first album with a slightly more electric sound.  For those of you anxiously holding fists full of dollars to buy it, the release date appears to be February 2013... assuming the Mayans are wrong that is.

 

Hey Marseilles and Friends

When they played "Rio," they brought out everyone who was hiding backstage to help with hand percussion, backing vox, clapping, etc.  Their entrances were staggered which added a nice build into the song, until at very last Alex Brown Church walked out. 

    

Hey Marseilles and Friends

I thought at this point that the band had peaked and they would be done for the night, but strangely they continued for one more sans guests.  This was fortunate though because the intesity they picked up during the previous song continued through.



Philip Kobernik

It was clear that the band was less known to the audience than Seawolf, but as they played they won the them over.  As the audience got more excited the band in tern became more energetic in their performance.  Honestly, its unfortunate they finished when they did.  I think another 20 minutes and they would have really been kicking.  Alas, such is the short set.  Hopefully the next time they come to town, Seawolf will be opening for them before them! 

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* Side Note:

Seawolf also played, and I really wanted to like them.  I respect them, but I just haven't been able to get excited about their music.  A few photos follow for anyone interested:

Seawolf

Seawolf

 

Seawolf



Seawolf