Being from Detroit and living St. Louis can be challenging musically. There is just a big difference in attitude. Once in a while you get a band that blows in and speaks to you. I saw such a band tonight. Weeping Icon.

I went to CBGB’s in St. Louis tonight on the recommendation of one of the bartenders. I wasn’t going to go originally because I have to go to work the next morning . . . but my addiction to live music won over. Now I didn’t expect a night of girl bands but that was cool. Unfortunately, the first band didn’t do much for me. I think primarily because of the weakness in the vocals, no confidence. They weren’t bad but there was no fire.

Because if this I almost left. However, when I heard the bassist make the droning intro I was intrigued. They were great at building tension and their use effects was masterful. One song easily spilled into another rolling over the audience like a bulldozer. They never lost momentum. They were a band. This trio had perfect communication amongst each other and the short set was truly one big piece. The vocals carried a tone of humour and sarcasm. Because of the limitatons of the venue one couldn’t understand most of the vocal but, in a way, the vocals were just part of the rest of the music.

My take on it was that the performance was a cross between Sonic Youth and Throbbing Gristle. When I mentioned this to the guitarist, Sarah, she enthused, “Two of our favourite bands!” She mentioned that they’ve been on the road a long time and any encouragement they get was like fuel to ride. Consider yourselves encouraged! The bassist Sara was totally in sync with the guitarist, Sarah, and they acted as one mind joined by their drummer Lonnie. I encourage you to check out this band. They are the best lesser known band I have seen in a looonngg time! They were so good I couldn’t bear to stay for the next band. Sorry!