A musical spookatcular was hosted by the Lucid Furs at W.Cross Station Bar and Grill in Ypsilanti on the Friday-eve of Halloween.
The Lucid Furs at W.Cross Station Bar and Grill
My goal for tonight was to hear the mystic grooves of the Lucid Furs at W.Cross Station Bar and Grill in Ypsilanti. This Detroit band infuses hard rock with the screaming soul of the blues. They make captivating music overflowing with vital energy. I’d seen them at Fuzz Fest this year and made a point to buy their debut album ‘This Ain’t No Mating Dance’.
Rock N Rummage – Halloween Style
Pre, Mid, and Post show explorations were supplied by Rock N Rummage. Following the Halloween theme, they included a bunch of cool posters, framed pictures, books, comics, cards, and an assortment of odds and ends. I really liked the concept of including this music themed rummage sale with a live show.
Corridors
Ok, enough pre-amble, we should talk about the music. First up was Corridors from Ypsilanti. I was intrigued even before I heard a note when I saw the guitarist with a twelve string Danelectro. Seeing this guitar, I knew this wasn’t going to be your standard rock band. Corridors concocted tunes with raw beauty and emotion. There was a definite psychedelic punk vibe. I thought of them as a hallucinogenic blend of Neil Young and Sid Barrett. A big round of applause to their drummer who rocked out with his pink wig flying. Stop by the gallery for more pictures of the band.
The Lucid Furs
There is so much to love about the Lucid Furs. When this band plays, you can feel the fire inside. Songs like “Runnin the Undertow” and “Strychnine in Wine” hit hard and fast thanks to the terrifying grooves of Dan Regenauer (drums) and Joe Kuhr (bass). Karen O’Connor is supercharged on these tunes and sublime on “Cranial Flu”. Giving each song grit and punch is the guitar work of Gordie Kasza. His guitar, sings on “Drug & Marriage”.
The Lucid Furs got into the Halloween spirit through costumes. Dan dressed as Encino Man, I believe Joe was a hooded monk, Karen paid tribute to Alice Cooper, and Gordie was not Alice Cooper. Speaking of Alice, the Lucid Furs threw in a sweet cover of “Is It My Body” off of Alice Cooper’s ‘Love It To Death’ album. As usual, the Lucid Furs were outstanding. If you have friends down in Texas, give them a heads up as the Lucid Furs are headed down south for a tour this November. Pop into the gallery for more pictures.
Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends
You know those times when you hear a band and you think, “Damn, why am I just now hearing this band!” That is what I thought as Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends kicked off their set. They played a fair number of songs from their album ‘The Art of Murder’. This album is inspired by the writing of Thomas Harris and his Hannibal Lecter series. Songs such as “Avid Fan” and “Eat The Rude” were big, thick and dripping with heavy juices.
The music of Conan Neutron & the Secret Friends is a delicious sandwich of sound. Erica Strout and Conan Neutron add the special sauce on guitars while Nick Erickson (drums) and Tony Ash (bass) are the bread and butter. In particular, I much enjoyed Tony’s bass tone which was low, punchy, and solid. I may have been missing the boat for some time, but I’m glad I got to see Conan Neutron and the Secret Friends. Drop into the gallery for more pictures.
Metempsychosis
Sadly, I had to get up early the next morning and missed out on Metempsychosis. I know that is a pathetic excuse. My whole-hearted apologies to the band. They are an experimental progressive instrumental band from Ypsilanti. In case you are curious, their name refers to the transmigration of the soul. Be sure to check out their album ‘Paralimina’ on bandcamp. It is an excellent album full of cosmic goodness.
Wait, where is W.Cross Station Bar and Grill?
In case you are wondering, W.Cross Station Bar and Grill is the new name for Cross Street Station. Same location, same awesome Michigan beer selection, with a better menu and I believe new owners. It is a great place to grab a burger, a beer, and check out some music. Give them your support and go check out some local music.
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