Quicksand Remedy 5, Feb 2010: Razzamatazz 3: Barcelona, Spain
Quicksand Remedy
For those wanting a blow by blow account a longer review exists here:
Live Review Highlights:
Coming on-stage the band quickly announced its first tune, “Welcome To The Circus”. This song was debuting at the gig. Lucky us.
Having seen these guys before, their songs turn up the heat, leave the songs on a slow boil to then crack you over the nut with a killer ending. This song, a great insight into further material from the band. It hit with a great funk based groove bass line, with a healthy amount of progressive stops and starts. I liked the song but as an opener it’s a slower one in their repertoire!
“Falling Apart,” brings a different edge to the QSR set list. Having a very live-wire Pearl Jam feel. This song with a very impressive and potent, yet simple instrumental interlude that goes straight to the heart of the matter.
This song defines a sad potency marking the band’s departure from their previous totally upbeat funk-wholesome sound. For me, this was one of major highlights in their gig. The song is as powerful as it is emotive. I believe this is one of the songs really played from the heart. The band has translated these emotions well into a powerful hard rock funk epic.
Quicksand remedy in the studio
Where would we be without, “Try Therapy?”. Chris’ amp was finally able to be heard in the overall audible sound-mix. With their older and more practised songs, the band comes across more solid live. With “Try Therapy?”, there was no exception. The last phrases for this song are now very anthemic, delivered with no-holes-barred powerful hard rock stampede and a funk bass line hitting where other beers can’t reach!
Following up on the previous song’s funk til you drop masterpiece we were introduced to some newer material, “Seething Mass Of Humanity”. This is pure Pearl Jam influenced number but with a pure QSR injection. The song for me defines the newer and more original direction for the band.
Leaving one of their best tunes til last, the kettle finally boiled over with their latest anthemic song, “Hard Times”.
Heavier sounding live, than recorded, the song doesn’t let up or disappoint. Despite being newer to the band’s set list, it sounds well practiced, [I guess that’s what playing the song on the metro does Chris – see video here. http://ping.fm/7UHqA. For some of the more comical elements, John’s [the drummer] dancing was imitated by the crowd, of the same video [linked above]. All in all, Hard times was a vibrant, energetic and hard hitting number.
Quicksand Remedy Live Review Lowlights:
Despite the venue’s mismatched sound mixing, the songs still came across as strong, powerful and emotive. The bass was too a little too loud, the guitar weak with hardly any lower end. The drum-kit had a very weak sound especially on the bass drum and mid toms.
From the heavier songs heard that evening, the band relaxed the sound kicking back with, “Acoustic Shaped Tranquilliser”. The song is otherwise known as, “Audio Shaped Tranquilliser”.
For me this was probably one of their weakest songs played that night. The song takes too long to kick in. When it finally does, it does rule the day. I’d have to say look at the crowd guys when you next play this one. I felt a little disinterest from the crowd until it kicked in at the end, but that was solely my experience.
About Quicksand Remedy: Feel, Grove and Influences
Brimming with energy, professionalism, well polished tunes and on-stage presence Quicksand Remedy is one of Barcelona’s best ex-pat heavy rock trios.
The group sandwiches in a healthy portion of Pearl Jam with a hot side dish of Red Hot Chilli Peppers influences, while remaining true to something unique in rock/funk fusion.
Having been around a few years now, the band carries off some very deep emotional songs. This is not an easy thing to do. Indeed, I’d say the band has now matured for the better. They are now successfully carrying off the darker feel in their music that the lyrics always conveyed.
On-stage the group successfully interacts with one another, while their bassist is just pure crazy! Chris, head banging during his instrumental and solos, gives the audience the impression of solid work, well delivered.
This event debuted some new material and newish material from their present single [and video see here http://ping.fm/7UHqA.]
Live Music, Bands, Events in Barcelona, Spain 