The Parlor Mob, The Annex, NYC. April 30, 2008.
I’ve been a big fan of Parlor Mob ever since they were called What About Frank. So when Josh Adcock asked if I’d be interested in a review and I was like “Duh!” Read his review and see Eva Chavela’s photos after the jump.
The Parlor Mob is one of the best live acts I’ve had the opportunity to see in my lifetime. My first show was at The Bowery when they opened up for Nicole Atkins (great show.) I was somewhat curious as to why so many people had showed up for the opening act. A few minutes into their set and I wondered no more.
The Parlor Mob merges influences of 60’s and 70’s classic guitar rock into a modern language of balls out rock n’ roll. It’s a show worthy of a stadium with long shaggy hair head banging and ear splitting guitar solos that make you (or me) wish you’d picked up a guitar rather than video game controller when you were younger. I mean really, no woman has ever been impressed with my ability to execute fatality moves with all characters in Mortal Kombat.
Last night at the Annex, was the bands third Wednesday into a 4 week residency. I saw them the first week as well and I was thoroughly impressed by the bands continually fresh sound. Aside from blazing guitar duo of Dave Rosen and Paul Ritchie- which is always impressive, I was once again blown away by the clarity and precision of singer Mark Melicia’s vocals. Reminiscent of Robert Plant, Melicia’s sound borders on mesmerizing. I always have a “how does he do it” moment when I see them and to me that’s what a good show is all about.
That being said, this is not merely a one or two trick pony, in addition to the searing vocals and dynamic guitar sounds, bass player Nick Villapiano and drummer Sam Bey provide a driving rhythm that keeps the momentum going. They’re in essence the nourishing cake beneath that oh-so-tasty icing. One only needs to catch a glimpse of Bey’s “Oh Yeah” chest tattoo to know he’s serious about kicking your ear drums ass.
I’ve heard people say the band reminds them of Zeppelin, and I can see the similarities. But there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. If I could capture the energy of music in that era in a bottle, I would keep it on hemp rope around my neck. But alas, I don’t need to, because The Parlor Mob is here and I can finally have the ass kicking rock n roll experience I’ve been looking for.
Next Wednesday marks their last night at the Annex. In addition it’s also set to be the bands record release for their new album “And You Were a Crow.” After this residency the band will play again in New York at Brooklyn’s South Paw on May 10th. From there they’ll be touring all over the US which includes a spot on this years Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.
In the meantime if you’re not familiar with the band, be sure to check out their myspace page and take a listen to their two tracks “Everything You’re Breathing” and “Hard Times.” Both of these offer a good glimpse into the power of the bands musical ability.
Josh and his friend Eva Chavela with Dave from Parlor Mob and a friend:
