I do hope to see them again, perhaps in a more Rockstar-like environment, as I think they have a good batch of songs, a great attitude towards the business / performing music and most importantly, I think they and their music deserve to be heard.
The band is currently pursuing more shows and appearances in the Chicago and surrounding areas. The album is available at their shows or by contacting the band thru their website, which is www.myspace.com/brokenneon1
My rating for Broken Neon after this experience (out of 5):
I now leave you with some photos from the show.
Enjoy and see you next time!
The band is currently pursuing more shows and appearances in the Chicago and surrounding areas. The album is available at their shows or by contacting the band thru their website, which is www.myspace.com/brokenneon1
My rating for Broken Neon after this experience (out of 5):
I now leave you with some photos from the show.
Enjoy and see you next time!
ARCHIVES
Report and Photos by Mario Salazar.
The show took place at Real Time Sports in St. Charles, IL on July 17th. The band took the stage a few minutes past 10 PM and played a mixed set list which included songs off their previous demo such as the highly energetic 'Be Cool' which was actually very cool (no pun intended) and featured guest musician Everett Williams (also featured in the album) on harmonica. Other songs in the setlist included the fast, radio-friendly 'Pissin My Life Away', 'Til I Met You', 'August to December', the folksy 'Day By Day', and the Telemundo-actress-inspired 'Jessie Camacho' off the new record. Also in the set, were a number of cover tunes in the same bluesy/classic rock vibe from artists such as Van Morrison, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Creedence Clearwater Revival (aka CCR) and the Rolling Stones. This last one was actually a medley which included 'Jumpin Jack Flash', 'Can't Always Get What U Want' and 'Get Off of My Cloud' among others. I personally liked their original material much better, but I also understand that newer bands need to play originals and cover songs in order to play certain venues.
I was contacted recently by a local band by the name of BROKEN NEON about checking out one of their shows. They've just independently released a debut full-length album titled "Every Time I Fall", which follows the bands's previous recording efforts, a self-released demo and now this 2nd release in Broken Neon's 3 year history.
The band, hailing from Aurora, IL and made up by Mike Bowen on lead vocals, guitar and accordion, Max Benson on lead vocals and guitar, Mike Lancaster on lead vocals and bass, and Bob McCarren on drums, has a blues-based, rock 'n' roll sound that I would best compare to a band like The Black Crowes, with well-crafted songs featuring catchy riffs, varied tempos and a variety of instruments like harmonicas, accordions and the like which added dynamics to the songs and production of the album.
The band, hailing from Aurora, IL and made up by Mike Bowen on lead vocals, guitar and accordion, Max Benson on lead vocals and guitar, Mike Lancaster on lead vocals and bass, and Bob McCarren on drums, has a blues-based, rock 'n' roll sound that I would best compare to a band like The Black Crowes, with well-crafted songs featuring catchy riffs, varied tempos and a variety of instruments like harmonicas, accordions and the like which added dynamics to the songs and production of the album.
BROKEN NEON releases debut album.
BROKEN NEON releases debut album.
The band did very well and lead vocal duties were shared by guitarists Bowen, Benson and bassist Lancaster throughout the setlist. That was cool in itself and added a different "flavor" and personality to every song. The 'show' itself wasn't particularly memorable though, as with the lack of appropriate lighting and an incredibly dull backdrop, there was nothing visually exciting to help showcase the band's appeal. The band did move around and made a clear effort to make the visual side of things match the excitement of their music but unfortunately came short in that aspect [in my opinion] thru no fault of their own.
THE BAND
Max Benson
Bob McCurren
Mike Lancaster
Mike Bowen
Everett Williams
and special guest: