Written By: JOHNNY MACK |
How I met LBC is quite interesting. I first met the two guitarists that would make up the foundation of LBC, Adam Krier and Joe Sell at a Riley's Rock House show in Aurora. I had heard stories of a band that were the best in their high school, jazz musicians of sorts. Hmmm, I thought since I am a producer/engineer at ComfortZone Records, I could get something good going here and went to check them out. The band's name then was Spinning Jenny. Adam and Joe at that time, were playing with vocalist/bassist-Chad Watson, keyboards-Steve Whitney, and drummer-Eric Barfuss. These five musicians proceeded to take me for a musical ride, I have not yet forgotten. I struck a deal with them that night with a handshake and locked down the studio time. Nine months later, to make a very long story short, Spinning Jenny released and sold over 1000 tapes and 500 CD's in just their high school alone.
...The band eventually broke up when Adam and Chad saw things in a dissimilar light. This gave Chad a chance to tour the country in the band, Colfax Ave. and gave Steve the opportunity to strike out into his own creative niche in the band, Juniper Nine. Adam and Joe. then, began a search for a new band. However they didn't have to look far before they ran into old stage mates Kaustbh (Stubee), and Ryan Fergus, (Vocalist and Drummer of Farm Boy). They found a bass player named Jason Schultejann totally grooving on his bass and (you've got to see this guy!) immediately brought him in to form Lucky Boys Confusion. Wasting no time they headed straight for the studio. What emerged was something this area was not ready for. A fucking incredible rocking Sublime type of groove mixed with strong layers of reggae, funk and ska! Their show commands a sell out where ever they play. When I happened to see them last month at New Visions Bowling Alley in Naperville, I was totally knocked out and indeed jealous that so many people had come to realize a truth I was selfishly saving for myself. After picking up a free tape and CD (thanks Adam) I began to write this article.
The first song "4080" mushrooms up to an infectious rhythm, expressing the band's rapport with some of Naperville's and Lisle's finest "Five O." With clever lyrics, pressing me to think of my younger days in Carol Stream, but that's another story, and I digress. Song two "1995" is surely about the band's preliminary days of Farmboy and Spinning Jenny, and the changes they were all destined to know. One thing for certain, the idealism they all shared just about guaranteed their success in becoming straight from the heart musicians and writers (All of them). Now because of the limited writing space, I cannot really review the band's latest release, however if you find it for sale, pick it up! (it's really good stuff). Of course, if you listen to WONC PURE ROCK 89.1 you already know this. If you don't? Shame on you! This is an awesome radio station that we have to advocate or lose. I can not say enough about regional broadcasting, so please support them, they deserve it! (My hats off to Christian, Jeremy, Dan, and Brad. Local chaos rocks Sunday nights 8:00 pm to 10:00pm (630) 637-8989 OK lets start the introductions.
On stage right we have 19 yr old Adam Krier, rhythm guitarist, gifted author. Adam is well educated in music theory, and yet has the ability to play any song that comes to mind by ear. I once witnessed him play Penny Lane on the piano in my studio and nearly fell off the console when he said, "I never tried to play that song before today". His talent for capturing melodies, harmonies and song arrangements made the recording of their earlier stuff very exciting. He was heavily influenced as a child by The Beatles, Operation Ivy and later by "that kid Cobain."
Stage left, we have the lead guitarist 19yr. old Joe Sell. Joe is also a gifted author and fine musician. You can recognize early influences of Bob Dylan, when listening to his compositions, and as far as guitar style goes. "My earliest guitar influences would have to be Guns & Roses and Zeppelin...Nowadays, though the weirder the better, check out G-Love and Special Sauce, there's some unusual guitar playing going on there." said Joe.
Jason Schultejann, bass player extraordinaire, this kid's good! Would you believe Jason stayed in his room for hours everday studying his instrument? I do! But then I've seen him play (nuff said).
Ryan Fergus, 19, drummer, hammers his kit with a Pro meter and a very fast attack. I don't recall him making one fuck up during their show, something not often achieved by drummers his age.
And in center stage we have Kastubh, 20, another fine author and vocalist with great pitch and a beautiful voice. One that is unique, a very important trait for an up and coming star, no mistaking this voice! Pure soul pouring out of this guy's mouth!
I got a chance to meet these guys after their show at New Visions last month, and I have to tell you they were all really great guys. No ego problems and clearly creative.... This article came easy. After all they are my first choice in local bands!
Check them out at Fireside Bowl in Chicago on July 12th and Riley's in Aurora on Sunday Aug. 16th with Simple Simon and Eye.
|