Sunday nights on the Sunset Strip do not live up to the hype of their heyday many moons ago, but nonetheless, L.A.’s own funk/rock outfit Casxio managed to put on an energetic set at the Key Club. The band hit the stage on time, a shocker in and of itself, and then proceeded to deliver a healthy and concise set of the “Casxio sound.”
For those not already in the know from their previous LA Cityzine interview, Casxio (pronounced Ka-see-oh), was one of our “Get to Know LA Bands” features. Surely, a band described in print, or experienced via MP3, deserves a look in a live setting.
Casxio seemed right at home at the Key Club. Los Angeles crowds stand apart from all other crowds when it comes to the “too cool for the room” persona. Sunday at the Key Club lived up to the reputation. Interestingly, one concert goer pointed out ” the crowd seems like they’re on valium.” Thankfully, the crowd managed to progressively awaken from their comatose state to hoot, holler, and cheer as the set wound down, definitely to credit and energy of Casxio themselves.
Bare in mind Casxio is funk from the indie rock perspective. Think more Franz Ferdinand and the Ting Tings, perhaps with some shades of the Talking Heads or Chili Peppers, and less Prince or Parliament (though there is room for debate). A quick visit to their myspace page and their rhythmic grooves and falsetto vocal styling come across in songs such as “Seventeen,” the opening song in their set, as well as “Counting Squares,” and “Boiling Points.” They wasted no time pulling out their best material. A quick aside, the band also deserves kudos for providing free CD’s (or downloads on myspace), allowing new audiences to experience this burgeoning band to the fullest.
Casxio maintains the rock/dance sensibility live, opting for driving volume and attitude inspired by some of the Clash’s funkier outings. The music remained true to the recordings, though at times the band’s live set seemed to sacrifice a bit of the timing and musical cohesion heard on their album. Key Club provided a strong live mix and an entertaining light show that added the perfect complement to Casxio’s music - definitely an appropriate venue to showcase their sound.
The root of Casxio’s sound comes from Lucas Guerin (bass/vocals), who seemed well in tune with drummer Zach Schrock. Guerin and Schrock possess a driving rhythm and tightness between the two that seemed immediate. Both performed with an urgency that defined Casxio’s music, as the drums churned out an eclectic range of rhythms as the two managed to lock time and time again. The entire band participated in some interesting rhythmic grooves that were both rock and danceable, with occasional allusions to island, latin, and funk flavors.
The songs “Counting Squares” and “Boiling Points” came off strongly live, with the latter providing the textured, ballad-y feel that evinced the bands ability to change gears. Lucas Guerin aptly displays his wares as both a falsetto wailing funky frontman, and a bassist “deep in the pocket” with his groove. No doubt a tough challenge that Guerin handled quite well.
Conversely, there lay disconnect in the band wherein the guitarist and keyboardist seemed at a loss to match the precision or intensity of the rhythm section. Thankfully, Guerin’s basic sense of style, along with his precision as a live performer set the tone for the group. Casxio provides an entertaining set from a band that will surely grow in sound and stature.
All photos by Olin Monty
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[...] having me pay, give me a call. I’m serious. Also check out LA.CityZine’s interview and review Casxio playing tonight at the [...]
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