Ever
wonder why Baskin Robbins has only 31 flavors? Does offering 32
flavors push someone over the edge? Why limit sweet, sugary goodness?
Well, at some point, too many sweet and sugary alternatives are
just overwhelming and ruin what should be a pleasant experience.
Whether it's at flavor 32 is debatable. Nothing is sweet or sugary
about Austin's Echoset, but there is plenty that is good. The
full throttle rock band joined Austin local iSOLA at Stubb's to
open for the euphorically charming Matson Belle. Echoset's members
- Beth (vocals/rhythm guitar), Rae (bass), Travis (lead guitar),
and Michael (drums) - effortlessly played the venue for the first
time on January 17th.
Echoset
blasted off with Cardona, a song that really enables the
band to showcase its string talents. The first half of the set
was raucous and unassuming. Songs like Middleton and A.
Moon were bombastic with edgy lyrics that kicked the show
off to a great start. The second half of the set seemed to just
melt, as not all of Echoset's music was as lyrically innovative.
Songs like Maurice (a tribute to Maurice Gibb) and Flooded
Land were regrettably lackluster. The band's muscle lies in
its talented musicians. Notably, two of the band's members are
women. Make no mistake; Beth and Rae are no girly girls. They
are women who rock and who give a whole new appeal to the MJ lyrics
"I want to rock with you."
Whether
you categorize Echoset as a modern or as an alternative rock band
is insignificant, the band is undeniably rock. Having to choose
one category is another instance when too many options just ruin
a seemingly pleasant experience. More importantly, Echoset offers
up more than the run of the mill one flavor rock band. As fans
of everything from Jimmy Buffet and Paul McCartney to Ani DiFranco
and U2, just call the band's influences on their music 32 flavors
and then some.
Echoset
will soon garner some national exposure on Comedy Central's Insomniac.
After a staff member introduced the show's host, Dave Attel, to
the band's music, Comedy Central scheduled a live taping at Flamingo
Cantina on January 23rd. Look for the episode to air this spring
and perhaps sweeten the band's success. In the meantime, if Echoset
is just the flavor you are looking for, show your support by checking
out one of there upcoming
shows.
Echoset
