Release the dry ice. Dim the lights to a dark, dusky blue. Rattle the room with an ominous BOOM. Enter: Hello Beautiful.Perhaps the entrance sounds slightly 80s-rocker cliché, but I fully admit it got me hyped up. How or why they were the opening band for the evening seems to be an odd oversight to me. Hello Beautiful has the ability to capture and engage an audience before even setting foot on stage.
Despite being the first band and the Tavern not being filled up, the instant their ominous silhouettes hit the stage a small swarm of enthusiasts lunged for the dance floor. This may have been for the love of the band, but I suspect much of the draw came from the irresistible beats. Observing the interest in those both standing and sitting, each song set a different mood in the room. From Saint Andrew’s Bridge to Toxic in the City to Words, dancers of punk, rock, hip hop, and even swing alike freed themselves before the band. Arms waving, heads bobbing, and legs jiving, everyone was definitely feeling it. It was clear the energy from the band was contagious and delightfully alluring.
This vibe was also comforting in a way only small venue shows can feel. I love a band that displays comradery onstage, interacting with one another and the audience throughout the performance. So go on! Chirp each other on stage, shred on your guitars back-to-back! The more interaction I see onstage the more at ease I feel to do my part as an attendee. I sing along louder and dance harder. There is just something about seeing that comfort level and enjoyment among the band that enhances the feel of a small venue show, and you could hear it in the music, too.
Filing through most of the tracks off Soundtrack for Scenarios, Hello Beautiful’s debut album released in 2008, the crowd was entertained with a variety of sounds and beats. Lead vocalist and guitarist, Cole Martin, attacked the opening of the show with a distinctive flare reminiscent of Benjamin Kowalewicz of Billy Talent. Meanwhile, Charlie Royal, the band’s ultra smooth MC, mesmerized the crowd with his sultry subdued swagger. I was, however, slightly disappointed at times as the hip hop lyrics became slightly lost. This tends to be a common and, perhaps, inevitable flaw in small venue shows. The high energy and intensified sound in a smaller space may not allow for all the instruments and vocals to carry out properly, bouncing back on themselves instead.
This, however, is only a minute note of the evening as none of the talent, charisma or enthusiasm was lost. In fact, the instrumental skill demonstrated really amplified my respect for the band. Seeing Darrell Wallace shred on lead guitar made me realize I had never really paid enough respect to his gifted technique and passion. His massive riff to close “Wake Up” makes you wish the song would never end. Kevin Walsh, even seated at the back of the stage, never failed to keep the room alive through his drum beats. Dan Bradimore’s keys really took a prominent role during the concert as the band showcased a couple new tracks, both of which opened with a keyboard melody that remained dominant throughout each song.
Whether you’re craving a musical experience full of variety and exuberance, or just a reason to dance your day out, find your way to a Hello Beautiful show. I guarantee that no matter where they fall in the lineup or what time they begin, you won’t want their set to end.
