Visiting the North Star on June 11, 2007 was my final stop in Philadelphia. The first band, Dax Riggs (Dax recently retired the Deadboy and Elephantmen band name-opting to name the band after himself) got the audience up on their feet. Dax’s vocals coming from a history of metal gives this indie rock band a sound not to be missed. Complementing the lead singer (from Louisiana) were band members Robbie Lee, playing keys and bass who looks young but plays experienced, Charley on guitar, and Zieke. Dax Riggs is now touring in promotion of a new album We Sing of Only Blood or Love due out in Aug 2007 which you can listen to on his Myspace page. Dax Riggs is also on the Austin City Limits line up in September.
The second band, Nowhere, played a short energizing set to a dwindling Monday night crowd.
The Old Souls are a Philadelphia indie rock band that belt out a lot of sound for four guys. One of my favorite songs is “Father”. It’s one of those tunes that stick in your brain. Brad Carney belts out the original lyrics with undeniable passion. Brad says “We’ve taken a life of heartache and hilarity and turned it into a musical ensemble. I sing from the edge of my sleeve one note at a time. It’s a passion. It’s my life.” DJ Hughes (originally from Audubon, NJ) plays intense lead guitar, influenced by Joe Strummer, Steve Jones, and Mike Ness. Dave Kasper is an awesome bass player. Dave was born and raised in a coal mining town (Scranton, PA) north of Philadelphia. He now lives in Fishtown (that’s in Philly for you non locals). His influences are 60’s soul music-Otis Redding, Temptations, Sam Cooke & Jr Walker. Slayer fan Robin Roberts is the new drummer completing the rhythm section. He hails from Arizona and recently relocated to Philadelphia. He is a precision drummer who stays on top of the beat, (between him and the bass player you cannot help foot tapping along). The Old Souls are an up and coming band that has talent reminiscent of Band of Horses. I look forward to hearing more of them maybe they’ll tour out west soon?
