So you’ve already seen the new Matrix movie, and FAC at Madhatter’s, which was fun for the first two months of school, is becoming just a little tired. What are you going to do with yourself this Friday night? If you ask me, I would tell you that you’d be a fool not to check out the awesome rock show that’s going on at Gordon Commons. The line-up includes a dynamic group of bands: The Felix Culpa, Farewell to Twilight, and Story Unfolds.
Not only is it free, but it’s going to rock, and it’s about time the rock was brought back to Madison. The Felix Culpa (www.thefelixculpa.com) is an influential force in the local scene that unfailingly delivers every time. The band makes beautiful noise that is at times gentle and subtle and at other times implosive and harsh, but always furiously focused and tight. As a band, The Felix Culpa is extremely versatile and its live show explodes with intensity.
While The Felix Culpa is currently working on its full-length album (to be done in a few months, after it finishes recording vocals and mixing and production), its last release, Ancoro Impara PreRelease EP, contains several quality singles that are still popular among an ever-growing fan club. Arguably the best song on the EP is “Numbers,” which is thick with substance and is laudable for its blunt but refreshingly honest lyrics (which reminds us that “the choices you make are what make you.”).
The band’s influences are wide and include Sunny Day Real Estate, Hum, Smashing Pumpkins, Police and Engine Down. The Felix Culpa recently acquired a new bass player, Tristan, who bandmate Joel said is “an incredible addition to the band; we have a writing chemistry with him that Mark and I have only shared with each other until now.”
“When he reads this I hope I’ve warmed his heart so much that he bakes me a cake,” he added.
After taking a short break, the Culpa is coming back stronger than ever and ready to show you how it’s done in the rock world.
Also performing is Farewell to Twilight (www.fttmusic.com), a self-proclaimed post-punk/indie-core band that formed in Whitewater, Wis., back in 1998. Its latest release, The Pilot Tracks, is a mind-altering assault on the senses, a raw and heavy explosion of intensity and chaos.
The massive sound this six-track EP conjures up is 25 minutes of pure, discordant ecstasy. Profoundly introspective lyrics are offered via desperate, throaty screams. The infectious melody is balanced by appropriately disconnected and heavy guitar hooks. Catchy (but not obnoxiously catchy) riffs are saturated throughout the album, staying with its audience long after the tracks have been played through. Together the members of Farewell to Twilight lead a powerful regime of rock and metal that has a distinct and formative sound.
The band’s dynamic live show is as impressive as the music. Farewell to Twilight has what it takes to successfully translate its record into a live performance that reflects the masterful embodiment of emotions that is The Pilot Tracks. There is something very captivating and powerful in the way FTT blends aggressive rock with haunting yet beautiful melodies. Live in concert, Farewell to Twilight delivers every time.
Joining the line-up is Story Unfolds (www.uwm.edu/~djdrews), whose members found each other on the UW-Milwaukee campus during their freshman year. The group of four instantly connected, and they’ve been playing together ever since. The band’s music is an eclectic mix of heavy guitar riffs, funky drumbeats and screaming vocals. Story Unfolds blends aggressive rock with hardcore undertones. Its influences include Thrice, Forstella Ford, Boy Sets Fire and Milwaukee’s rock heroes Since By Man. Story Unfolds has yet to release an album, making it even more urgent that you check it out this Friday.
A free show with three amazing bands right in the heart of downtown Madison — it doesn’t get much better than that. Do yourselves a favor and make sure you check out this show.
The Felix Culpa, Farewell to Twilight and Story Unfolds are playing a free show this Friday at Gordon Commons at 7:30 p.m.
