Post a Comment        E-mail To A Friend        Join The List

Trances Arc, Farm 255, 4/18/08

by Beth Johnson
04/21/2008

The first time I saw Trances Arc play live a few months ago at the 40 Watt, I immediately bought their recently-released sophomore album, XOXOX. A highly energetic band native to Athens, Trances Arc is one of the rare bands that play just as well live as they do on their record.

The quintet, which includes dual guitars and a vocalist who also serves as a keyboardist, has something to offer everyone. Their fusion of classic rock, 90's alternative, and indie pop works on so many levels. Their songs are well-written, intelligent, and purposeful, both musically and lyrically. There is always a dynamic mix of polyrhythms and countermelodies among the instrumentalists, and singer Eric Toledo has a voice that is captivating and passionate, as well as distinctive. He knows how to communicate to a crowd and demand attention.

At one point Toledo played the keyboard one-handed while holding the microphone in his other, still able to keep his energy. The adrenaline-infused performance commanded the attention from the crowd in a venue that is more conducive to socializing, with music as the background component.

Despite difficulties with the sound mix and microphone shortages, Trances Arc pulled through with another great show. It took the band a song or two to hit their stride, but it was all smooth sailing from there. As I was watching the band set up, I noticed that Toledo put his keyboard inside an old hollowed-out organ shell, giving an interesting visual twist. This seems to be a part of their style, as other band members were using vintage instruments as well.

Trances Arc presents polished, compelling rock, whether it is at a live show or on their album. XOXOX is definitely worth $10 on iTunes if you cannot buy the CD itself from the band. With a signature sound that has a different flavor from anything else in the Athens music scene right now, this band has no foreseeable end to their music career. As one fan put it, “Trances Arc is what indie bands strive to be.”

Trances Arc is set to appear in Athens again at AthFest June 21st at Tasty World.

Name
Email
URL
Body
Are you human?