The term “indie rock” these days is kind of like a large wet paper bag.
You may be able to jam a bunch of stuff in it, but the items involved will probably be damaged if it’s the only thing carrying them. Bands as diverse as Bright Eyes, Grizzly Bear, and Modest Mouse have all been given this catch-all title so that some lazy writer in a poorly-lit office could call it a day.
So when I’m pressed to speak of Alternate Routes’ music, I could describe it as “indie,” and might throw in the word “rock” somewhere, but I’d be doing their seasoned talent a terrible disservice by lumping them into such an ambiguous category. Working in a sound that is all their own, their use of unexpected instrumentation and ambitious arrangements, which still fit within a palatable guitar-based box, is not only a vibrant display of their talent, it’s also a damn good show.
Hailing from colorful Conneticut, the ferocious four-piece is back on the American highway after members Tim Warren and Eric Donnelly went on an acoustic tour of Europe. Starting fresh with a new American tour, they’re quick to pick up where they left off with the stylings of their full band. Landing in Memphis on Friday, they heated the stage of the Levitt Shell with their unique brand of soulful folk-rock and skillful musicianship. Full of energy and life, their show was characterized by their onstage presence, the subtle warmth of which eased over the crowd like a light blanket in 65-degree weather.
The music was perfect for the family-friendly venue, as acoustic and electric guitars traded the spotlight in elegant compositions that would switch between a variety of different styles, ranging from rock jams, extended ballads, and simple acoustic swoons. Bassist Mike Sembos and drummer Richard Medek ably set the foundation of each of the songs, perfectly setting up Donnelly’s eclectic guitar work and Warren’s lush lyricism.
As the night grew evident and the sun went to sleep, their songs gained more power under the stage lights. As it became dark, they rocked through the evening’s standout track “Future’s Nothing New,” which involved singer Warren clunking a mic’d-up toolbox full of bolts, screws, wine tools and various other types of miscellaneous metals. The toolbox, having an extended reverb trailing it, raced through the space of the Levitt Shell’s hill in a manner similar to a ghost in the night who gets his jollies providing comfort rather than scaring chill’uns.
As the night concluded, the band played their last song to uproarious applause and graciously exited stage right. They’re set to tour the east side of the states for the next month solid, and you’d be doing yourself a favor if you were to attend. Visit their website and find the nearest available showing to allow the ability of planting your ass in the front row. It’ll be an evening of solidly-constructed songs and performance with conviction that you’ll regret missing otherwise.
Photos by Amanda Gahan
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