Slash
Slash, featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, stopped off at Bluesfest July 11 as part of their North America tour to promote upcoming album, World on Fire. They started things off with a whirlwind of fast paced, in-your-face rock n roll, treating the crowd to songs such as “World on Fire” and “You’re a Lie.”
Then Slash went to more familiar territory with material from both Guns N’ Roses and Velvet Revolver. Kennedy seemed as comfortable belting out Guns N’ Roses classics as Axl himself, only without the outfit changes and tardiness.
Slash reminded everyone why he is the king of tasty riffage and top-hat wearing with his lightning fast and soulful guitar playing, and his top hat. My hope is that these guys will be working together for a long time and come up with a shorter band name because it currently makes for a very awkward encore chant.
Third Eye Blind
Up next were Third Eye Blind, who took some time off from recording their fifth studio album to put on a show that was entertaining, but could have benefitted from a bit more intensity.
The highlights included a new song called “Rights of Passage” that fans of their previous work would enjoy, as well as hits “Semi-Charmed Life,” “How’s it Gonna Be,” and “Jumper.”
July Talk
Then there was July Talk who caught the crowd’s attention early with their raw energy and transfixing presence—and did not let go. Passion seethed from the stage as they ran through their powerful, beautiful, and electrifying set.
I can best describe them as indie-blues, but that does not capture the depth of their sound.
Singer and guitarist, Peter Dreimanis, sounded like he was channeling the pissed off ghost of Louis Armstrong while other vocalist Leah Fay sang in a way that was simultanously piercing and soothing.
The group was mesmerizing and charismatic, and no-one has ever made a bowl cut look sexier than Fay.
July Talk creatively and spontaneously engaged with each other and the audience. I was unfamiliar with July Talk, but this show turned me into a fan, and I will not miss a chance to see them live again. Highly recommended for anyone with a pulse.
