The Roadside Graves @ The Court Tavern, New Jersey
November 2nd, 2007 - by John
It was The Roadside Graves’ guitarist Jeremy Benson’s 30th birthday at the stroke of midnight two Saturdays ago and the packed crowd at the Court Tavern was in a fine mood to celebrate. The stage had been decorated in streamers and there were balloons everywhere.
The Graves opened almost abruptly with a modified take on “Family & Friends,” foregoing its instrumental intro and opting instead for an a cappella opening from lead singer John Gleason and Benson. The abbreviated version was followed immediately in blistering succession by “Jenny” and equally rollicking version of “West Coast,” the first single from their new record No One Will Know Where You’ve Been
The band has really evolved since I first saw the guys a few years ago at the Court. One major difference is the band now sports two new percussionists. Andrew and Colin rotated songs on the kit- but the moment one jumps off- he picks up some other percussive piece and keep the set driving forward.
Midway through, the Graves unplugged and headed out into the audience for an all acoustic version of “Jail”. Not every band can leave the PA behind and rely on their harmonies to carry the moment, but the Graves pull it off. Other highlights included new cuts like the dark percussion driven “God Touched Me (And I Didn’t Like It)” and the folky but instantly catchy “Far & Wide”. The band closed with “Radio” and as it built to a climatic finish the crowd joined them on stage singing along with the final refrains.
Check out an MP3 of the Graves’ song “West Coast”
November 3rd, 2007 at 7:54 am
I still have yet to see the Graves. I feel like my life isn’t complete or worthy.
November 29th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
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