February 1, 2014
Brillobox
Photos and review by Randy Jarosz
Concert poster by Michael Artman
There is a fine line between a band that is a local favorite and one that is a national break out success. That was on display Saturday night when André Costello and the Cool Minors, Wreck Loose and Meeting of Important People topped an incredible triple bill at Brillobox in Lawrenceville.
Meeting of Important People headlined the evening with an exuberant set led by frontman and lead guitarist Josh Verbanets; who could be seen leaping around stage during the 60 minute jam session in Pete Townshend fashion. The trio, along with bassist Aaron Bubenheim and drummer Matt Miller opened with the classic “I Know Every Street.” The band didn’t waste any time testing out new material to the packed house with “Tell Me it’s Not Too Late,” with Verbanets prompting fans to “pretend this is a Radiohead song from 2000.” Verbanets didn’t hesitate to compliment the other bands who played exclaiming, “so we got to say, we’ve played at Brillobox like 50 times. I don’t know if we’ve played with two bands we enjoyed as much as Wreck Loose and André Costello and the Cool Minors.” The guys had fans dancing and singing every word to “Britney Lane Don’t Care,” and I Gotta Clean Head,” they even took a fan request for “Big Muscles.” Miller tackled the new tune he co-wrote called “Lemme Borrow Fifty Bucks.” Verbanets once again asked fans to use their imagination telling them to “pretend we are a crappy wedding band,” before busting out the classic “Twist and Shout.”
Wreck Loose, a relatively new band to the Pittsburgh scene are quickly forging a path with their soulful lyrics and catchy hooks. The group is led by Max Somerville on keys and vocals, the infamous Nathan Zoob on guitar, David Busch on bass and Derek Krystek on drums. Starting off the evening with the tune “Are You into Hard Drugs,” set the tone for the night. The group nailed their hit song “Stranded in the Kitchen,” from their recent EP “Well.” The guys had fans cheering with a string of new songs before prompting them to sing along to “When the Night Comes Down.” Krystek even shaved his beard for the occasion to resemble the Michael Artman concert poster (above). Somerville took a moment to compliment opening act André Costello and the Cool Minors, calling their performance “Hendrix like stuff.” The group finished off their 45 minute set with “Well, Well, Well,” and “Only You.”
These bands could easily cross the line to national fame. They are already pumping out music better than much of what is out there today. It looks like fans will have to keep the secret for just a little bit longer right here in Pittsburgh. Do your self a favor and see these bands live, you won’t regret it. You can catch Wreck Loose again Thursday February 27, 2014 at Brillobox with road runner and Morgan Erina of Broken Fences. Meeting of Important People will be playing March 8, 2014 at Eides and April 12, 2014 at North Side Elks with Chet Vincent and the Big Bend and Grand Piano.
Meeting of Important People
The Wreck Loose
