The Critical Darlings turn it up a notch

Almost two and a half years ago, back when I was still a bright-eyed newcomer to the Athens music scene, I stumbled across a benefit concert featuring the band Chris McKay and the Critical Darlings. It was quite an exciting experience and inadvertently led to the creation of this very blog. Since then, the band has disappeared from and reemerged in the scene several times and has gained an influx of new members, held together by the ever-enthusiastic Chris McKay. After over a year of waiting to see their latest incarnation in action, I finally got my chance last Saturday night.

Now a 5-piece band, the Critical Darlings kicked off the show with their song The Only Way, followed by a set of new tunes peppered here and there with old favorites. New or old, though, their sound was not quite the same creature it was when we last met. While still retaining their beloved classic rock style, the band's tunes had a stronger, more modern, and sometimes even darker feel to them that thrilled me to the core. The keyboardist Kate Powell's backing vocals seemed have had a heavy influence on this change. Their take on the new song Hold On, which I remember voting for back when the band was enlisting the fans' help to choose their latest hits, was quite awesome. Then, in the middle of the set, they surprised the fans by alternating to give Kate the lead vocal spot for a lovely and rather dark, theatrical number. I've gotta say, I definitely like where the Critical Darlings are taking their sound.

As always, the band's famous energy engulfed the room. Chris hammed it up throughout the set and even fistbumped members of the Athens band in the front row as he played. Kate stuck one leg up onto the keyboard while her fingers danced over the keys. Just wild! The crowd, in turn, grooved to the music, some of them even waltzing to a few of the tunes. Rounding out the set, they finished their trademark song Happy Here and Now with a surprise burst of confetti that fluttered over the fans as they played their final note. What a fun show!

Musicapalooza!

Stephanie and I with Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings at 40 Watt

Note: This was originally posted on my livejournal and on Last.FM in mid-March. Then, to my great surprise, the Critical Darlings posted it on their website here soon after! :)

Wow. This town never ceases to give me amazing new musical experiences! I'm not even sure how it happens. I guess I'm just incredibly lucky!

I was invited to this school-sponsored music festival, Sustainapalooza, and since I had nothing better to do today (and I was trying to forget what a terrible day I had), I decided to go. I heard several bands play there, but the very last act of the night, Chris McKay & The Critical Darlings, blew me away. They brought a whole new energy to the stage that I loved. Truly, their stage presence was spectacular, and their talent was undeniable.

Also, in my mind, there are two things that make a great band utterly amazing. The first thing is a penchant for making clever comments or sharing amusing anecdotes between songs. They certainly provided us with entertainment during the pauses which was nice. The next and most important thing is a genuine love for their fans. Bands that thank their fans, take the time to talk to them, and make them feel special top my list of awesome musical acts. Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings met and surpassed this criteria. Not only did they give us shoutouts for dancing, but they also sang directly to us when we stepped closer to the stage. Then, after they finished playing, they gave everyone in the audience free CDs and offered to sign them. They were incredibly happy to chat with us as they signed them as well. To top it all off, they are going to try to put all of us who stayed after the show onto the VIP/ special guest list for their show tomorrow night. How amazing is that!

Basically, Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings gave us a truly awesome musical experience. It's times like these that I fully appreciate the freaking fantastic life that I lead.