It is a belief shared among many that music is not what it used to be, and as a result, people are always on the lookout for music that makes them “feel” something again. Be it adults reminiscing about bygone eras, like the sixties and seventies, or the new generation trying to find that sound that bridges the then to the now. Though many debuting bands attempt to be that missing link, one particular band has proven itself capable of going toe-to-toe with some of the greatest bands of those lost times. They are The Band Feel. Straight out of the Midwest, The Band Feel has four members: lead vocalist Garrett Barcus, guitarist Tyler Armstrong, bassist Kadin Rea, and drummer T.J. Steinwart. Their authentic performances have launched audiences into a world that pays homage to classic rock, with a modernistic take. In many ways, they are the lost band of the Woodstock era. Earlier in July, they held their second show in San Diego, within the House of Blues. Specifically, The Voodoo Room. Its strengths as a live music venue resides in its intimate layout and distinct interior design. From wall to wall, rows of original art pieces reach the ceiling. Even the compassionate security and staff members make it a worthwhile location for a night out on the town.
Anthony Cullins (BackStage360 Stock)
Before The Band Feel played that evening, the show opened with guitarist and vocalist Anthony Cullins. Joining Cullins were Malachi Johnson on the drum set and Kyre Wilcox on bass guitar. Time came to an unforeseen standstill as they played. At the midpoint of their segment, Cullins thanked the audience for listening and introduced his fellow musicians just before they sang an original piece titled “Sitting on Top of the World.” It was a delight to see the silent enthusiasm between Cullins, Johnson, and Wilcox. All three men were experts of their instruments. They were a well-chosen, complementary opening act. “San Diego!
How are we doing tonight?” Barcus shouted. The Band Feel’s full-body performance was the audience’s out-of-body experience. The Voodoo Room’s compact stage felt large in their presence. Placed beside their feet was a fan that blew manic air through their hair, tossing it into their faces. During “Shoal Creek,” they thrashed about with an energy so sustained that strands were seen falling towards the floor. “Hello everybody! We are The Band Feel, from St. Louis, Missouri!” Barcus said, his ardent cadence peeking through. “Brother” was upheld by the delicate strumming of Armstrong’s guitar. Haunting and holy, there was an exquisite ebb and flow to be heard within the song. Steinwart brought the song home with an unbelievable drum solo. For the first time that night, Barcus dismissed himself. “Brothers, when you’re ready,” he said, giving Armstrong, Rea and Steinwart an opportunity to jam out. Subtle flickers of amusement and awareness showed on their faces, as if they knew what they had in store for the audience. “This is our second time in San Diego,” Armstrong said. “The other time we played at this one place, probably a few of you were there.” He revealed that the band had already been touring for months. “It’s cool to see so many people come together and support the band. To support peace, love, and rock n’ roll. To wear bellbottoms and have long hair. To let me have my shirt open and not make fun of me,” he said, chuckling. Armstrong mentioned that the band would be sticking around after the gig, and he encouraged folks to come by the merchandise booth and get to know them. “It’s California. It’s laid back here, right?”
“Did ya’ll keep my friends in good company?” Barcus said, returning to the stage. The audience cheered in response to his question. “Well, I like that. If you know this song, please sing along.” Together, Barcusand Armstrong sang “With A Little Help From My Friends,” written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and made famous by Joe Cocker. “We’re going to try something a little different now. We have bombarded your ears with electric sound; now we want to try something more acoustic,” Barcus said. Armstrong seated himself onstage, preparing for the next piece. Together they sang “Libby Hill,” a gentle and beautiful song with perfected harmonies. “Fly Birdy Fly” was another acoustic ballad, one that felt like a chant for the starry skies or a cry for the return home. Perhaps, one of the most impactful of their lineup, the kind of song to make one realize that the night was already close to ending, but silently wish the memory of the show could be preserved. “I don’t say this often because I don’t want to seem like I have a big head, but that was pretty kickass!
Without further ado, this one is ‘Poem 59,’” Barcus said while Armstrong switched guitars once more. Similarly acoustic but still drumming with life, the song possessed a cinematic quality, a sound that this band alone could create. The crowd yelled words of support from the furthest reaches of the room and was seen embracing a full range of emotions brought on by the band’s work. The love was palpable. Barcus excused himself again, giving his fellow musicians an opportunity to jam out alone. The melody that Armstrong, Rea, and Steinwart played was contemplative yet vigorous. It fell in line with the thematic elements heard in most of their songs, simmering and metaphorically marinating, giving the audience something to savor. When Barcus returned, the band played their first released single, titled “Hands In My Pocket.” It felt like a party held at the end of the world, with everyone losing their minds. One after the other, each musician played a shining solo. But the next song, “Icarus,” was ecstasy itself. “I’m gonna be honest,” Barcus said, “I’m a bit of an Ozzy Osbourne up here, in the sense that I’m not too good at talking, but I’m all right at singing.” Between the laughter and applause, Barcus thanked those in the audience for coming. He mentioned that the turnout was bigger compared to their last San Diego show many months back. “Goodbye Virginia” was another standout piece, sung by both Barcus and Armstrong. “We have been enjoying every moment, every minute, and every second!” Barcus exclaimed, proceeding into their final song, “In The Garden.” Charged and bombastic, it acted as one last opportunity for those watching to let loose alongside the band members. The Band Feel’s gratitude could be felt in every note. To see where The Band Feel is performing next, visit their website at https://www.thebandfeel.com/.
Shawna Sarnowski / Backstage360.com