Minneapolis pop rock band City of the Weak brought their show to Dayton with Echo Black and In Loving Memory. The Therapy Café hosted the DF Productions and Events Sunday evening event. The 25-date tour spanned early April to early May.
Self-labeled as pop metal and everything in between In Loving Memory hailed from Queens New York via elsewhere including YouTube. Transplant and vocalist Naveed Stone’s family came from Bangladesh. Stone, a self-taught musician carries a burning passion and desire to perform honoring his family’s sacrifice coming to this country. They‘ve released two EP’s, toured nationally including Vans Warped Tour, currently promoting the Introspection release.
The somewhat creepy keys of “Forthright” started the night. Hard rock with a singing/screaming vibe, pop prowess with ringing background, dancefloor influences.
“Lone Wolf” juggling the guitar neck, hitting like jagged teeth telling the tale of the predatorial, road traveled alone at night. Watch for the red streaming eyes and angry growl.
Foot bouncer, “Nomad” payed tribute to all working parents that support their kids dreams of success, regardless of the route.
Dayton got a first ever treat as they debuted new tune “Vixen” live. Acoustic introspective and retrospective strings played as “Dreamer” sang a song of reaching for life’s greatest heights.
Rising from the glitter and gutters of New York, Danny Blu and crew could be described as an updated throwback to Bowie, Elton and psychedelic swirling disco light. With only a few years in formation they performed with experience as Blu seemed used to cages and practices associated. Androgyny never goes out of style especially when you’re good at it.
The set celebrated the sparkling bright kiss of debut effort Dawn with five of the albums rocking dance beat uppers played. The bright lights and spot-lit studded affair began with “Black Diamond.” Guitars kicked in on “Prayers” as inhibitions and limitations were lost in the moment.
The synth subtly murmured as the black magic of the “Poison Apple” called out to tempt and seduce.
“Reckless Heart” got dark and melancholy reminiscing about the early days of self-discovery, expression and rebellion through black leather and lace.
A rebel’s heart can be broken but never destroyed. Happiness is sometimes a lonely but self-fulfilling road.
“Teach Me” taught us how to lie as the title track came way before first light. “Burn Another Day” ended the rave section of the entertainment.
This year City of the Weak will hit 400 shows after relentlessly touring independently sharing festival stages at Rock Fest, Rock USA, Chicago Open Air and Warped Tour and they just released new video “Pardon Me” in March.
They cranked out a nine-song set including three new tunes, giving the crowd enough time to go home, and sleep before the dawn patrol rolled out in the morning.
New tune “Like I Do” started with an open hand sarcastic slap and sneer to the rock star life of excess and political leader’s timeless attempts to “Censor This.” Vocalist Stef Huschka played the bad girl, screamer and edgy leader.
Jaded cynicism dripped off the guitar grooves of “Ungrateful.” They played tribute to Incubus on “Pardon Me.”
“Leech” took a reggae opening sway mucking and mopping up emotional abuse and mutual heart and soul sucking. Starting almost party-like, as guitars got louder and faster turning into a rock stomper. Restarting ska-like, re-framing the song with arena guitar soloing. Their sound could be called a unique combination of No Doubt and the Chili Peppers.
The sirens sang the opening ode to “Just Another Eulogy.” A group goodbye to the kiss of death in human skin and a fond farewell to toxic elements and influence.
“White Fire Alarm” ended the show with clerical, administrative chaos and office burn out. Not quite experimental in the Belko sense but provided enough musical office space rebellion to tear up the board room.
Images by Mike Ritchie
