What to do on a Sunday night down in Dallas, TX? Watch the football game, eat out with family, stay home to cure the hangover you got Saturday night? It is really no surprise- there is always something to do- that is if you look for fun. This past Sunday a class band grazed the stage at the legendary venue Trees, in Deep Ellum (the heart of grungy music in Dallas). The lead singer of that band just so happened to be Nick Valensi…. if you are a fan of Indie Rock… you should know who this man is. For those of you who aren’t very familiar with this type of music. He is the lead guitarist in “oh I don’t know- one of the most influential Indie Rock bands of this generation- THE STROKES! He has a “side project” also known as CRX. They are far from coming short to a lot of bands today. They sound amazing and I mean that in every aspect of the word. They hooked me when I first hear their song “Broken Bones’ off their New Skin album. Oh boy what a fucking good song that one is.
Simple, electric, and passionate is the way I would describe the performance they gave. The band consist of Nick Valensi (lead vocals, guitar), Ralph Alexander (drums), Richie Follin (guitar, keyboard, backing vocals), Jon Safley (bass) and Darian Zahedi (guitar, backing vocals). Their sound incorporates guitar riffs, strong melodies, clean vocals, more rough not very bluesy. These being characteristics of Power Pop. Except for the fact that they did have heavy instrumental solos. I would say they are a heavy metal- power pop group.
They started off the night at around 11pm. They sang most of the songs of the album New Skin. Like ” Broken Bones,” “Walls,” and “Anything.” There were a lot of Strokes fans that I am sure loved this band. The crowd was super into the music- singing along- vibing of the epicness of the guitar solos (i just totally made those words up). It was a good time. Their performance set up was super simple- which tells me and everyone else with common sense that their music speaks for itself. They did not need all the “fluff” to give a simply bad ass rock and roll performance. Just five guys, playing their hearts out on their instruments, creating a special moment for everyone who attended. I love concerts like this one.Where the music is what counts. Where they utilize their instruments properly and make studio songs come alive. I really do recommend you go see them play. Their music is class, simple rock and roll.
Photos By: Maria Limon | Instagram: @shotbylimon
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