I ran out of First Avenue 3 songs into Cloud Cult’s set. Not because I don’t like their music, but we had a writer covering the review, and I had places to be. Somehow General B and the Whiz and TCM’s paths never crossed and I was on a mission to remedy this. The display in my car read -2 but the frost gods must have heard my silent prayer. There was a parking spot right outside the Icehouse………..
As I walked into the aptly named venue, Mae Simpson was well into their set. I had seen Mae bang out a couple of songs last week at First Ave and now she was back with her band. Her set included a couple of songs that were new to me (or at least my old man brain did not remember them). “Bills”? had a bluesy feel to it. If you have read my previous reviews of this band, you know I’m a bit of a fan boy. I just love the raw energy that radiates from the stage whenever I see them.
Simpson mentioned that she’s a southern girl, and the southern roots (with a modern twist) are quite evident in the band’s music.
The band took the icehouse back to the glory days of 70s rock. The old style organ sound, guitar riffs that would do Led Zeppelin proud, and Voris’ voice all wove a complex weave of sound that made the Icehouse feel like a 70s rock club. Voris thanked the crowd “for choosing us as your frigid entertainment”, but it should have been us thanking both bands for a great show that had everyone dancing and sweating.
Set List: For Better Or Worse / Pin Me Down/ In The Trees / Solid Gold / Walking In The Night / Bendy Blues / These Days / None Of Your Concern / You
Encore: Piece Of Light / Skeleton
