Tue 20 May, 2008
Last September, embarked on a social networking experiment by spending a weekend with people I’d met on Newsvine. This Vinemeet was the event that sort of solidified my theory that Newsvine was much more than just a social networking site but a place where virtual friendships become real. There have been several Vinemeets over the last year but this weekend I hopped on a plane (gasp!) to meet a few more practical strangers and reinforce the since of community and camaraderie on the ‘Vine.
While Columbus may not be the most happening town, one might be surprised to find out that it is the indie art capital of the world, a noteworthy designation as one of the highlights of the trip was a live performance by our host, a member of Flotation Walls. Friday night, approximately 10 Newsviners from across the country (mostly the eastern seaboard) gathered at Andyman’s Treehouse, most of us exhausted from a day of traveling, looking forward to a good show nonetheless.
The show took place in a tiny room with a huge tree in the middle (hence the name Andyman’s Treehouse and no elevated stage; suffice it to say, the show was intimate. Considering the amount of equipment Flotation Walls had to set up – keyboards, a synthesizer, saxophone, bass, drums, percussion, violin and three guitars – they moved quickly and got their set started with surprising speed. The set up was interesting to watch, everyone in their different zones, tuning, testing, listening to each other, completely in sync and comfortable with each other.
At first there was an anxious heaviness in the room, the band just before Flotation Walls was boring, so the audience was in need of a change of pace. Almost immediately, as Flotation Walls began playing their first song, the lethargy began to lift off of the crowd. The sound was full, sparkling, and often orchestral depending on what combination of the 10 instruments was being used. The five musicians melded the sounds, shifting sharply between melodies and dissonant cords with rhythms to get even the most reluctant and lethargic person in the room to tap their toes.
Watching them play together, no one would guess that the Flotation Walls
ensemble as it stands today has been together for less than a year. As they played the songs, some with extremely difficult arrangement and tempo changes, each musician remained connected to the other by rhythm and intuition. They all threw themselves fully into the music; they swayed and rocked, playing for themselves and each other as well as the audience. The voices were ethereal, tight, anguished, and edgy respectfully; congruous and complementary with a slight discordant blend.
To get the full affect of their cinematic sound, seeing Flotation Walls live is a must. However, while some of the drama is lost in the slick production and recording, the quirky lyrics and angst affected vocals from lead singer Carlos Avendano translate well. Despite a few technical difficulties, the Flotation Walls show was a marvel of skill and artistry that ended with an audience demanded encore. I can’t wait for the album!
Image Credit: Stacy Melbon
Know More Media says:
Vinemeet Columbus Ohio
Last September, I suspended some of my inhibitions and embarked on a social networking experiment by spending a weekend with people I’d met on Newsvine. This Vinemeet was the event that sort of solidified my theory that Newsvine was much…