| Print |

Written by Amanda Pelle Sunday, 15 April 2007 14:28

The only "Big Drag" about the Easter show at the Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis was waiting for Limbeck to take the stage with their powerful presence.

The Varsity Theatre, Minneapolis

If there is one thing to be said for impatiently awaiting a concert, it is that ambiance facilitates forgiveness when things go awry. The only "Big Drag" about the Easter show at the Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis was waiting for Limbeck to take the stage with their powerful presence.

String lights dangled from the ceiling, shedding a soft, white light over the crimson-filled theater. Velveteen couches, café-style tables, and comfy crimson beds kept restlessness at bay as a harsher daylight spilled in through the alleyway door. The opening act shuffled their equipment inside nearly an hour after showtime was scheduled to begin, and consequently played a very brief set to lead in for Limbeck.

"Last night was one of those nights," Patrick Carrie (guitar and vocals) admitted when I acknowledged the difficult moments that a traveling band must occasionally encounter. A long drive after their Chicago performance the night before led into a long day in Minneapolis prior to their appearance at the Varsity Theater. Based on their performance, you'd never know it had been such a trying night.

The group was full of energy and enthusiasm as they took the stage after the belated opening act. Robb MacLean's garish grin lit up the stage as the group proclaimed with buoyant resolution and Beach Boys-esque harmony that "People Don't Change." Limbeck continued to "Wake Up" the gathering crowd with their jubilant performance as MacLean and Carrie belted out chords and chorus, Justin Entsminger jammed soulfully at the bass, and Jon Phillip skillfully pounded at the drums. The songs varied from a twangy, alt-country blend in "Bird Problems," to a Tom Petty inspired rock-country "Sin City," to "spend[ing] too much time/talking back and forth" in indie-rock "Let's Get Crazy."

Limbeck affords an effortlessly fluid sound, appeasing listeners of multiple genres. As they continue their record release tour for their third full-length album, Limbeck is certain to collect a multitude of new fans and gain a more diversified exposure to their unique sound. The tour will extend through May until they return to their native Orange County—that is, until the road beckons them once again. | Amanda Pelle