Side FX Band - Crash Mansion, New York City, NY (6.24.10)
Posted by Vanessa Willoughby on 06.28.2010
Maryland natives Kim Cameron and the Side FX Band played at NYC's Crash Mansion, hoping to showcase their unique hybrid sound of jazz, alternative rock, and pop. The band provided a solid musical foundation for Cameron, who seemed to relish in both the spotlight and the downtown hipster atmosphere.
Lead singer Kim Cameron was bathed in blue as she took the stage at New York City’s Crash Mansion. Dressed in a tan skirt and black spaghetti strap tank top, the svelte singer looked every bit the downtown city slicker. Side FX, which originally hails from Washington, D.C., created a solid musical foundation, particularly when the spotlight shone on the crisp, unrelenting, and commandeering guitar skills. In fact, Side FX seemed to hit their stride when the focus was not solely on Cameron, but when lyrics and arrangements showcased the musical equilibrium established among all six members.
Although the band’s general stage presence may require a bit of polishing, it’s apparent that their overall abilities are a reflection of conscientious professionalism and sincere dedication. Though members of the audience seemed to have a fickle attention span, the band gracefully forged ahead, Cameron supplying the back story behind certain songs. The jazz inspired “Stories” utilized the rich tenor of the saxophone, provided by Richie Cannata. Similarly, the bass guitar created a solid canvas for Cameron’s lyrics of passing faces and guarded strangers.
Like the majority of songwriters, Cameron turned to her personal life for inspiration. For example, the idea behind the second to last song of the set sprouted from a serene trip to the mountains. In addition to original material, the band played a few cover songs. The unexpected choice of the 1974 Carpenter’s ballad, “Rainy Days and Mondays,” rejected Karen Carpenter’s breathy melancholy and reed-thin vocals for an almost jarringly upbeat and optimistic sound. Think the local Starbucks rather than a lovelorn pessimist wallowing in an empty house.
On the other hand, their Rod Stewart cover was almost unrecognizable, injecting raspy soft rock with some country twang. Although it would be unfair to say that these covers were overwhelmingly daring in comparison to Side FX’s original tracks, the twist on the aforementioned songs helped break the leisurely pace of the overall set. Nevertheless, if there’s one thing to take away from the band’s Crash Mansion performance, it’s apparent that the band’s individual talents unite to form a cohesive sound.
To check out Side FX's tour schedule, head over to the band's website at: www.sidefxband.net.
The 411: Although Side FX Band may appear to be on the low end of the fame radar, they certainly seem to treat their performances as though they were sold-out shows at humungous football stadiums. On the other hand, professionalism and inherent talent can only get you so far. While Cameron and co. have the abilities and a solid musical partnership among band members, it never hurts to work on stage presence.
