| On July 1st, I went to one of my
favorite places for local music, the Liquid Lounge, to see a Dallas band
called "P4." The group consists of Brian Rees, (lead
vocals, guitar), Johnny Blanco, (back-up vocals, guitar), Lori Briggs,
(bass, vocals) and Todd Dubuisson (drums). Unfortunately, last night
it was announced that it would be Lori's last show with the band so she
can focus on other responsibilities. The other members honored Lori's
time with them with a sentimental plaque they presented to her on stage
thanking her for all she's done for the band. Lori is such a compelling bassist and will be missed, but with talent like P4's, I don't think the absence will hinder their music. |
 The show kicked off around 10:30 and the band's chord crunching sound immediately got the crowd going. People who had been hanging around, talking and not paying attention to anything in particular were focibly drawn to the stage. They started with the song, "Hypnotized," which seemed perfect because it drew in the passers by and instantly, the place was packed. However, after their second song, they had to take an unexpected break, due to a string breaking on Johnny's guitar. Once that was under control, they went right back to where they left off without missing a beat. |
Their set lasted about an hour and they played most of the twelve songs off their CD, Parker County and also included their latest song, "January." The new single was just cut the night before the show and the band was very proud of their group effort on the song, which they should be. As with all the lyrics and music on Parker County, this one was written and produced by Brian Rees and the other members of the band. Even though I didn't think their songs could get any better, this new one proved me wrong. "January" is an upbeat, addicting song that as the band puts it is "more radio friendly" than the others. Most of their songs are guitar driven, but this one gave the drummer a chance to shine and I, like the rest of the audience, was extremely impressed.
P4's set was consistent with rock-steady, pounding tempos pushed along by the penetrating chords of the guitars and the potent background of the bass. Considering the small size of the venue they were playing in and the fact that the lead singer was getting over a cold, they didn't let that stand in their way. All of their tunes began with an interlude of powerful, "balls to the wall" riffs that gradually brought in the vocals and drums that tie everything together. The band's creativity shows with their distinct sounds and original lyrics making this fairly new local act unique. Though the background music stands out immensely, it doesn't overpower the lead singer's jarring, yet lucid voice. Unlike other hard and alternative rock bands, you can actually understand the well-written lyrics.
| The only thing that separates this band with other nationally acclaimed acts is the way they communicate with the audience. Throughout the set, they conversed with the concert-goers to make the show more personable. Whether they were enticing the females with their sweat-glistened bare chests, toasting the audience with their "complimentary" shots or doing an impromptu verse of the Violent Femmes' "Blister in the Sun," they kept the audience's attention all night. They made it clear they weren't providing antics for the sake of reputation and that their egos have not gotten the best of them. It's evident they play for themselves, as well as the listeners, making their musical energy contagious and the experience more enjoyable. |
 |
| Nevertheless, as with anything live and uncut, there were some "technical difficulties" and mistakes. In addition to guitar string incident, Johnny's mic went out for a few minutes. Unless you've listened to the CD before like I have many times, you couldn't really notice, so it didn't take away from their outstanding performance. Overall, the band played a smooth set of rousing music with enough gyrating sound to bring the roof down. The show was virtually the best I've seen in a long time and when they were finished, there was a mutual disappointment amongst the masses that all wanted more. |
 With their catchy chords, prevailing riffs and effective vocals, this band will easily surpass the barriers of music and become a major hit in the local and national scene. All they need is a good manager, the right connections and exposure and they'll be a success. In the meantime, the support of their Dallas fans will have to do. This is definitely a band I would go see again and I highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys rock, hard rock or alternative rock music. They put on a spectacular performance that will leave you wondering, "Where have these guys been?" Unfortunately for now, you can only buy their CDs at the shows, so be sure to come out and join them Friday, August 4th at Trees in Deep Ellum. For updates, MP3s and more, check out their website, p4music.com. They will have another CD out soon with the new single "January" so check the site often for more information. |
-
Melissa Howell for dallasmusic.com |
Review (from DallasMusic.com)