New Band: Mac Saturn

That first one I didn’t care much for, but am very glad I clicked on the second one.

If that live one spoke to you I’d recommend Neal Francis, very much an up and coming act out of Chicago. Was supposed to open for the Black Puma’s a couple summers back but BP cancelled so he played a full show. So glad it worked out, as he killed it live. Here’s a different example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plwsXdj-UIs

I agree. None of their current songs sounds like a 'hit' to me (whatever that means these days). But I'm a sucker for just about any blues based riffs and a good live show so we'll see. I see them tonight.

I'll check out Neal Francis.

Report on the show:

Mac Saturn is the real deal. The place was already packed tight for The Struts by the time we arrived which was well before Mac Saturn came out. Pretty much standing room only. But most of the audience seemed to know Mac Saturn, enough to hear the crowd singing along. They had the crowd in a frenzy by the end of their set which they closed with Plain Clothes Gentleman. The front man has a strong Mick Jagger vibe which I’m sure is no accident. He totally engaged the audience. The band was very tight and all seem to be excellent musicians. I wished they could have played longer and I can’t wait to see them again.

I spent a stupid amount of money on a Mac Saturn T-shirt and a CD (those round plastic things with music on them) which I have never done in my life.

This was my fourth time seeing The Struts. The third time, maybe three years ago, they did not put on a great show. We were under the impression that the singer was sick. So we didn’t know what to expect but they blew the roof off the place. You could look from the front row to the back of the venue and everyone was jumping and hands in the air.

I have felt for years now that rock is dead. And I think it is as a popular genre. But if you know where to look and which shows to go to it is better than ever. Just on a more grassroots level.

This show lasted maybe 2 1/2 hours between the two bands. Tons of audience participation. Tons of audience singing and I mean loud. A bit campy and a bit corny sometimes but intentionally so. Although, The Struts’ stage show is a little harder edged now with harder guitar and drum presence so not ’poppish’ in the least. All-in-all The Struts and Mac Saturn put on a consummate rock show. Among the best I’ve ever seen.

If they come to a venue nearby I think it is worth anyone’s while who likes real rock music and a killer show. If you get down on the floor like we did (and you’re pushing 60 like we are) you will be happily exhausted at the end of the show.