Review of BPM 7.12.08
Location: Montgomery, AL
The great coincidence about writing the review for this show was it took place at the same venue where I heard BPM perform for the first time, North River Tavern. NRT is your usual round-the-corner watering hole, with lots of square footage and a stage set up in the back. Upon my arrival the bar was buzzing, the merch table was selling, and the guys were getting their set lists together. As the trio stepped up to sound check, a crowd began circling the stage seeking the best position. BPM is based out of Montgomery, AL, but frequents the Atlanta area, and has established a fan base here. Their psychobilly/ reggae/ ska sound has won over our locals, appealing to a wide range of demographics and age groups.
Adam Powell (vocals and guitar) has a very unique and powerful voice. He ranges from smooth and calming to a passionate deep cry, but always with a “bop” to it. Add to that the funky bass lines, psychedelic guitar parts, and drums that make your feet involuntarily tap, and you’ve got a recipe for one bad ass band.
Every instrument plays its own role in music, but for any band aiming for a reggae addition to their sound, drums and bass are imperative. Britt Powell (drums and vocals) and Drew Martin (bass) are the pulse behind BPM, and carry that weight with ease. I kept waiting for Martin to light up and interact with the crowd and band. Then all of a sudden after a few songs BOOM! he was all over the stage for the rest of the night. When they played “Cheese”, Martin had a high pitch solo that was just so damn cool! B. Powell can play both the reserved drummer who’s out of the spotlight, but then can transform into this confident ball of energy who lays down drum solos that really pump up the crowd.
For their song “Pon the Doorstep”, a guest guitarist, Wes Driscoll of The Bastard Suns, joined them onstage. I really enjoyed Martin’s bass in this song as well as how the two guitar parts were structured. There were moments that had a jam session feel, but mostly in part to the chemistry between all the players. This melancholy song was a treat, and can be found on their new album.
One of my favorite songs by BPM is “Marie”, a soulful song mixed with reggae and ska. The song’s intro is thoughtful and soft. Slowly the guitar joins in, and is followed by the drums. The drums are really the heartbeat of this song. There is a great transition in energy from the hyped ska verses to the bluesy reggae chorus. The crowd was skanking (a dance created for ska music) and belting out the words right along with A. Powell. The collaboration of funky bass, simple drums, and passionate vocals makes this a great crowd pleaser. Other songs from that night not previously mentioned that you should definitely check out are: “Murder in the Dancehall”, “Paid”, “Corruption”, and “Make Your Move”.
As their final song seemed to be wrapping up, B.Powell took over the stage with an amazing drum solo. The other guys walked off stage, and just let him do his thing. I was entranced! For a good ten minutes he was working every piece on that drum kit, even the cowbell and bongos! The crowd went crazy as he would slow it down, and then pick the pace back up. The other guys rejoined him on the stage, and A. Powell put the guitar behind his head for his final solo. Meanwhile Martin was going wild all over the stage, emphatically thumbing as he jumped. They gave every ounce of energy, talent, and enthusiasm they had for that final song. I can’t think of a better way any band could close a set.
BPM will be returning to the Atlanta area on August 23rd at Tony’s Sports Bar in Duluth to play with a local band, Groove Stain. Later this year they have plans to tour in Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Whether you’re blazing in your living room, jamming in your car, or stretched out on a beach, BPM is a great addition to the soundtrack of your life. I highly recommend seeing them live, as well as purchasing an album.
~Kris Melton
RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
lml lml
BPM is:
Guitar/ Vocals: Adam Powell
Bass/ Vocals: Drew Martin
Drums/ Vocals: Britt Powell
Popularity: 37%
