Mellow Bravo played their Rumble semi-final set as if it was their last ever. I suspect they play all of their shows this way.
What a fun band. I wouldn’t doubt that Mellow Bravo fans think the band has a middle name. I, for one, found myself muttering “Mellow F’n Bravo” underneath my breath more than once throughout their supercharged set. The band was firing on all cylinders, and singer Keith Pierce was their spark plug. Jeffery Fultz and Andrew Doherty channeled every classic rock guitar riff they’ve ever heard. Dave Jarvis on drums and Seager Tennis on bass kept things moving along with reckless abandon. Jess Collins helped make the whole thing gel on keys. She also happened to explode when they put a microphone in her hand and gave her center stage.
Semi-Final Night #1 of the 2011 Rock ‘N’ Roll Rumble was one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. Spirit Kid won the night, but any of the bands could have moved on given a different set of judges or a groundhog seeing his shadow or what have you. Mellow Bravo, Sidewalk Driver, and Do Not Forsake Me Oh My Darling (and Spirit Kid, of course) were just that good. What an awesome night.
