By: Mary Rea
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| HUMANWINE at the Entry - Photo by Mary Rea |
From the get-go, it's nearly impossible to categorize HUMANWINE. The band’s name immediately throws one into a kind of parallel universe that beckons you to enter and subject your ears (and maybe your perceptions too) to their playful and defiant varietal.
Warming up the 7th Street Entry’s stage Tuesday night was local singer-songwriter and Eclectone Records founder Martin Devaney, with his winsome harmonica and Dylanesque inflections. Consequently, I expected the more acoustic stylings of HUMANWINE’s first Twin Cities appearance at the Triple Rock, which featured vocalist Holly Brewer’s keyboard antics and the fine contributions of Rev. Adam Glasseye. Ultimately, I came away even more impressed with their live prowess.
This performance saw a power quartet ala early Black Sabbath—imagine Sabbath faster and infused with Balkan and Ukrainian folk instead of Led Zeppelin. Guitarist M@ McNiss' solid rhythm, dynamic arpeggios and heavy riffing were propelled by the killer rhythm section of Paul Dilley (of Rev. Glasseye) on double bass and Brian Viglione (of the Dresden Dolls) on drums. Paul's in-the-pocket playing, whether plucked or bowed, was inventive and believe me, you've never heard a double bass this heavy. Coupled with the firepower of Viglione's drumming, more straightforward than his style with the Dresden Dolls, but equally colorful and orchestral, they were the perfect compliment to the Brewer and McNiss compositions.
Brewer's acrobatic vocals were scintillating as she moved from haunting delicato to full belt, frequently within the same song as in "Epoch" and "Wake Up." Other highlights were "Unentitled States of Hysteria" and "Fighting Naked," the title track of their new full-length recording. Her voice is HUMANWINE'S clarion call for the group's unmistakably political lyrics and unpredictable melodies. She is captivating to watch, too, as she creates a kind of "sign language" onstage with gesticulations that seem to illustrate the group's story songs.
In fact, HUMANWINE has created a parallel universe called Vinland, which you may enter and be a part of or merely enjoy from the periphery. But whether you embrace this cinematic aspect of the band's vision or not, expect to see them play a bigger room next time out and get their full-length debut, Fighting Naked, due out this month on Cordless Recordings.
Location Info:
7th Street Entry
Artist Info: HUMANWINE
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