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| Brian Severns - Photo by Margaret Campbell |
During the all-ages show at the Triple Rock, bassist Pete Biasi warmed up the crowd (as some minor sound problems were worked out) with clever conversation about everything from wooden nickels and books on Scotland to acceptable food items to sneak into concerts. His comedy bit had the audience laughing and interacting with the band while a sound guy worked on their equipment in the dark corner of the stage.
The inconspicuous character I took for a sound guy slowly emerged from the shadows and quietly approached the mic. It turned out to be Brian Severns, the lead guitar player and singer of Signal to Trust. His presence was overwhelmingly serene. His voice was almost expressionless, yet as the first song progressed, his words resonated heavily throughout the crowd. His presence was in sharp contrast with every other performer, as Signal to Trust was with every band that took the stage that night.
Banner Pilot began playing for the mostly male crowd of about 25 young, scruffy-haired college students shortly after I arrived. They featured classic pop-punk instrumentals with occasional, exceptional bass riffs. The lead singer hovered on the border between pop-punk and the grittier gutter variety.
It was obvious that the two remaining opening bands Yo Man, Go! and Bridge and Tunnel had, admittedly, “taken comfort in many a smelly basement across the country together,” based on their tendency to introduce each of their songs with a brief story or explanation. “This definitely isn’t a basement,” observed the lead singer of Yo Man. “We’ve never played in a place as big as this,” he said meekly, betraying his slightly prickly appearance and aggressive vocals.
Both Yo Man, Go! and Bridge and Tunnel had similar instrumental arrangements that were rooted in pop-punk and flirted with grittier sounds, with a sometimes heavy emphasis on percussion.
Yo Man, from Pennsylvania, had lyrics that focused on pretty universal themes of dealing with change you’re not ready for, taking advice from friends when they tell you what you’re doing is fucked up and creating your own ideals and living them. The words merged together in a blend of noise that, to simplify, might be classified as screamo.
Signal to Trust took the stage, and the music that graced the Triple Rock that evening, in an entirely different direction. These guys are riding a lonely wave that, someday will crash somewhere in the distance, far away from the flashy Brit-pop sound most Twin Cities bands are currently exploring.
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Signal to Trust - Photo by Margaret Campbell
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Questions such as that quickly faded from my mind once I relaxed my thoughts and just listened to the sounds as the band played many songs off their most recent release, Golden Armour.
Throughout the set, I came to appreciate the intimacy and focus the musicians had on the music itself, instead of showmanship. It seems Biasi’s personality came through more from his instrument than from his mouth.
Severn's voice slowed to a talk at certain points in his songs, but the instruments elaborated and unfolded his next verse in a way that was slightly reminiscent of Malachi Constant’s purely instrumental music, yet Severn's almost entirely non-linear lyrics continually presented a deeper shade of interest.
Severns' vocals fluctuated between fairly deadpan to offhandedly expressive, which was slightly reminiscent of Ian MacKaye. It is amazing that Severns' singing style and complex guitar playing could make the catchy pop tunes, engaging shenanigans and the elaborate fog and light displays of some rock bands seem monotonous in comparison.
As trumpet player Holly Habstritt approached the center of the stage, she was introduced as a friend of the band. The few long lonely notes from her trumpet soared above the other sounds, immediately stealing the show. Granted, that was the first time I had seen Signal to Trust live, but Habstritt’s part fit so well with the other musicians that it’s hard to imagine a performance without the powerful trumpet accompaniment she provides.
While watching the band play, I had the overwhelming impression that I was witnessing something deeply personal. These guys seem more like monks than over-indulgent rock stars.
If you go to a Signal to Trust show with an ADD attitude and an expectation to stand back half drunk and half listening for some easy entertainment, you won’t enjoy yourself. Signal’s music requires attention from your brain, as well as your dancin’ shoes.
While many bands let instrumental composition take a back seat to stage-rocking charismatic foolery and catchy lyrics, Signal to Trust explores and kindles an interest in the infinite possibilities for music. This group definitely has a take on live music that is not heard or appreciated enough these days. Ear of the beholder? Indeed.
Unfortunately, Brian Severns is going back to his out-of -state college before the end of this summer. Check their MySpace for updates on upcoming shows. Though the songs they have on their MySpace page are good, their recorded music doesn’t closely compare to the live version.
Location Info:
Triple Rock Social Club
Artist Info: Bridge and Tunnel, Signal to Trust, Yo Man, Go!
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