10-Nov: Eric Martin and the Illyrians at the Middle East Corner
I really loved the Neats way back when, and never understood why people complained so much about their shift from their fey college rock sound to their brawny blues rock stance. I liked both, and there was really nothing like their post-shift “Big Loud Sound” at the time. OK, maybe the Gun Club.
In any case, Eric Martin is still around and for maybe ten years has been fronting a trio, Eric Martin and the Illyrians. The drummer is the estimable Randall Lee Gibson IV (from Scruffy the Cat), and bass is handled by Chris Maclachlan.
I supposed they’ve moved away from wanting to prove anything, and are instead serving up great blues and rock. A high point of the set was Eric doing a big harp solo to kick off a song. They finished with a great cover of “You’re Gonna Miss Me.” Some of the usual suspects were there — the lead guy from Triple Thick, some fans from the 80s era. I wish they’d play out more, and I think another reunion of the Neats is due.
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