ISSUE #70 / August 1, 2019

Gramps The Vamp / 📷 : TLM

$1 Hamm’s and plenty of good tunes are the perfect cure for getting through the middle of the week. Still recovering from Pitchfork and needing a good concert to lift you out of a funk, this show was the remedy. The night was kicked off by the pop disco and very danceable group, Family of Geniuses. I had been looking forward to their set since last seeing them at Ribfest back in mid June. FofG brings the ‘80s disco fused with funky bass lines, trumpet of a soul band, and cowbell mixed in every-so-often. FofG is a group that comes out quick with the uptempo, fun dance songs and only elevates the pace as their set goes on. The group primed the crowd for the evening by playing songs like “Mexican Coke,” “Adult Onset Fear of Commitment(My Mantra),” “Girlfriend,” and “Do Me Like That.” All of this was building towards FofG’s final song, “I Just Wanna Kick It.” This song is the group’s most popular, and they have released a music video for the very entertaining song. “I Just Wanna Kick It” features Chicago rapper Bardo, and he made a special appearance help cap off the night for FofG. 

Deep Fayed draws the unfortunate stick of having to follow Family of Geniuses’ enthusiastic set. The experienced deep funk and jazz/hip-hop collective took the stage and picked up where FofG left off. Opening up with “Slim Daley” Fayed dipped into their debut EP Deep Fayed, to kick off their set. As founding member George Wundsam led the groovy and jazz-laden tune, the group kept the crowd moving. With what started out as a jazz/hip-hop fusion has moved into a soulful realm as well with the addition of singer Catherine Poulos. Poulos came out after the initial jam for the next song, “Xenofayed.” With their smooth play and ability to work around each other, it is very easy for Fayed to weave themselves through hip-hop and soul back to jazz fusion. Backing Poulos’ vocals with keys and a drum kit to supplement her singing, the guitar riffs and bass lines come in between verses to give the songs more layers. 

Gramps the Vamp’s performance served as saxophonist Justin Howe’s last show with the group. Howe was a member of the group for eight years, and to give him the proper sendoff, the other members of Gramp the Vamp held back a little and let Howe have the spotlight. Howe would lead the jams and get out all of those funky notes he may have held back in the past, but on your last show, why not just go for it and see where it takes you? The doom funk and acrobat-inspired collective make you feel like you are constantly in the chase scene of a horror film and the victim nearly escapes each time before the villain can get to them. Only playing a few songs off their previously released albums, Gramps the Vamp busted out some new songs to showcase what they have been working on. The doom funk is not going anywhere and the group is refining their ability to jam. These skills were on display during the show as the group moved through the songs combing three different albums and making it feel as one. Maxx McGathey leads the band on keys and works them to keep moving. Gramps the Vamp could jam endlessly on any given song; we would be none-the-wiser due to their creative ambitions which keeps the songs fresh. After getting to experience new tunes, I will be paying close attention for news about an album release. 

-MVM   

Family of Geniuses’ next show is at Coles on August 30th. It is a free one. 
Deep Fayed’s next show is at Reggies on August 12th. Tickets are $8. 
Gramps the Vamp will be playing two sets at California Clipper August 31, $5 cover