New Unions and Reunions: Equinox and Deep Banana Blackout @ The Paradise 3/22/09
The juxtaposition was obvious: one band playing their first show ever, the other band a gang of veterans playing their fourth rare reunion show in a row. The commonality was equally evident: one band fronted by the inimitable vocalist Jen Durkin, the other band fronted by the inimitable vocalist Jen Durkin. Equinox and Deep Banana Blackout provided a unique and appealing look at how one singer can carry two different bands in one night.
Equinox is Durkin’s newest project, featuring a pared-down band compared to DBB and a more melodious approach to her style. The instrumentation relative to DBB provided immediate insight into the sonic differences: upright bass instead of electric, one horn instead of a section, jazz kit instead of rock kit. I wouldn’t go so far as to call Equinox mellow, though. The upbeat rhythms and positive melodies brought more bounce energy rather than lounge energy to the room, and even gave Durkin a few opportunities to work her hips. The lyrics to the songs were insightful and reflective, certainly more the stuff of someone who has led a full life of adventure and has two children as opposed to DBB’s in-your-face-with-the-funk lyrics. Durkin spoke of her children at a couple of points when explaining songs’ origins.
If you really want a cliche musical genre bundle to describe their sound, let's go with "hippie balladeers sniffing neo-soul with a side order of indie rock." I would love to see Equinox on a gorgeous day at a festival around sunset. That's the part of your festival day where you're relaxed and taking in some good bands, conserving energy before you rage all night. Equinox fits the role perfectly, and that is a total compliment.
Next up was Deep Banana Blackout, and I have to admit, DBB was a fantastic nostalgia show for me. My crew used to rock with them all the time in the late 90s, but I probably hadn’t seen or listened to them since 2001. I half expected to see Andy Stahl running around with Gamelan Productions flyers promoting Berkfest featuring Jiggle the Handle and Percy Hill. (Mad props if you’re down with any aspect of the previous sentence.) I think every band that ever broke up should try to play a few shows a year just for kicks, assuming none of the members have died.
But let’s give credit where it is due. Deep Banana Blackout still brings the funk hard and will put the boot down on anyone who thinks otherwise. This is not the Blues Brothers getting the band back together just to pay some bills. Jen can still belt, guitarist Fuzz can still thrash, and everyone else answers the bell when called upon to show off for a moment or two. The opening song, “Getchy’all In the Mood,” left no question as to when the party was starting. I also immensely enjoyed a large and in charge rendition of “Take the Time” as well as an instrumental cover of Dizzy Gillespie’s classic “Caravan.” Throw in a dancing banana in the front row and you’ve got yourself a 100% legit DBB show, doesn’t matter what year it is.
Overall, Durkin’s voice is worth the price of admission regardless of who is backing her up. She really is one of the few musicians I would trust to open for themselves and deliver two great products in one night. A fluid and funk-filled night of Durkin workin’ will always present the possibility that maybe we’ll groove all night.
