Illicitizen – October 28, 2011
| Stan Says: | Jodi Says: | |
| Illicitizen has a great sound that isn’t heard often anymore. Very much a new wave sound yet not in a bad way. I say that because I almost feel like I’m insulting them by calling them a “new wave” band, as they’re so much more than that. Initially I did hear a distinct Talking Heads sound, with Elvis Costello thrown in and some Joe Jackson (minus the piano). Illicitizen consists of two members, Maria Zaccaro and Eric Cavanaugh. Maria plays  bass and has programmed the sequencer (and so much more) and is responsible for a large portion of their sound. Eric plays guitar and sings, which is why the rest of their sound relies on him. A great look all around as well as a great sound. Eric looks like a cross between Joe Jackson and Elvis Costello, yet totally cooler than either of those two (who, in my opinion do happen to look very cool themselves). Maria’s look honors Debbie Harry, in style and attitude. Though they have that New Wave sound, they’re not stuck in that era. They have a creative approach and a wonderful interplay between them and their instruments. The bass playing is fantastic, keeping the songs going yet great with Maria playing octaves and driving along runs. Eric’s guitar solos are sharp and melodic. Maria doesn’t smile, it’s part of the attitude though and the stage presence, which all works toward the great sound that they have. Then they covered a Talking Heads song, “Psycho Killer”, which proved to me that their influences run deep. I say that because though Psycho Killer was a hit for the Talking Heads, it’s not a great hit of theirs and not as well known as “once in a lifetime” or “And She Was”. Originals by Illicitizen are also wonderful, they played one called “irresponsible”, which I found to be catchy and very radio friendly. This band is not just a retro show, they’ve got their own sound and are really an enjoyable show to see as well as hear. I look forward to hearing anything they’ve recorded as well as seeing them perform again. If you like your early 80′s New Wave with a modern twist, this is definitely the band for you. I happen to love that people are still into that sound! |
         
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Eric Cavanaugh and Maria Zaccaro are what comprises Illicitizen.  Maria plays bass mostly though I believe she did help program the machine that does drum beats and other random stuff for them.  Eric does the vocals and guitar work.  Their sound is definitely a pop/folk/indie sound that reminds me of the Talking Heads, crossed with Elvis Costello.  Later in the set, I also heard what reminded me of They Might Be Giants, and also for just a moment Eric reminded me of the lead singer for Crash Test Dummies. I was very impressed with the intricate bass lines that Maria threw all over the place.  She had a song or two that reminded me of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers bass lines, and she definitely holds her own during the song creating a very fine underlying mesh of sound for Eric to work with. Eric does a few “talky” songs, which are not high on my list of things I enjoy in a song.  They are minimal though, as most of the time he’s singing and he has a very good vocal range.  Later in the evening, they covered “Psychokiller” by the Talking Heads, further emphasizing that similar sound. One note is that Eric is very aware as an audience member. Before going on stage, he helped Bryan Bielanski of Angwish out by adjusting stuff on stage when he noticed something was amiss.  To help out another musician during their set without thinking about it is very cool and respectable.  Eric jokingly mentioned when he took stage that he was from Instanbul, NC which is between Concord and Huntersville.  He is very charismatic on stage, silly, funny, and has a great time performing. I also enjoyed that lyrically he often uses more intelligent words, such as the word insidious being thrown in the middle of a verse.  He also shows talent with the guitar and had a couple good guitar solos thrown into the mix. If you like Elvis Costello or the Talking Heads, you’ve got to check these guys out. They just may surprise you with just how much talent they bring to the stage. |
