Midnight Callers at Satyricon

One of the few pleasures left today is no other than supporting local bands. I got to do just that at Satyricon in Portland when my friends band, The Midnight Callers, played a rockin' show on Saturday. I know everyone in the band and it was cool to see my old classmates doing exactly what they were born to do. There's Jeremy O'Connell, who's extreme enthusiasm on drums lay the groundwork for the pop beats the Midnight Callers have come to exhibit. Then there's Cameron Mazzia on bass, who's natural coolness gives his riffs that extra flair as he bobs back and forth. Next there's Sage Hill on lead, who's fast-working phalanges fly across the guitar neck producing face-melting solos. And lastly, but certainly not least, there's Dave Berkham, the lead man. Head honcho. Who's formidable song-writing is manifested into vocalized poetry as he wails the chorus of Faux Girl and Friday. The atmosphere of Satyricon, a little venue tucked far back into the folds of West Portland, was gritty and musty and almost antique. Though, its quaint appeal was a perfect match for the pop band whose roots are in punk. It, in a sense, extenuated their style by putting an exclamation point at the end of their performance; the way a Super-dome does for a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert. I've seen the Midnight Callers 3 times now and each time their music, performance and presence has improved immensely. With the addition of Sage Hill, whose talent is otherworldly, the Midnight Callers have a working unit. A rapport if you will, which left me and my fellow concert goers thrilled and wanting more. The Ne Plus Ultra came when lead-man Dave donned a harmonica and went to town. His energy and ebullience left me awestruck. This, among other moments, made me forget I was watching my old buddies from high school. If you get a chance to see a Midnight Callers concert, go, you'll be beyond pleased. And the thought that you supported a local band filled to the brim with talent and ambition will leave a tear in your eye. It did to me. To find out more go to http://www.myspace.com/midnightcallers and listen to their singles, which are now available on vinyl. Cheers!