Sam Goody (New York) and Request Magazine have started a free concert series in an intimate setting in one of the upper floors of the chain store's housing. New Jersey's latest export, The Wrens, were the featured attraction to a crowd of curious on-lookers and loyal fans who ventured out in unsafe conditions to see their heroes.
The four piece band didn't disappoint these fans. Although this show was billed as a tuneup for their upcoming tour in support of their most recent Grass Records release, Secaucus (named after their town of residence), brothers Kevin and Greg Whelan, Charles Bissell and Jerry MacDonnell were in synch during the furious and fast pace of their set. The Wrens, who alternately sound like Weezer meets Nirvana while trying to encompass the entire history of music, part one, showed off their pop/metal/rock (NOT glam) side on such tracks as "Surprise, Honeycomb" and the current single "Rest Your Head". They also interspersed slower tracks such as "Won't Get Too Far", where drummer MacDonnell dropped the sticks for the melodica (nee: hooter) and the entire group played in an almost acoustic manner.
The Wrens truly flourished under the live setting, as the brothers Whelan were jumping, kicking, and actually *enjoying* themselves. In an ever playful moment, Kevin noticed that some of the audience were seated, Indian-style, while enjoying the show. "We've never played to an audience where anyone was sitting on the floor", Whelan announced, and the band proceeded to play the next track on their collective backs. Those in the back couldn't quite see the guitarists, but that soon changed as everyone was back on their feet and rocking again.
It's always refreshing to see a band that can not only play in a live setting, but take that environment and make it their own. On this icy cold night, the Wrens warmed up an audience with their special brand of music.
