Photo Source: The Apollos
The Apollos are playing Chop Suey next Tuesday, July 10th; Parts and Conduct Party are also set to perform.
This rambunctious group brings a raw fervor to their music that jives with the energy of old time rock ‘n’ roll. Last year’s set of Portland Demos – recorded in less than 24 hours, no less – illustrates a band of cosmically-inspired psychedelic rockers.
"Tractor Beams from Mars" sets the stage with a few seconds of guitar feedback before breaking into a string of catchy wails and riffs. This uptempo garage ‘n’ roll cut fades away about two minutes in as the band ascends into space. In the remaining minutes, strange feedback and buzzing and warbling noises lead you through what feels like the galaxy’s silent catacombs; as if an alien from Mars is really trying to communicate with you.
In contrast, the song "Hold Me Tight" is a relatively more straightforward reincarnation of soul ‘n’ roll. The call and response between vocalists yelling "Hold Me Tight" is anything but trite though – you just want grab onto that someone in your life and dance around.
One looks forward to the day they bring new material to the fore. Until then, next Tuesday on the 10th of July is a great opportunity to see the band at Chop Suey. The price of the show is zilch, nada, nothing – go see them for free! Their exuberant collaboration of music-making is even better served live.
Listen to "Tractor Beams from Mars" below and continue onto to their bandcamp for the rest of their tunes.
– Cameron LaFlam