The Rolling Stones have been “too old” for at least 30 years, and it hasn’t hurt ticket sales. Here, in the 2nd decade of the 21st century, the idea that anyone should be too old to rock-much less make any sort of art-is absurd, if not ageist. The sublimate of all the faint praise and smack talk is a giddy, pure pride. Not bad for a bunch of “old” guys.Īfterward, the band is happy, if not a little skeptical-even self-deprecating. The blissful look on his face-and the occasional dance move-is telling… And contagious. Mike Barlow grinningly presides over an impressive keyboard set-up (including a vintage synth and an iPad displaying sheet music which he’s annotated by hand), joining Fulmer on backing vocals and occasionally whipping out a harmonica – a touch that perfects a spirited rendition of R.E.M.’s “Driver 8.” In the eye of the storm is Frank Cater-the band’s singer and frontman-barrel-chested, both hands on the mic stand, belting out the songs.
Bassist Jeff Logan and guitarist Ben Fulmer are steady and stoic-locked into the groove. He’s locked in with his creative foil, drummer George Carbonie, who’s looking back at him wide-eyed while keeping the breakneck pace. Guitarist Mark Haas strikes an impressive pose while conjuring a shrieking solo reminiscent of Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis. But it’s not just about being in love with music in general-but performing it: The physical act of creation. To watch The Underhills from this close vantage is to be reminded of the transformative-and restorative-power of music. No way: It’s perfect… But maybe they’re just ready to wrap up and watch the Saints play. I’m in an undisclosed location (Sorry: No narcs) listening to six dudes who aren’t supposed to be in a rock band being the best rock band in the world-well, at least in a 30-mile radius-at 5 pm on a dreary football Sunday in January.Īnd, right now, in the middle of this undisclosed location, I’m as amped up as said six dudes, who are blazing through a selection of 80’s “college rock” obscurities from the likes of R.E.M., Hoodoo Gurus, and Guadalcanal Diary, not to mention like-minded classic rockers such as the late great Tom Petty’s “American Girl.” The tempos are powerfully fast-so much so that the drummer (of all people!) wonders if they should slow it down. The Underhills prove that it’s never too late to rock
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