Tim Casey & The Martyrs
Stasiu’s
Friday, March 14, 2008

It’s a Friday night in mid-March at a Polish functions hall with various hipsters watching Gophers hockey and drinking beer. The bands play on a stage in the main room, around the corner from the bar.

About 10:00 p.m., Tim Casey & The Martyrs step up. The sound is rich, even if the sound system doesn’t do Casey’s vocals justice. (How hard can it be for local clubs to employ an equalizer and some talent on the sound board? Live vocals don’t have to always sound like they’re coming from a faded AM radio.) Casey and The Martyrs play all originals, but we hear a collection of references peak through — the Stones, the Replacements, John Mellencamp, even the Tubes or a hint of Queen. It’s vocals-driven rock, with strong, entertaining hooks. The kind of music that’s naturally brewed in towns like Minneapolis, Detroit and Chicago.

The band’s foundation is heavy and unpretentious. Robb Burnham (drums), Lee Rosenblum (guitar) and Kent Peterson (bass) honor the code of roots music, but know how to hit the hooks with just the right notes.

Casey takes full advantage of this architecture. His songs follow predictable rock formulas, with appreciated emphasis on inventive harmonies here and there to keep you guessing. The bridge and chorus of “If I See Your Face” offers a nifty hook and orchestration. “Don’t Give It Away” delivers a similar vibe later in their set.

Kris Brauninger’s Hammond organ and backing vocals offers a pleasing balance to Casey’s lead vocals and guitar. Casey’s long experience as a sideman has honed his guitar chops and maturity. He can shred, but he doesn’t feel the need to prove it on every song.

Casey’s growling lead vocals on “Love Conquers All” demonstrated the more compelling part of his range, amidst another strong arrangement.

The hipsters are numbering at least 50 by the end of the set. The TV is playing to an empty bar. –Tim Brunelle