Pop Evil, Eva Under Fire and Lines of Loyalty @ Fine Line | 8-13-23
Review by Adaline Cornell & Scott Cornell | Photos by Scott Cornell
Lines of Loyalty
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On a serene Sunday evening in the heart of Downtown Minneapolis, a wave of anticipation swept through the cozy confines of the Fine Line Music Cafe. The stage was meticulously prepared, with an unexpected touch of barricades hinting at the potential for a raucous crowd in the intimate venue. The gear for the evening's triad of acts was neatly assembled, ready to amplify the musical journey about to unfold.
Taking their place under the dimly lit stage lights, the Kenosha, WI trio, Lines of Loyalty, assumed their positions with unyielding dedication and fervor. The trio, comprised of Nubz Morrison on vocals and guitar, Redo Ianni on bass, vocals, and keys, and Shane Madsen on drums and percussion, are no strangers to the world of melodically magnetic rock anthems. Their commitment and diligence to their craft shone through, as they showcased their unapologetic musical spirit.
Lines of Loyalty's track record was nothing short of impressive – not only had they captivated audiences with a fan-favorite full-length album and an EP, but they had also shared the stage with heavyweights like Puddle of Mudd and Royal Bliss. Their journey extended even further, as they embarked on a tour alongside the renowned Pop Evil. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Incubus, Seether, and Slaves, the trio seamlessly blended their influences, embracing the weightier aspects of their musical identity.
The set kicked off with a sense of purpose, a firm yet inviting energy emanating from the stage. Their opening songs, including the soon-to-be-airwaves-hit "Addiction," reverberated through the venue, steadily drawing in the eager crowd. An unexpected twist awaited as they delved into a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child," a homage that highlighted their willingness to pay tribute to their musical lineage.
In a display of unparalleled skill, bassist Redo Ianni defied gravity, angling his bass towards the floor while effortlessly executing his part. The combination of his technical prowess and unyielding passion painted a vivid portrait of a musician at the height of his craft. Meanwhile, Nubz Morrison, the guitarist and vocalist, stood as a striking visual juxtaposition – his attire of brown slacks and a sage green button-up shirt contrasted with his distinctive appearance, featuring long dreadlocks, facial and neck tattoos, and gilded teeth.
Morrison's vocal delivery was a testament to his training and talent, his strong and clear voice carrying each lyric with unwavering emotion. The band's performance gradually filled the venue, capturing the hearts of the growing audience who reciprocated with enthusiastic support. The trio masterfully navigated the compact stage, effortlessly striking poses that photographers eagerly captured.
A true testament to their adaptability, Lines of Loyalty maximized their spatial limitations, ensuring that every inch of the stage contributed to their performance. Morrison's guitar skills took center stage as he played behind his neck, a jaw-dropping display of musicianship that left the crowd in awe. The band's interaction with the audience soared as they encouraged lively call-and-response interactions, effectively transforming the venue into an intimate dialogue between artist and fan.
In a heartwarming display of camaraderie, Morrison and Ianni momentarily turned their backs to each other while playing, a symbolic gesture that spoke to the unity and synergy within the band. The dynamic engagement extended to the audience, where a spontaneous moment of connection occurred as the band playfully wielded a fan's phone, capturing a video snippet that would undoubtedly become a cherished memory for those in attendance.
As Lines of Loyalty gracefully concluded their opening set, the Fine Line Music Cafe buzzed with an undeniable energy. The trio's performance had left an indelible mark on the night, a reminder that even on a calm Sunday evening, the power of music could transform a space into a vibrant tapestry of emotion and connection.
Eva Under Fire
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Following a swift stage transformation, the spotlight shifted to Eva Under Fire, a dynamic quintet hailing from the vibrant city of Detroit, Michigan. Fronted by the charismatic and namesake vocalist, Eva Marie, the band took the stage by storm. Marie's striking appearance was impossible to ignore – her half-black, half-blonde hair cascaded over her shoulders, perfectly complementing her black catsuit adorned with a white belt, leather straps, and chains. A black leather half-vest accentuated her bare left arm, a testament to her fearless individuality. From the moment she stepped into the limelight, Marie's commanding vocals and magnetic stage presence ensured that every single attendee was swept up in the musical journey that was about to unfold.
Lead guitarist Rob Lyberg, an imposing figure, dominated the stage with his sleeveless red flannel button-up and a casually worn ball cap. His masterful execution of solos reached exquisite heights, each note ringing out with precision as he loomed above the crowd, a towering figure in both stature and skill.
Bassist Ed Gawlik, with his distinctive ginger locks and a Conquer and Divide tank, stood firmly at his post. Amidst his rhythmic duties, Gawlik skillfully integrated unexpected cymbal hits on Dave Miller II's drum kit, a playful nod to the band's seamless synergy.
Eva Under Fire's setlist was a blend of both originals and well-loved covers, a testament to their diverse musical influences. In a surprising twist, they seamlessly segued into a brief breakdown of "We Will Rock You," deftly accommodating the crowd's boisterous participation by extending mic stands above their heads, inviting everyone to become part of the show.
The band's artistry reached a pinnacle during their rendition of Journey's timeless hit, "Separate Ways." The stage may have been limited in space, but Eva Under Fire maximized every inch, coaxing the audience into an infectious display of fist-pumping and synchronized jumps, a true testament to their ability to foster a sense of unity.
Rhythm guitarist Chris Slapnik, donning an Eva Under Fire onesie, displayed his playful spirit by inviting the crowd to join him in a rendition of the iconic Pee-Wee Herman dance, paying homage to Paul Reubens. Yet, amidst laughter and camaraderie, fists triumphed over dance moves, filling the room with a sea of uplifted hands.
In a final touch of spontaneity, Slapnik playfully swiped a drumstick, attempting to interject his bandmates' performances with his mischievous antics. However, their unwavering focus allowed them to navigate around his playful disruption. Ultimately, the drumstick found its way into the crowd, a token of the night's fervor.
As the clock ticked down on their brief yet impactful 30-minute set, Eva Under Fire unleashed their monster single, "Blow." The response from the crowd was nothing short of explosive, as voices melded to create an electrifying chorus that reverberated throughout the venue. The euphoria was palpable, a testament to the band's ability to connect on a profound level.
Throughout their set, Eva Under Fire fostered an incredible rapport with the audience. Encouraging claps and jumps, they transformed the space into a pulsating sea of energy. Marie's vocals remained an unwavering force, guiding the audience through an unforgettable sonic experience. In an open invitation, they urged the crowd to visit their merchandise booth, inviting fans to connect, take selfies, and become a part of their world.
As Eva Under Fire's set came to a climactic close, it was evident that their music had forged an unbreakable bond between the performers and their audience. The night may have been short, but its impact was immeasurable, a testament to the power of music to unite and uplift.
Pop Evil
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Amidst an air of anticipation, the stage underwent a transformation, revealing a drum kit adorned with the iconic plus and minus symbols of the Skeletons tour. The dual kick drum skins bore these symbols, a prelude to the sonic journey about to unfold. With the departure of the opening acts and their equipment, newfound space graced the stage, granting the untethered members more room to command. However, there remained a sense that even more stage would have been artfully exploited.
Cramer's drum kit stood as a focal point, a commanding presence beneath the spotlight. Flanking this percussive centerpiece were strategically placed perches that seldom remained unoccupied. These platforms provided the canvas for dynamic choreography, as the quartet of musicians seamlessly moved between them. Each member of the five-piece ensemble donned a uniform attire of all black, save for distinct white designs that adorned drummer Haley Kramer and bassist Joey "Chicago" Walser's chests.
As the introductory notes reverberated through the venue, the five-piece unleashed an awe-inspiring ferocity that electrified the crowd from the very first moment. The energy radiating from the stage was infectious, spreading like wildfire among the assembled audience.
Bassist Joey "Chicago" Walser exuded a fierce and commanding presence, his onstage intensity a driving force behind the band's formidable performance. Meanwhile, rhythm guitarist Davy Grahs radiated boundless energy, rarely finding reprieve as he traversed from perch to perch, a true embodiment of musical dynamism. Lead guitarist Nick Fuelling exhibited a distinct sense of stoicism at times in contrast to his counterparts. However, this demeanor is well-founded, as the weight of lead guitarist responsibilities falls squarely upon his capable shoulders, underscoring his unwavering commitment to his craft.
The band followed up their explosive entrance with "Paranoid (Crash & Burn)," seamlessly transitioning into "Deal with the Devil." At times, the thunderous bass levels threatened to overpower the delicate highs, but the issue was promptly rectified, ensuring an impeccable sonic balance.
Throughout the performance, guitarists Grahs, Fuelling, and Walser intermittently joined vocalist Leigh Kakaty atop underlit front risers. The synchronized headbanging of the quartet served as a visual testament to their unity and shared musical vision.
"Who Will We Become" marked a poignant moment in the set, as Kakaty engaged the crowd in a heartfelt dialogue about unity and the collective passion for hard and heavy music. Expressing gratitude for the fans' unwavering support, he extended his appreciation to the entire ecosystem that makes a show possible, from the supporting bands to the behind-the-scenes personnel. The segue into the titular track "Skeletons," drawn from their latest album, was seamless, a poignant demonstration of the band's ability to seamlessly weave message and music.
The band's 17-song setlist was an electrifying tapestry woven with hits and fan favorites, including "Eye of the Storm," "Footsteps," "Survivor," and "Waking Lions." The wireless connectivity between band members became evident through their interactions, urging the audience to partake in their kinetic energy, fostering a sense of shared experience.
As the final act approached, the tempo eased, offering a moment of reflection. The encore was a masterful journey through the band's history, featuring early hits like "100 in a 55" and the stripped-down rendition of "One Singer, One Guitar," a touching dedication to a fan's request. "Torn to Pieces" followed, followed by a resounding finale with "Trenches" and "Breathe Again."
Conspicuously absent were tracks like "3 Seconds to Freedom," "Take It All," "Last Man Standing," and "Bosses Daughter." Kakaty's earlier sentiment was tangible – this tour and album celebrated unity and commonality, fostering variety in their performances while igniting anticipation for future encounters.
In its entirety, the "Skeletons" tour proved to be a resounding success, a testament to the band's prowess and the remarkable lineup that graced the stage. The evening was an intoxicating blend of established talent and promising newcomers, united by a shared dedication to the craft. Those who bore witness to this musical spectacle departed with an insatiable hunger for more, the echoes of the performance lingering long after the final notes had faded away.
