THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 7, 1996 TAG: 9611070034
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E3 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Music Review
SOURCE: BY JEFF MAISEY, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: 53 lines
FANS PUT politics aside Tuesday to enjoy a full night of music and fun. Two of modern rock's most recent pop sensations, Dishwalla and the Refreshments, provided a thirst-quenching gulp of hard guitar and strong melodic vocals. Both bands are touring in support of freshmen releases and radio-charting singles.
After the opening act, Chalk Farm, accomplished its mission - sowing the seeds of a good night's pleasure - The Refreshments took the stage. With singer/ guitarist Roger Cline announcing, ``We're from Tempe, Ariz., so the rain today kind of freaked us out,'' the band doused the Boathouse crowd with its American Southwest/Mexican-influenced lyrical rock.
The energetic fans were delighted by the fluid, upbeat ``Bow Together'' and ``Down,'' which led into the radio hit ``Banditos.'' Brian Blush's guitar work came through loud and clear with note-for-note accuracy. The Refreshments, who appeared in town earlier this year, continued to win over unsuspecting music lovers with song after song of creamy material.
Whether the Refreshments or Dishwalla was the better band depended on whom you asked. A few people filed out after the Refreshments' set, obviously having seen what they came to see.
They missed out. As on Dishwalla's debut, ``Pet Your Friends,'' ``Pretty Babies'' started an electric set that fused rock of the 1960s and '90s into one web. On the moody ``Explode,'' J.R. Richards sang with a rich, smooth bravado reminscent of Simple Minds' Ian Kerr.
Well-executed but with few surprises, Dishwalla cranked through their best material with a clear emphasis on music and showmanship by the dashing Richards. Propelled by guitarist Rodney Browning's heavy wha-wha, Dishwalla set an atmospheric illusion with ``Haze'' before moving on to the new hit, ``Charlie Brown's Parents.''
The brightest moment, the one most everyone came to hear, was the dynamic and catchy ``Counting Blue Cars.'' Again, with perfect marksmanship, the quartet delivered a hot set.
Perhaps the only miscue was in not saving ``Blue Cars'' for dessert. A large segment of the crowd headed for the doors as Dishwalla played a rocking version of Soft Cell's ``Tainted Love.''
Again, those who left early missed out. With an undeserved and disappointing ending, the group came back for a one-song encore, the bluesy ``Moisture.''
If there is any wisdom for new bands with a radio hit, it is: save your best for last when playing on a Tuesday night - no matter how great you are. ILLUSTRATION: Graphic
MUSIC REVIEW
Dishwalla with the Refreshments and Chalk Farm, Tuesday night at
the Boathouse, Norfolk by CNB