I first saw Supercade play at Velvet Lounge with Hello Tokyo in September. The show was mediocre, though I could understand why. The group was playing their CD release show and trying to sound like their CD, and instead sounded like four individuals playing parts of a song. Music sounds best, though, when played with abandon. To quote Trey Anastasio, “We missed a change? I couldn’t care less, man. That’s not what it’s about for me.”
Despite the stiff performance something about the group appealed to me. While most guys in the crowd ogled Devon (vocals), I watched Dave (bass) rocking out on the side and thought, “These guys really are passionate about what they do. I need to see them on a good night.”
That “good night” came on October 14, an innocuous Saturday night that featured a U Street crowded with young ladies and gentlemen searching for happiness in jazz clubs, dance halls, and bars blasting overproduced hip-hop. I strolled to the Velvet Lounge from the metro, breathed deep, and let DC’s dirty air fill me for a moment. It felt like a good night.
Inside the Lounge people congregated and talked about work, friends, grad school, or the strange foreign film playing on the television. My thoughts dawdled on the future until I realized that I would not be able to enjoy a rock show if the present did not have my full attention. I scolded myself and stared at the bottle in front of me. I will drink this beer, I thought, and focused my attention on amber liquid and digestion. It worked like a charm, and my head swam within minutes.
This gentle swimming complimented Supercade’s charged performance. Opening with the energetic track “Hazy,” the band hit the stage and the crowd strong. They continued the upbeat tempo until the third song, which was a new track that did not have a name. The group was really into it, and Devon’s vocal performance blew me away. She stamped her feet, ripped into the lyrics and hit notes all over the place (She later told me she was not happy with her voice throughout the evening, and I almost laughed at her).
I was happy and excited for the group. In a month they had gotten ten times better and anyone could see more confidence in Devon’s stage presence. The band sounded like a band: Four people making one sound. I could not help but smile.
“Sweet Victoria” was another highlight. Each member appeared to enjoy this tune and really rocked it. And why not? The parts fit together well, and its charm is that each member contributes an integral part to the sound. No one instrument or voice stands out. It is the collective beauty of four musicians making a statement. Brilliant.
Overall the group gave it their all, but certain moments left me wanting more. It felt like the guys had not quite gotten the audience-band interaction bit down. As a band you are putting on a show, but also forming a connection with the audience. This connection inspires people to listen, engage, and love the music. If you neglect the connection, it does not matter how note-perfect your performance is. This is what Trey meant when he said that quote above: Energy, connection, music, success. And while the group did not neglect it entirely, they probably did not win over many new fans.
Supercade has existed with its current lineup for about a year. If their live show improved as much as it did in a month, you better believe that they will continue improving, and that I will continue to frequent their shows. I suggest you do the same.
Next show: Wednesday November 8, Iota Club
