Nashville – It’s been nearly a year since the last time I saw the Justin Kalk Orchestra live, but I remember the show vividly. A string section accompanied Kalk’s lead guitar and vocals, and the result was a positively stunning combination of classical notes and raw blues elements. Fast forward: this past Wednesday, Kalk performed once again at The Mercy Lounge, although this time, it appeared his arrangement was sans orchestra. Accompanied only by Steo Britton on bass and Jeremy Williams on drums, his performance still remained every bit as electrifying. After the group’s recent completion of a tour in London, it was clear that there were some serious urges to unleash all of that pent-up homecoming energy.
Welcoming the audience with “I’ve Changed Too,” the Justin Kalk Orchestra initiated their concert with raucous fervor. Every instrument in Kalk’s ensemble was keenly felt at the Mercy Lounge, giving the group’s performance a purely kinetic quality. It appeared that the stage could barely contain their energy, and the drums thumped their way to the floorboards. It took more effort to stand still during the show than it did to move in tandem with Kalk’s soulful riffs.
While the Justin Kalk Orchestra brings a great deal to the table in terms of musicianship, it’s their unabashed enthusiasm that makes their performances so striking. Kalk aims to simultaneously honor and subvert rock ‘n’ roll conventions in his music, as his concerts are nearly unmatched in their originality. Consequently, his energy is not only contagious, but a certain symbiosis exists between the stage and the audience; the more the crowd warms up and begins to react, the more explosive the band becomes, and back and forth. Though the Justin Kalk Orchestra remained loyal to crowd-favorite singles during the show, those on the floor enjoyed a few improvised jams, solos and some of Kalk’s brazen dance moves.
Before bringing the tempo down just a few notches, the group played a feverish rendition of “You Stole My VCR,” which might just be the best example of their characteristic sound that is so satisfyingly unvarnished. With a lyrical prowess that achieves a level of just-right cheekiness, Kalk is equal parts seasoned songwriter and expert guitar player. And he appears to be so comfortable on stage, even in the midst of all his spontaneous movement. For all the myriad pieces that make up his persona, it’s apparent that Kalk is wholly a performer, knowing precisely when—and how—to properly deliver.
Contained ever so slightly by his ensemble, he appears to be the physical embodiment of rock itself when let loose on stage. The band’s music is a perfect storm of both impulsive performance and palpable chemistry, and they continue to gain steam at a rapid exponential rate. Without a doubt, these homegrown musicians are well on their way to gaining a formidable, worldwide fan base. While their future tour dates only serve to underline how truly talented the Justin Kalk Orchestra is, their Nashville fans would prefer they stay put in their hometown for a good, long while.
Don’t miss the Justin Kalk Orchestra’s next show as they continue to tour all over the Southeast. They will perform next in Knoxville, TN, at Barley’s Taproom on Saturday, December 13.
Amaryllis Lyle
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