2008 Woodie Awards
A 'Spearhead' with a Purpose
ROSE DEMENT
Culture Writer
Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: Culture
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Last Saturday, March 15, the Spearhead tour stopped in Idaho for Sun Valley's 48 Straight, a two-day music/winter sports festival. Outside the venue, the streets of downtown had been blocked off for the event, where vibrant lights and bonfires warmed the still snow-chilled hands of the community there. Families with children huddled alongside concertgoers waiting for the night to begin.
Inside, the main stage was held in a large white base-camp style tent where smoke swirled its way through ethereal lights of blue and violet hovering over the performers like nebulas. Spearhead's set last weekend was energetic and full of life. The dancing crowd was very responsive to their sudden stops in the middle of the song, where all elements would abruptly quiet in the midst of a groove then return just as suddenly with enhanced intensity. At these points, the energy on the packed floor seemed to hyperventilate and get people moving again with renewed enthusiasm. The combination of catchy beats provided by Carl Young's bass lines and Manas Itiene's skillful drum works blend heavy hip hop, reggae and Afrobeat with Franti's smooth, eclectic vocals.
The band's is accessible by a wide variety of audiences. The fusion of reggae, industrial punk, soul, hip-hop, funk-rock and r & b instill the music with a sense of diversity. Keyboardist Releigh J Neal II draws from his two decades of piano playing to make each style feel authentic and helps tie elements of the eclectics spirit of their music together. Main guitarist Dave Shul adds his own style and texture to the mix, adding an intensity that at times recalls the lively spirit of nineteen-eighties punk rock. When Franti (who also plays guitar) picked up his acoustic during the show, Shul really stood out in the contrast of his electric against the softer rhythm. This blend of guitars really emphasized the individual voices of their playing styles. Repetition of the same lyrical catch-phrases were presented in different tempos, rhythms and melodies
At one point during the band's set, a girl from the front row jumped on stage and began dancing around the band. Franti greeted her with a kind smile and a hug.
Even Franti's bare feet make a statement. He has chosen to spend the majority of his time barefoot as a continuation of anti-poverty protest. These artists put their beliefs about the things they see a need for change in our world into action; and, through their music and actions, ask us as individuals capable of improving this planet to do the same.
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