Concert Review: Calliope Musicals Are Care Bears At Rough Trade
When you are an artist, the struggle is real, especially financial. I am truly convinced that most expensive thing you will ever own is your dream. This is, in part, because it priceless and ever-changing, which means you will invest in any way to make the fantasy in your mind become a clear reality. Calliope Musicals may be a rising artist, but they gave Rough Trade a show that could headline.
With a dancing astronaut, a bunch of plastic heads with lights, and lollipop screens that showed dancing care bears, Calliope Musicals were a complete trip. They bursted with color and an infectiously good humor. It is hard to be in a bad mood when glitter is all over the place. Honestly, if someone said Calliope Musical founded their band in the Unicorn Store, I would call Brie Larson and say, “Thank You!” Their sound truly felt like a marriage between the Polyphonic Spree and The Flaming Lips; drawing psych-rock dreaminess within every chord.
Sonically, Callope Musicals appeared like a fantasy band born from Broadway’s Hair The Musical. Yes, I am using a lot of imagery, but you have to when describing a group so visually positive. Tracks like, “That’s Why We Dance” and “Cosmic Poison Arrow” represented the open choice to feel good despite all that is wrong, which is what positivity is all about. Some think positivity is a denial of reality or rather negative situations, but it is, actually, a denial of the dark feelings such things stir. Instead, you choose to heal your heartbreak with a laugh and dance your brokenness away.
Lead singer Carrie Fussel is so adorable. She smiles her vocal notes as much as she smiles in life. Everything about is so bright and warm, which is why the Care Bear image felt perfect their band. They are promoting compassion as fun, and they are not wrong. When you care for others, you open yourself to have fun with them, as well. Love breeds love, and their folkish approach to psychedelic pop assures this truth continues. For More Information On Calliope Musicals Click Here.
