Concert Review: KOLARS Show “Getting Weird” Is Fun
Diandra Reviews has reviewed Kolars before, and was super impressed by the dynamism of their glittered chaos. From jumping on drums to fashion and personas that feel designed by Studio 54, seeing them again at Mercury Lounge, taught me a simple lesson. When you got something great, it never fades.
Sometimes, greatness can be an uphill climb, but other times, it is a standard. Kolars are a standard for a good show that does not, necessarily, grow, but seems stamped in perfection like, an art piece in a museum. Unlike, Mondo Cozmo who seemed to be a different person when performing from Baby’s All Right to Barclays, Kolars provide a consistent brightness that feels still in display, which I enjoyed. Their show is simply one to have a good time and get weird. Now I know the “get weird” part sounds a little unattractive considering “getting weird” can be taken as negative, but “getting weird” is also a phrase claiming to put your self-consciousness about what is “cool” to the side and give into the moment. Dance is you want to dance, laugh if you want to laugh, and wear white-striped tight-pants as if white is allowed pre-Memorial Day. At least, that was the attitude of lead singer Rob, whose wife backs him on drums, but also as a model of the freedom to be you.
As Rob croons some of Kolars’ singles “Dizzy” and “Turn Out The Lights”, he comes off like Chris Isaak’s vocal child was raised by David Bowie and then did an apprenticeship with Bob Dylan for a awhile. He combines Isaak’s yearning country flare with Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust persona and matches it with Dylan’s folk style. It is as if he is a troubadour from space; coming from Jupiter to show “Jupiterians” do not have it easier than humans. Of course, Kolars songs like, “Bullet To Run”, which was featured on my favorite show The Detour, purvey a freneticism to just GO that connects with my “get weird” analogy. In a world that over-thinks, to say “forget thoughts and let’s feel” is a strange proposition. It is in that mentality that two things shine for me about their performance. One, I love their loving banter. If you read my Lawrence and Johnnyswim review, every time I see a talented pair, I feel pride, as if I am apart of it. Second, I am in love with Lauren Brown.
In the long league of people that rock, Lauren seems like a fire-cracker thrown upon the list. She lights it ups with a good humor and sparkling play that makes you wish she could follow you around work all day and bash the drums when your boss comes for you (lol!). As Rob sings and plays with a “coolness” that seemed thoughtful/ artful in personality, she goes crazy on the drums and tap arrangements like some type of “drum goddess” took over her. I was floored, and ended up wishing that there was something I could play with such dynamite fervor, especially when Jackson Kincheloe came out with the harmonica. For More Information On Kolars Click Here.
