Concert Review: Satellite Mode Went Cosmic At Mercury Lounge

I begin my concert review with an elaboration on the importance of the “IT” factor. This mysterious, mystical “it” has been hard to describe, but has made legends out of artists like Beyonce, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, etc. The point is that having “it” is a real opportunity to go from artist to star. On December 2, Satellite Mode told its audience at Mercury Lounge that it has “it”, and it comes in the form of its lead singer, Jess Carvo.

Wow…. just….WOW! Forgive me for reducing my awe to catch-phrases like “WOW!”, but its hard to place into words the level of magnetism of Carvo’s energy. It as if she is a giant magnet, and her viewers are all made of metal. The attraction is palpable, and Carvo knows it. She enters the stage with confidence and oozes high-quality. I know “high quality”, what a strange thing to ooze. Yet, from Carvo’s spontaneous rhythmic dancing and riff to the overarching sense that she is more than talent, she is light, allowed the “Mercury Loungers” of that night to feel as if their tickets was cheaply  priced compared to the show they received. Mercury Lounge is a premier location for rising stars, and its intriguing to see which ones are destined for MSG or have the potential to hit award ceremonies and grand, national arenas. Satellite Mode, definitely, has that chance after witnessing their live performance.

Satellite mode provides a cosmic, “Guardians of The Galaxy” vibe that intoxicates viewers. As starry and colorful, abstract images twirl behind them, they play music that reminds listeners that, ultimately, we are all stardust. Their lyrics twinkle with the lightness of being human and float upon rhythms that have the density/ girth of a cloud. Like this celestial object, for however electrically shrouded their bass, drums, and keys may feel, Satellite Mode’s music seems transparent to listeners minds. The visions songs like “Surface” and “Aphrodite” induce are as clear and seductive as space, itself; you see such images and their beauty seems too crisp to be so vast, as well. The contrast is lovely and rejuvenates your imagination, which makes Carvo’s own liveliness an added luxury to the band’s psychedelia sounds. In many ways, Carvo’s voice and performance reminds viewers of Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick. Each had an “intergalactic” gypsy vibe that enthralled viewers with its balanced sense of intimacy and bigness like, you were holding a star in your hand. Such an “analogy’ is a good one for Carvo, whom can burst like a supernova with riffs and free-spirited dancing that makes viewers admire her liberated persona and expression. There are people that free themselves through their art, and Carvo, like the rest of Satellite Mode, frees herself through music. 

Music is a freeing experience. The worlds you paint with your words and sounds can be vivid and meaningful if you put work into them. While most artists do this, a few also have the gift of feeling like a worldly presence just as themselves. The persona and aura they present to the audience comes off as if a new star or planet was born before you, and it speaks through music. When you as a person drip a carefree energy, that is amazing, but when you are a musician, as well, to audiences its feels cosmic. Satellite Mode is cosmic. For More Information On Satellite Mode Click Here.