Review: Local group Infinite Apaches rock Rudyard’s
Written by Coog Radio on July 26, 2013
photo credit: Infinite Apaches
Editor’s note: this review was written by Nick Page back in May.
I had never been to Rudyard’s before but I had suddenly found myself there for two consecutive nights enjoying Canadian bands that deserve the space of a stadium but were given a loft. Not that I am complaining, I prefer a more intimate setting for live music. The pub is a quaint building hidden away from the main drag of Montrose dives. Its mordacious appearance is welcoming while the glares from some regulars were not. I felt it necessary to display loyalty to my city so I ordered a Weedwacker at an obnoxiously audible level. I then turned and made for the staircase where I made friends with an employee taking tickets and reading a copy of Stephen King’s “IT”. After a short conversation I headed upstairs and took a seat near the bar.
On this particular night Houston natives, Infinite Apaches, had the pleasure of warming up the crowd for The Besnard Lakes. The young Infinite Apaches had been walking around the pub all night. I had not realized this but once they took the stage I recalled seeing the band mates in various places earlier in the evening. It was clear that they were not concerned with a uniform appearance. Each person wore something that in no way matched anyone else on stage. I assumed they were a bunch of kids lacking direction. They seemed slightly disorganized and amateurish but perhaps it was just nerves. The crowd was obviously taken aback but we had no idea what we were in for.
Quickly, it became clear to me that their appearance meant nothing as this ragtag group of guys kicked into a groovy melody that took me by surprise. In a frenzy of swing, groove, doo-wop and psychedelic rock, Infinite Apaches are one of the more unique bands I have heard in a long time. I was disappointed in the audience who met the band with some mixed and even unappreciative reactions. I believe this negative response was due to their stage presence. The vocalist, Stephen Burton, did not move and inch while the bassist, Lou Miller, was all over the stage. The energy was off balance and this made their performance awkward. I believe if they work on that aspect of their dynamic they will attract a larger, more enthusiastic fan base.
Having said that, their most recent album, “Suave Creation of the Monolithic Order” is solid. It teeters on the line of chaos and disorganization but somehow they keep it together. I find myself going back and listening to a track called “Scout’s Honor”. It has a charming tune and a nostalgic beat yet it feels fresh. After the show I approached drummer J. Alexander Blue at the bar near my seat. I shared with him my observation about their unique blend of genres and Blue simply said, “We don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves”. I thought about talking with Miller, the bassist, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. Miller walked past me and sat quietly by the pool table with their merchandise on top of it. I observed from my seat and watched people walk by without acknowledging him. This is part of being a musician. You make yourself vulnerable by putting yourself and your music in front of strangers and hope for the best. Infinite Apaches will go places as long as they stick to their guns. They will be performing at Free Press Summer Fest this year and I strongly suggest you see them for yourself.
Click HERE to listen and purchase their music.
