Silvana New York, NY
Contact: [email protected]
Web: facebook.com
Players: Ben McMurtrie, guitar, vocals; Brian Hess, bass; Mike Rodbard, drums
Material: This power rock and blues trio was back at one of Harlem’s popular music spots delivering their brand of well-known and obscure covers along with originals. Of the more recognizable were “Handle With Care,” by The Traveling Wilburys, The Who’s “Substitute,” “Wham,” by Lonny Mack, and for those that graced the planet when this song came out, “Secret Agent Man,” a fun bit of nostalgia. On the original front, they performed “Times,” a ska-inspired song reminiscent of Elvis Costello and XTC. For all the Todd Rundgren fans, they ended the show with “Couldn’t I Just Tell You.”
Musicianship: Secure and proficient when it comes to their respective instruments they also come together as a tight unit. Their high energy, enthusiasm, and love of this music is evident. McMurtrie delivers some tasty guitar licks while Hess on bass provides a strong foundation moving each song forward. Rodbard on drums keeps the tempo and mood squarely where it belongs. Though the instruments support the vocals more than the other way around, polishing them will be a plus.
Performance: To quote McMurtrie, “We are still a work in progress,” which suggests that the band is still carving out their goals and where they see themselves as they continue to develop more of their original catalogue and/or pursue future venues. As band members, individually, they have racked up credits with other prominent bands but as a relatively new outfit they need to further define how they want to market themselves as they continue their musical journey. At this juncture, in their favor, the material they currently perform keeps an audience engaged, notably with those who may be unfamiliar with them or some of their more obscure material.
Summary: Satellite Reptiles, a spirited group, know how to keep the evening going. Honing in on the next steps will go a long way towards claiming their place in the everchanging fabric of the music industry. The band plans to do some recording soon.
