Tuesday I March 20, 2001 21 I SIGNAL Dexter Freebish and Semisonic: A Winning Team Emilv Isovitsch A Life of Saturdays by playing ob­ tour with SR-71," commented lead The band's capabilities go be­ Semisonic was signed onto Elektra Staff Writer vious favorites such as "What Do guitar player and backup singer yond the studio to the stage. Each Records. You See," "Pretty," "Spotlight" and Charles Martin. "We'll be back in member of Semisonic will usually Semisonic became known for A unified gasp was heard their first hit single, "Leaving Atlanta at the beginning of May for play more than one instrument on their single "Closing Time," from around the intimate theater, Town." The band also introduced Music Midtown." stage, to keep in touch with their their second album Feeling Earthlink Live, as the lights their new single off of A Life of Sat­ Since March 1999 they have album's sound, which gives the trio Strangely Fine, when it took over dimmed and Dexter Freebish qui­ urdays, "Madonna." traveled across the United States the sound of a five or six member the radio waves in 1997. etly took the stage. The crowd stood Dexter Freebish has been win­ several times, playing intimate band. motionless in the dark as lead singer ning fans over with their first single, clubs and gaining enthusiastic fans Grammy nominated Kyle began the opening number, "Leaving Town," since March 1999 every time. songwriter Dan Wilson strengthens "Life of Saturdays." when they first signed with Capital Headlining band Semisonic the trio's unbelievable sound by His strong clear voice rang Records. "Leaving Town" won the returned to Atlanta with Dexter bringing a unique voice to his throughout Earthlink Live and it "Song of the Year" in the John Freebish to support their new album catchy lyrics of modern day reali­ tenderly enveloped the crowd, Lennon songwriting contest before All About Chemistry, which was re­ ties. drawing them into his outstretched the full album was released. leased on March 13. All About Semisonic clearly won the arms, as the lights gradually turned "Leaving Town" was chosen Chemistry brings a new pop twist crowd while merging old songs on. The night was clearly antici­ from more than 27,000 entries and into their distinctive style while giv­ from "Great Divide" and "Feeling pated by the dedicated fans. Many, voted on by more than 60 celebri­ ing listeners a sound that becomes Strangely Fine" with the new songs who were fully clad in homemade ties, which included Elton John, contagious. from, the third album. All About Dexter Freebish and Semisonic Paula Cole, the Foo Fighters and the All About Chemistry brings in Chemistry. shirts, gathered early and waited Barenaked Ladies. synthesizers and several dozens Semisonic started as a cover patiently for the doors to open for The popularity of "Leaving samples to produce an album full band in Minneapolis. The strength the 8:30 p.m. show. Town" has taken them on a whirl­ of textures and layers. A different of their style led them to write and Special I Signal Dexter Freebish gave the large wind of tours. sound can be heard each time the record several songs in the first Semisonic played with Dexter Freebish at crowd a taste of their debut album, "We're starting a five week album is listened to. months of 1993. By 1994 the Tabernacle last week. III VIIIIK CUIUS Don't call them GRAHAM KLEIN Papa Roach Jr. mer," a track that deals with the loss and attempted reconciliation of a relationship, as Mitchell pleads, "1 tried to give you summer, but I'm winter. Wish I could make you spring, but I fall so hard." But Mitchell's writings are never better than the track "Flesh and Bone." The forcing of religion onto him and his struggle to find a higher being makes the singer re­ think his faithful standing, and his cries of "please show me a sign" strike a chord with anyone who has been in the same situation. Tunes Although Mitchell's leadership the grade is abilities allow the group the oppor­ L POPULATION: 1,373. tunity to fade into the background, the other three members' outstand­ ing musical skills beautifully sup­ Colin Martz port the vocalist, and wonderfully Sports Editor each member is able to shine on a different song. While guitarist Terence Corso shows his six-string Self-described as "real music dexterity on "Attitude," bassist Tye for real people," Southern Zamora's stellar work on "Calico" California's Alien Ant Farm has makes the track one of the album's bridged the gap between radio- standouts, and drummer Mike friendly rock and a dynamic sense Cosgrove helps "Sticks and of sincerity with their major label Stones," one of the band's concert debut, A NThology. staples. The first signing to Papa A cover of Michael Jackson's Roach's New Noize label, the Ant "Smooth Criminal" also shows that Farm has been seen by many as P- Alien Ant Farm isn't afraid to have Roach's pupils in training. But af­ a little fun every now and then, and ter one listen to ANThology, it's although many cover songs are obvious that the students are much poorly constructed, the band nicely more learned than their mentors. mixes their innovative brand of The best thing AAF has going rock while maintaining the sensa­ for them is the vocal talent of singer tion of Jackson's cocky swagger. Dryden Mitchell. His vocal range But the guys in Alien Ant Farm is such that he is able to drive the know when they must be serious, band while the other members and with an opening slot on Papa From the guys who brought you There s Something About Mary freely experiment with new ideas. Roach's "Raid the Nation" Tour, the Another forte of Mitchell is his band hopes to step out of the shad­ lyrical ability. While dealing mainly ows of their mentors and carve their with the topic of relationships, the own niche in the rock scene. singer's innovative capability to Alien Ant Farm will be play­ www.sayitisntsomovie.com play with words leaves listeners ing this Friday at the Tabernacle wanting more. Among the most supporting Papa Roach on the MARCH 23RD ONLY IN THEATRES prominent of these comes in "Sum- "Raid The Nation" Tour. .