Have you ever wondered the sound whales make while they hump? A certain Chicago musician claims he knows and that it's one of his musical influences. I have to say I've never heard that one before!
The musician is, Mike Romanzow, and he has longed to be in a band or a telepathic dolphin interpreter since he was very young. He's a member of the band named, On the Run, whose name reminds me of the phrase: To go on a beer run. I'm eager to see if their live performance is any fun without having to have a "cold one."
Prior to going on stage, I overheard the band ordering bottles of Miller Lite and Quesadillas, it was refreshing to hear they were polite to the bartender and did not have a "My shit don't stink" and demanding "wait on me hand and foot" attitude. On the Run also appeared to be down-to-earth with their fans and not aloof or rude.
When On the Run first came out, they hit me sort of like a tsunami--they had displayed such an amount of energy I would've sworn they were all manic or "running high" on cans of Red Bull! But, before the show, I did not see them order any energy drinks or pop any amphetamines.
It was so extreme-energy-wowing I don't know how any sane non-polluted human beings could maintain it all the way to their ending. And, they didn't, but On the Run's bass player was "a real looker" and charismatic as all hell, plus the entire band played together impressively well. They clearly had positive chemistry and played tight throughout the whole night.
The Lead Vocalist and Guitarist, Tyler Imbrey, of On the Run was founder of the now deceased group, "The Liquid Courage Band." He was raised in North Carolina while Lead Guitar/Vocalist (Luke Gale) and Percussionist and Drummer (Tim Williams) are from Chicago. Plus, Mike Romanzow grew up in the Chicagoland area, and is noted for: "his smooth double-finger rhythm action [that] can "funkify" the rockiness of your soul while stimulating your senses. And, he plays bass in the band! (www.ontherunmusic.com 2010")
On the Run played predominately upbeat tunes, yet threw in some soulful slow and smooth ones, too. The fans and I were especially moved when they covered the Beatle's song "Come Together" and sounded like them almost identically.
All in all, On the Run led a fun show--they were entertaining enough for me and most of the people in attendance to not have to leave and order more alcohol or flee to go potty. Their only downfall, in my opinion, was they did not sound unique--however, who truly can these days anyway. I had thought they would since they have some mighty pricey customized and high-tech instruments, but they reminded me of the Dave Matthew's Band. On the Run had their saxophonist, Justin Keirans, and a local keyboardist play with them during over half of the show. The ingredients of On the Run include a dash of rock, reggae, blues and funk.
I concluded where the band played, Martyr's Restaurant and Pub, was pretty cool since they have two bars, and a mural of dead music legends (Bob Marley, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix.) Their walls also featured individual posters of The Tragically Hip, Iggy Pop and the band, Government Mule. Martyr's had delicious food, too, allowing for drinking more alcohol and having extra dancing fuel.
Oh, and I can't go without mentioning the band who performed before On the Run (Surrender Dorothy) whose Lead Singer swirled up a stellar vocal performance and their electric guitar player was thrilling to watch, jumping high time after time.
Every single member of the band, consisting of "Guitarist/Singer Chris Barker, Joe Barker on Electric guitar, Bill Bush on Guitar, Josh Clark on Bass Guitar and last but not least Brian Kutanovski on drums" gave a wicked pure rock-in-roll performance (www.myspace.com/surrenderdorothyorelse 2010.)
Chris Barker later sang with On the Run, covering the Marshall Tucker Band's song, "Can't You See," having me to firmly believe the guy can really sing!
Hopefully, if On the Run makes it big, they'll remember their poop still stinks. "On The Run competed in the Emergenza Chicago Finals this past June 21, 2009 and did take home first place (www.ontherunmusic.com 2010.") Besides, I can easily see Lead Vocalist and Guitarist, Tyler Imbrey, and Bass player, Mike Romanzow being each a Rock Star because of their magical instrumentals, stage presence and friendly way (before they took the stage) with patrons of the bar. Plus, On the Run's new ep, "Stage Lights," reveals the band's goal to be in California and has indeed the potential to go that far.
By Tracy Walsh
Sources:
www.myspace.com/surrenderdorothyorelse
www.ontherunmusic.com
