TERTAINMENT
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By David Shackelford
THE BATTALION
For many bands, the aftermath of a hit single results in down
ime-and lots of it.
After the huge success of its signature tune “Leaving town ”
Itemative rock band Dexter Freebish has refused to become one of
he bands that have a hit single and then sinks without a trace,
timed with a set of songs that are harder than its previous efforts,
new album and a fresh new attitude, Dexter Freebish is playing
ild-out venues on a new tour, proving there is life beyond the shad-
iwof its hit single.
Its Texas leg of the tour will hit several spots around the state,
e band also made an appearance at Hurricane Harry’s
Vednesday night.
Singer and bassist Chris Lowe explained why the band’s live per-
ormances have been likened to the performances of rock legend
feil Diamond.
“We actually cover a Neil Diamond song, but basically, we go for
;ood time and get the crowd involved,” Lowe said. “Kyle is also a
:oodfrontman. We’ve always valued our fans and talked with them
ifier shows too.”
Though the band's sound has been associated with teenage
astes, Lowe said he sees people of virtually all ages at its shows.
“We write melodic songs that anyone can relate to,” Lowe said.
Senior accounting major Dass Cunningham saw Dexter Freebish
ithen it played at Shadow Canyon a few years ago.
“That was a good show,” Cunningham said. “I always liked
Leaving Town,’ but the other stuff they played was pretty good too.”
Named after the Dexter Freebish Electric Roller Ride, a now
efunct roller coaster in Houston, Texas, the band includes Lowe,
ead singer Kyle, guitarist Scott Romig and drummer Rob Schliz.
Kyle said the band has an optimistic agenda.
"We want to inspire people and give them hope,” Kyle said. “1
nt to affect people. I want to show that good people can come
ant on top.”
Lowe said the band members want to steer clear of a bad-boy
mage and be recognized for one thing - the band's music.
“We don’t want to be negative,” Lowe said. “We want to get
ressnot for cussing or showing Kyle’s boob. We’re all optimistic
loodguys, and that’s how we want to be recognized.”
Ironically, this “good guy” band used to make its rounds
tad Motley Crue’s old 1986 tour bus — a vehicle with some
aegative history.
1999, after several years of carving out a niche in Austin, the
bdapproached Music Corporation of America Records (MCA) for
ncefc
fOi
The Battalion
Page 5 • Thursday,
Free at last
Dexter Freebish tour in support of latest album, tries to dispel old image
Photo Courtesy of -DEXTER FREEBISH
Alternative rock band Dexter Freebish will perform in several Texas cities in support of
its latest effort, "Tripped Into Divine."
a record deal, but was rejected. After the decline from MCA, Dexter
Freebish entered what would become a huge radio hit, “Leaving
Town,” into the John Lennon Songwriting Contest. It beat 27,000 other
entries for Song of the Year, grabbing the attention of Capitol Records.
The band’s first album, “A Life of Saturdays,” and an extensive tour
followed in 2000.
In 2003, it struck a chord with the judges again at the John
Lennon Songwriting Contest, grabbing best song in the rock cate
gory for its new single, “Prozak.” This year the band independently
released its sophomore effort, “Tripped Into Divine.”
Lowe said the difference between “Tripped Into
Divine” and its debut is the experience the band has
gathered between the two efforts.
“Being on the road, you experience a lot,” Lowe
said. “Then 9-11 happened right after our tour
ended, so the lyrics are a little darker and deeper this
time around. You can hear that tone especially in
songs like ‘Ghosts’ and ‘Breathe.’”
The band’s post-punk, guitar-pop specialty
remains strong throughout “Tripped Into Divine.”
The many hooks are complemented by equally-
catchy keyboard lines. Clean vocal harmonies lead
the listener up and down tightly wound bass lines
and a triumphant chorus.
Though the album’s title may hint at a religious
motif, Lowe said the band’s lyrics don’t limit them
selves to faith and fate.
“We are all spiritual people, and that comes out
in the music; but we don’t think of ourselves as a
Christian rock band,” Lowe said.
In simple language, the songs carry themes of pas
sion, longing, loathing and paranoia. Lowe said its
driving single, “Prozak,” visits the hopeless desires of
a social outcast.
In addition to its heavy touring schedule in the
United States, Dexter Freebish has played in Italy,
Spain and recently, the Middle East.
“That (the Middle East performance) was the high
light of being in this band,” Lowe said. “We were
invited to play for Naval soldiers stationed there.”
The house that pop-rock built is haunted with one-
hit-wonders. The aftermath of a success such as
“Leaving Town” can cause some anxious tremors.
“That started to mess with our minds a little,”
Lowe said. “But we still think we have the best stuff
in front of us. We want to be headlining stadiums in
a few years.”
Aggies can catch more performances by Dexter Freebish on its lat
est Texas tour, which will include performances in Wichita Falls,
Amarillo and Lubbock.
Thursday, March 11th
4pm-6pm
Sterling Clubhouse
Come meet and greet members of
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