Laughter and Music at Remedy 611
Debut Show by Nice Enough Ent At Remedy 611
Disclaimer: This will be the first of many articles with a local band highlighted that you will see leading up to the ever exciting annual Four Winds Music and Art Festival. I chose to start with Disarmed for two reasons. First was the timing of their show so close to Four Winds official announcement and secondly because Zach Dresch is a local legend in my book. I met him at a comedy show about a decade ago after I first moved to Sioux Falls, and from day one he had a smile on his face and talked to me like I was a friend from the start. With that being said don’t forget to check out Four Winds this year. We have personally seen twenty of these artist and have worked with about a dozen of them in the last two years. Nice Enough Ent. has worked hard building this fest and giving locals great opportunities to grow as an artist and gain experience at different types and sizes of shows. So come support your local artists and the headliners coming in!
Friday night, the new Remedy 611 location hosted its debut show, promoted by the ever-enthusiastic Nice Enough Ent. I personally love supporting anything Remedy does, because when I worked at a bank years ago the ever talented Jason Davenport was on my team and helped train me and that guy is the real deal. Just a down to earth great dude! The new location is great. After hearing about the future plans from some of the staff and getting a sneak peak at the huge back room that wasn’t open yet, I can confidently say this is gonna be a great thing for Sioux Falls. The atmosphere was electric, with a diverse crowd. I got the unique perspective of seeing several different groups from the crowd stop to comment on my wife’s killer Dolls Kill Boots.
The first band to hit the stage was The Carcinogens. They kicked things off with a fun solo on their first song and even incorporated a harmonica into their second song. The sound quality was a bit lacking, but hey, it's a newer venue, and the first band always has to deal with the sound check while everyone is still moving in. Despite that, the bass sounds were clear, although everything else sounded slightly muted.
Next up was Red Light Drive, and boy, did they deliver. Right out the gate, their sound was clean and polished. They gave me major throwback vibes to my old favorites like Blink 182, Sum 41, and Nine Days. And here's a fun fact: the lead singer of Red Light Drive is actually the father of two members of Lilac Jam. Talk about a talented family!
Disarmed: A Decade of Melodic Hard Rock and Creative Fusion
After Red Light Drive, Disarmed took the stage and, as always, put on a great show. In the bustling world of rock music, where the clamor for uniqueness often drowns in a sea of generic sounds, Disarmed emerges as a beacon of originality and passion. Since their formation in late 2012, Disarmed has carved a niche for themselves, blending an array of influences into a cohesive, melodic hard rock experience that resonates with a diverse audience. The band, initially started by frontman Bobby Kooiman and drummer Zach Dresch as a songwriting experiment, soon realized the potential of their creations and expanded to include bassist Doug Hair by mid-2013. This marked the beginning of a journey that has spanned over a decade, cementing their place in the music world with a lineup that feels more like a family.
Disarmed's musical style is a testament to their eclectic influences, ranging from the metal riffs of Iron Maiden to the alternative rock melodies of Counting Crows, the punk energy of Green Day, and the dark romanticism of HIM. This broad spectrum of inspiration has allowed the band to cultivate a sound that is uniquely theirs—melodic yet powerful, with a focus on harmony and head-banging riffs alike. It's a blend that sets them apart in a genre that often leans towards either heavy instrumentation or melodic focus, but rarely both with such balance.
Memorable live performances have been a hallmark of Disarmed's journey, with a standout moment being their 2022 show at Four Winds, which attracted their largest crowd to date. Captured in a vibrant shot by Mike Kessel of Kessel Kreations, the energy of that night epitomized the band's live essence, showcasing their ability to connect with audiences on a profound level.
The collaborative nature of their songwriting process is a key element of Disarmed's success. Initially led by Kooiman's song ideas, the band has evolved to a more democratic approach where all members contribute, ensuring that each song is imbued with a piece of every member's essence. This approach not only enriches their music but also solidifies their bond as a band, allowing for a diverse yet unified sound.
Looking ahead, Disarmed is not slowing down. With new music on the horizon, including a single set to release by the next Four Winds, the band continues to evolve. Their ongoing partnership with producer Jeremy Schaeffer of All Poetic Audio promises to bring fresh material that retains the quintessential Disarmed sound while exploring new sonic landscapes.
Navigating the current music industry's challenges, Disarmed views the proliferation of digital platforms as both an opportunity and a hurdle. While streaming offers unprecedented access to music, the band acknowledges the difficulties in achieving fair compensation through these mediums. Nonetheless, they embrace the diverse avenues available for reaching audiences, from social media to live streaming, and remain optimistic about the future.
As Disarmed looks to the future, their aspirations remain grounded in passion and creativity. With a decade of experience behind them, the band is eager to push their boundaries and continue their musical journey. Their dedication to exploring themes of mental health, empowerment, and a wide spectrum of emotions in their music speaks to a commitment to not only entertain but also connect with listeners on a deeper level.
Through ups and downs, onstage mishaps, and memorable encounters (like being introduced by Wilbur the Coyote at Four Winds), Disarmed maintains a sense of humor and professionalism that endears them to fans and fellow musicians alike. As they embark on the next chapter of their career, Disarmed's legacy of melodic hard rock, enriched with a tapestry of influences and a collaborative spirit, stands as a beacon for aspiring bands and a gift to music lovers everywhere.
To finish off the show with a band next up was Lilac Jam, the headliner, they graced the stage and completely exceeded expectations. Their guitar riff brought back memories of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and it had a similarly pleasant vibe. This was my fourth time seeing Lilac Jam, and they just keep getting better and better. Sure, they had a couple of technical difficulties that caused a couple of pauses, but it only made the experience feel more authentic. These guys are out here with their own equipment, putting on a show without fancy crews and unlimited replacement items like those giant tours. They're definitely on my local watch list!
And let's not forget about the other musicians in the crowd. It was great to see artists like Gorilla Pimp, Seagull Hazard, Shock Value, and Grave Solace supporting the local scene, even though their bands weren't on stage that night. It just goes to show the camaraderie and support within the music community.
All in all, the debut show at Remedy 611 was a night to remember. From the stylish pink boots to the incredible performances, it was a night filled with laughter, music, and a whole lot of fun. Nice Enough Ent definitely knows how to throw a party, and I can't wait to see what they have in store for us next.
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