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The Frequency brought the Boston-based, alternative pop-rock band, Lansdowne, to the North Dining Room in the Union. Thursday night the band displayed great energy and performed a live show to the small – but cozy – crowd assembled in the dining room.
The show, scheduled for 8 p.m., did not get under way until about 8:30 p.m. Once the guitars were strapped on and the sound had been checked, the band started their set with a bang. Lansdowne, composed of vocalist Jon Ricci, lead guitarist Shaun Lichtenstein, rhythm guitarist Corey Descheneaux, bassist/vocalist Josh Magliori and drummer Glenn Mungo, were a lively group of young men.
Their sound was characterized by a great combination of both melodic and heavy guitar riffs, pounding drum beats and beautifully crooning vocals. Visually, they fit the part. Tight jeans and styled hair were sported by a couple of the members but in general, they were dressed casually, with an obvious rock star flare. From the first note, the lead guitarist, Lichtenstein and bassist Magliori were swinging the guitars back and forth like true performers. Fans of the Guitar Hero games would have been impressed by the myriad of power-stances, guitar swings and stage jumps exhibited by members of the band.
The typical amount of stage banter was necessary after the first song to get the band acquainted with their set-up. Lead vocalist Ricci was able to play to the crowd throughout the show, inducing a few chuckles and sharing insights on his song lyrics.
After busting out another couple tunes with the same pop-rock energy, they announced to the crowd that they were kicking off their nation-wide tour the next day. The band planned to get up bright and early to make a 15-hour trip to Virginia. With the tour approaching, Lansdowne was not afraid to try out some new material on the folks at the University of Maine.
As the band got more acquainted with the crowd, their sound settled into a certain groove. Their vibe was very reminiscent to other pop-rock and emo bands such as Fall Out Boy and Cartel. When asked, Ricci and Lichtenstein cited their influences as coming from a multitude of places. While some band members came to the band primarily playing heavier rock, others from a softer background.
As each song was played, the musical talent of the group became increasingly pronounced. Lead guitarist Lichtenstein busted out quite a few shredding solos and heavy riffs, a perfect addition to the melodic lines driving each tune. The drummer, Mungo, was as talented as he was enthusiastic. An extra suitcase was pulled on stage to prevent Mungo’s drums from slipping from the sheer ferocity with which he struck them. Mungo cited one of his musical idols as Travis Barker, saying, “It is a little bit cliche, but he is living the life I think all drummers aspire to.” Barker, former drummer of Blink-182, and current drummer for the band +44, has been featured on his own reality show on MTV about his now-ended marriage to model Shanna Moakler.
As the show wound to a close, the band finally got some well-deserved audience participation out of the crowd. The last song featured a catchy chorus of “whoahs” happily sung out by the entire crowd. Ricci commented that he personally admires the band U2 for their ability to put on a live show. While Ricci and the rest of Lansdowne did not rival the charisma or presence of Bono and U2, they certainly tried their best to please the students gathered there that night.
The band eagerly signed autographs on CD’s, T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts, while many crowd members stayed to give their praises to the band. With a long tour coming up, the band has admitted they will need to find plenty of ways to stay busy. Ricci said they “try their best to have a good time.” Dim-witted stunts – such as eating whole spoonfuls of cinnamon – dollar menu meals and days without showers will be facing the band for the next few weeks.
Lansdowne, who are not signed by any label, have their music available to download on smartpunk.com and iTunes. For more information and to listen to their music, visit www.myspace.com/lansdowne.
