Dexter Freebish: Concert Review
Magic Bag, Ferndale, MI
April 22, 2004
By: Matt Boltz

When Dexter Freebish took the stage in support of the Pat McGee Band at the Magic Bag in Ferndale, MI on April 22, 2004, the crowd seemed somewhat curious and polite, though quiet and reserved. But by the time the Austin, TX-based quintet finished their eleven song set, they had earned the audience's approval. Although the show was not very close to being sold out, there was a large crowd for a weeknight show that started about half an hour early.

With two albums' worth of material from which to choose, Dexter Freebish had no problem filling their allotted set time, which went by quickly and seemed too short. Of the set's eleven songs, six were from the band's 2004 sophomore release Tripped Into Divine. Three were from the group's 2000 debut Life of Saturdays, one was an extended instrumental before the song No One Knows, and the set's closing song was an energetic cover of Sweet Caroline, to which the audience sang along enthusiastically.

Lead singer Kyle's voice was strong, accurate, and consistent throughout Dexter Freebish's set. Kyle was very into the music and wanted the crowd to have fun and be a part of the show too. During the song Prozak (Be Like Me), Kyle walked through the crowd and let several people sing part of the chorus. He also encouraged the audience to sing along when the band performed Leaving Town, their single from Life of Saturdays. Also during Leaving Town, drummer Rob Schilz, who is not known as a vocalist, missed a cue on the drums; because of the missed cue, Kyle made Schilz sing the chorus. Kyle's passion and enthusiasm throughout the set were matched by his band mates. Schilz, guitarists Scott Romig and Greg Combs, and bassist Chris Lowe played well and smiled a lot throughout the show. The instrumental prior to No One Knows sounded very good; it sounded as if Romig and Combs were almost able to get their guitars to talk.

Dexter Freebish fought through the challenges of playing in an opening slot on a weeknight in a city more than a thousand miles from home, supporting a very solid album that has unfortunately not received the promotion it deserves. The band made the best of the situation by taking the show seriously, playing well, having fun, and involving the audience. By the end of their set, Dexter Freebish had won over much of the audience and gained many new fans. With two excellent albums' worth of material to play, a great attitude, and a very polished live show, seeing Dexter Freebish will be a bargain regardless of where they're playing and who else is on the bill.

http://www.dexterfreebish.com