The emphasis was on fun tonight as the Karmadons took the stage at Tidballs. For those hearty enough to brave this cold February night, and also to get there early enough (the Karmadons were the opening act) the payoff was worth it; hot, energetic, make-you-want-to-move rock with a sometime punkish kick.

This is a band that gives you just enough for a rollicking good time. There are nice, prominent vocals by singer/rhythm guitarist Micah James (whose vocal style, I thought, was often a cross between Ray Davies and Anthony Kiedis). There’s a bit of harmony here and there by lead guitarist Billy Swayze and bassist Chris Placco. Then you have some jumping, power chord-driven guitar (with just enough lead to make it melodic and interesting) by Swayze. Throw in a basic, solid, but sometimes flashy rhythm section of Placco and drummer Jeremy Pryor. Pryor has what looks to be a minimalist drum set (he had the smallest bass drum I’ve seen in a long time) and a minimalist style to go with it. Nothing fancy here, but the beat is strong and steady and he has a definite flair with the cymbals.

The songs are all originals, but you can hear a fusion of familiar influences in them while still realizing the music has a definite freshness to it. And that’s not usually an easy thing to accomplish. Other styles that could be picked from the mix while I was taking it all in included rockabilly, funk, blues, classic rock, and the aforementioned punk. While these are all classic sounds, James’ soulful vocals, Swayze’s relentless energy, Placco’s perky string bending/plucking, and Pryor’s enthusiasm make it all very hip and sort of progressive. This show had a steady build-up that, approaching the end of the set, had me out of writer/photographer mode and into a spurt of head-boppin’ and foot tapping. Like I said earlier, it was lots of fun.

For info on the band, and to hear some of their music, check out www.myspace.com/karmadons. And be on the lookout, later this year, for their debut album. It should be a good listen and a great party starter.

The Karmadons played at Tidballs in Bowling Green, KY on 2/12/2010.

 Pennman’s Picks (Upcoming Shows)

Local (Bowling Green)

• Every Sunday @ 6 – KY Blues Jam – Wha Bah’s
• 2/19 – 00 the Rabbit – Tidballs
• 2/20 – Felonious Funk – Micki’s on Main, Poison Karma (Acoustic) – Woody’s Pub
• 2/26 – Nine Horse Johnson – Shelley’s Place, Tyrone Dunn (UnPlugged) – Micki’s on Main
• 2/27 – Jonell Moser – Greener Groundz, Canago – Café Vioni, Poison Karma (Acoustic) – Woody’s Pub
• 3/26 – Karmadons – Tidball’s
• 4/1 – Thee Japanese Schoolgirls – Tidballs

Road Trips (Nashville)

• Sommet Center – Winter Jam – 2/21**, Clapton/Daltrey – 2/27, Muse – 3/15, Bon Jovi/Dashboard Confessional – 4/21, Jimmy Buffet – 5/1, James Taylor/Carole King – 5/22, Daughtry – 5/30.
• Wildhorse Saloon –George Thorogood – 3/17*, Bret Michaels – 4/2
• TPAC – Michael Jackson Laser Spectacular – 3/12, 7 PM, Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular – 3/12, 9 PM, Moody Blues – 3/18
• Ryman Auditorium – Keb’ Mo’ – 2/19*, Trey Anastasio – 2/25, Gordon Lightfoot – 3/6, Foreigner – 3/16, John Prine – 3/26, Tegan & Sara – 3/31, Aretha Franklin – 4/25,
• Goo Goo Dolls – 5/2

 *Recession Buster – Tix available under $25  ** Free ($10 donation at door suggested)    

About the author: Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman’s work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman