Written 6/16/2010.

I couldn't find the exact date of this show. I just know it happened in late January. In true Uncle Lou's fashion this was a variety show of the best kind. Opening was Syd Zed, an honest English fellow whose no-bullshit, common sense attitude had made him a local favorite. He's backed by fellow collaborator Magdalena on electric piano, vocals and Johnny Wells (Future on Films in Space/Fantasie) on bass. His combination of psychedelic phaser/flanger heavy guitar playing over drum machine with spoken lyrics is his signature sound. He had a song that had "Jeffrey" in all the lyrics. I was always fond out that song, naturally. I wish I could remember how it went! He doesn't perform anymore, not that I've heard of in the past couple of years.

Most people had come to see Swirling Bees. I don't mean to sound harsh or anything but his music makes me want to bash my head into a wall. Just the idea of former hardcore guys doing country acoustic projects is a turn off for me. Swirling Bees makes me want to vomit. My guess it's one of the reactions he wants to get- well, he got it. Nevermind the irony of the "I Love Black People" sticker on his guitar case. That was actually funny in context. The music was full of insider jokes all his friends in attendance got. He did a Waylon Jennings cover and the whole time I was thinking.... man, if Waylon Jennings heard this version of his song he'd walk over to this guy and punch this guys lights out. Terrible terrible terrible. Oh... what's the point of having a distortion pedal on acoustic guitar?

You've probably heard of the bands Wavves and Times New Viking? They are bands that are get a lot of attention in the press for leading a movement of lo-fi scuzzy sounding indie rock. They even get records released on Fat Possum and Matador Records. But you probably haven't heard of Absolutely Not, who operate on a similar level but do it so much better than those bands.

Absolutely Not is the spazzed out lo-fi music project of Donnie Moore. His band only played a small number of shows in Central Florida from late 2006 to early 2007 before relocating to Chicago. Before moving, he recorded two albums worth of material (Dancing on Elizabeth Taylor and Products of Robot Relationships) that is just out-of-this-world amazing, but you be hard pressed finding it anywhere! He told us he recorded it late at night by himself in his apartment in his underwear. Haha. I totally believe him. The music is fast and fun, not making the mistake of being serious. He'll keep things razor sharp and unpredictable.

He just released an Extended EP in 2010 called 'It's Over' which is easier to get. The newer material is not as frantic but still pretty great. I find it hard to believe labels aren't fighting over each other to release his music.

Filling out his band in the early days were Courtney Rackley, from Courtneys, and Trisha Burrows. The three of them all switched between drums, guitar and keyboard depending the song; each showing off their individual skill on multiple instruments. They never garnered a following other than their close friends in Orlando. In their short-lived existence I put them in the running for most memorable bands to come out of the Sunshine State.

Moving to Chicago should get him much needed attention. When the trend ends a lot of these bands and their music won't hold up in the long run or need to be remembered- this won't be said of Absolutely Not.

Recommended: "Local Disappointment" on the Myspace player.

Pictures:

Syd Zed.

Syd Zed.

Swirling Bees. Just look at him!!!!!

Absolutely Not.

Absolutely Not. Courtney (keyboard) - Trisha (drums).

Absolutely Not.

Links:
Absolutely Not.
God Save Syd Zed.
Le Deux.
Swirling Bees.