Of the many pleasures an event like the Fringe Festival
provides, probably the greatest is the ability to occasionally discover hidden
gems amongst the line-up. Those times when your decision to take a chance and
check out a performance you might not otherwise have given a second look pays
off big time. For me, it happened when I decided to attend a performance by
folk rock band “The Lonely Ones.” I’m not entirely sure what led me to the decision; it may have simply been the
fact that in an episode of the TV series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a society
of vampire groupies romanticize the monsters by referring to them as “The
Lonely Ones,” and the name has always stuck with me (sadly, this is not the
actual origin of the band’s name). But whatever the reason, I’m glad I added
the group to my list of shows to check out.
The second-floor performance space at Writers & Books
was transformed since I’d been there the previous day for the “Not Wallace
Stevens” poetry reading. Simple changes like the curtains being drawn and the
addition of some stage lighting gave the room a much more intimate feel. Add in
an audience of only about 15 or so, and even lead singer Levi Gangi remarked that it was a nice change of pace from the
rowdier venues in which the band is used to playing. The space felt just right
for the group’s songs, with their emphasis on strong lyrics and tight
harmonies.
In addition to Gangi, “The Lonely
Ones” is rounded out by singer Samantha Thomas and John Muoio,
on upright bass and guitar. In addition to vocals, Gangi
alternated between guitar and piano throughout the show. The band played an
hour-long acoustic set that included mostly original music, with a few covers
sprinkled in.
Things started off with toe-tapping originals “Abilene” and
“Smile” before moving on to the piano-driven melodies of “Although I’ve Never
Been to Paris,” with Muoio’s deep, rumbling bass
providing a nice contrast throughout. The fact that “Falling Slowly,” from the
“Once” soundtrack, slipped easily into the setlist
should tell you everything you need to know about the group’s vibe. U2’s “Where
the Streets Have No Name” as well as Smokey Robinson’s “You Really Got a Hold On Me” were also gracefully tailored into the line-up,
before closing with another catchy original, “All I Can Do.”
If I had one complaint, it was that band felt much looser
with Gangi on guitar compared to when he was on
piano. But for the most, the show was pretty flawless, and the music provided
the perfect soundtrack to a chilly fall afternoon. That hour completely flew
by.
The Lonely Ones have another Fringe performance scheduled
for next weekend, which will include a percussionist, and the band promise it
will be a more rockin’ show. If there’s any justice
in the world, there will be a line out the door to get in. I know I’ll be
there.
(The Lonely Ones will
play again Saturday 9/28 6 p.m. at Writers & Books. Tickets cost $8.)
This article appears in Sep 18-24, 2013.
