Comments on: The Villains of Verona, The Alarmists & White Light Riot at Fine Line Music Café 06/23/2007

By: Chris DeLine

Chris DeLine — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:20:54 +0000

“All in all, this label created a lot of hype over their band, and I’m sure they will do the same for all the future bands they sign as well.”

I couldn’t agree more, but I’m not necessarily certain it’s warranted. Thanks for the feedback Sarah,

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 18:35:06 +0000

In fact, the label has been focusing on a national release, which is set for Aug. 21st. It also has been doing quite a bit for getting the band out there, nationally, in all kinds of markets. All in all, this label created a lot of hype over their band, and I’m sure they will do the same for all the future bands they sign as well. And while it might seem silly, in the end, I feel like the bigger deal you create out of something or someone, the more likely people will take notice, which in this case, is the whole point.

By: Chris DeLine

Chris DeLine — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 00:15:27 +0000

I appreciate the feedback Kevin. Maybe I can explain myself - from what heard the music did little to suggest that it was worth the fanfare it was given and unless you look at it from a local perspective there’s not a lot makes it stand out on a national level…that’s why I was a bit overwhelmed by the spectacle. Not to say that the band won’t be a success (and I doubt you’ll actually read or hear anything negative about them in the city pages, vita.mn or the local newspapers & radio) but the necessity to differentiate in the today’s digital market is greater than ever, and I see that as a definite problem here.

All the same many of my friends really enjoy the band, as do a ton of other people here in the city - and more power to them. Nice set of guys in the band, but I just don’t feel the music. As far as my statement about it being a bloated corporate gig…there’s a possibility that the label should be putting more attention into branding the band & preparing it for national exposure than…say…superfluous ice sculptures…

By: Kevin McCaskey

Kevin McCaskey — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 23:41:17 +0000

It’s unfortunate that your article had little to do with the actual music and WLR’s performance, but rather a lot to do with who was in attendance.

Should a CD release party not have hype, or music industry execs? For a band to break out of a place like Minneapolis, and for their music to be heard by the masses, concerts like these should have a wide mix of people, all coming to see the music.

“A bloated corporate gig” surely explains the venue’s capacity was exceeded, with people turned away at the door. Did you research where the band came from, and how they finally were signed onto a brand new music label? Evidently you didn’t. Your review was fun to read, however it was a shame you were more concerned with who was there rather than how many were there, and how it was a spectacular performance. Maybe your article is better suited for US Weekly…

By: Chris DeLine

Chris DeLine — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 20:05:22 +0000

In this case I encourage you to feel free to correct me my friend, was the show not a bloated corporate gig crassly disguised as a celebration of indie rock? Why do you feel the band’s music is valid? I’m far from a journalist, really just someone with a website and a curiosity; in this situation that curiosity has lead me to question why White Light Riot is often referred to as the best band in Minneapolis. It’s fantastic that we have a forum available to discuss our thoughts and without hurling insults (Fall Out Boy is the best you could come up with, really?) I’d like to know what about the band you love.

By: Easy Andy

Easy Andy — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 18:16:15 +0000

You couldn’t write your way out of a wet paper bag, friend. An Entourage reference? Come on. Did you run out of Wedding Crashers quotes or Fall Out Boy lyrics? Why don’t you stick to what you know: bad music and worse music journalism.