As per holiday season operating procedure, popular local bands of yester-year are cropping back up in KC. Most simply hope just to bring the party, get a little loose and play for old friends and family. Others, like Blackpool Lights, are hoping to reignite the flame that burned out in 2008 when the band broke up. A band that drummer Billy Brimblecom (who left the band in 2007) called the "most disappointing project (he's) ever been involved with."
Sometime in 2008, BPL broke up for good. Present day, BPL is in its "24th incarnation" and has gone through about "38 members" since powerpop band began in 2004 -- at least, according to opening banter delivered by lead vocalist and guitarist, Jim Suptic.
Suptic's suggestion to Brimblecom to reunite BPL came alongside several songs he had written neither for himself or his other project, the Get Up Kids. The result was Okie Baroque, a six-song EP much in the vein of GUK. Interspersed with songs from This Town's Disaster -- BPL's most successful and memorable release - Suptic, Brimblecom, Greg LaFollette and Steve Wilson (three of the four members of opening band, The Class of '98) -- BPL, version 24.0 -- unleashed a tight, well-rehearsed set that, at times, exuded the slightest hints of desperation -- much like an overexcited kid, begging for his playmates to watch him hang from his knees on a monkey bar.
It wasn't so much the music; it was the vibe. Unfortunately, the show wasn't very well-attended and those who were there seemed more content watching the show from the back. Attempts at humor didn't go over well, like Brimblecom's Phil Collins' drum solos, and there seemed to be an aura of frankness coming from Suptic that the crowd didn't embrace.
It was however, a valient effort by the foursome, plugged heavily by Brimblecom via personalized press releases and interviews with The Pitch and Riverfront Times. After the show, I downloaded Okie Baroque for a second listen and it was more satisfying digitally. (Someone I talked to at the show thought BPL's songs sounded like "Get Up Kids songs that Matt Pryor said no to.")
The best song of the night was the last, "Ain't Nobody Gonna Stop Us Now," an inspiring anthem used by the Kansas City Wizards, now known as Sporting Kansas City. Unfortunately, as Wikipedia explains, it's "received by fans in a lukewarm response. The song has not drawn much identity to the club although it continues to be played at the stadium before matches." Ouch.
Perhaps the song might better suit a team in the J1 League.
Set List:
Empty Tank
Goodnight to Romance
This Town's Disaster
Desperate Times
Truth About Love
It's Never About What It's About
You Don't Need Me
When I'm Gone
Blue Skies
Crash Sounds
Cursed by Yourself
Still Waiting
Unlucky
Ain't Nobody
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