Once and awhile a great band comes along.  It isn’t just in the music or lyrics, but in the whole package.  From the recordings to the stage, each part of the band’s lifeline is magnificently executed.  As a music fan, as you get older, it gets harder and harder to find those bands that “click” when you hear their album, let alone one song.  Durand Jones & The Indications were a “click” band which means a lot for being at the age 31 and finding good new music gets tougher and tougher.  Their latest effort American Love Call, which at the time of the show was only out for a month, became a staple on the turntable and on the car speakers.  Now throw in the mix that Durand Jones & The Indications put on one of the best shows I’ve seen in awhile, I can say 100% they are a great band.

For their first tour of 2019, Durand Jones & The Indications brought out Illinois shoegazey pop band Divino Nino.  Divino Nino has a unique sound that some may compare to 60’s psychedelic music, but the pop sensibilities are strong in their music.  The 5 piece played a dance-able 45 minute set, that the crowd seemed to embrace and enjoy.  The band has plenty of releases out since 2014, but the crowd was treated to some new songs which will be featured on their new LP Foam, coming out on June 21.  If you enjoy bands like The Zombies, Divino Nino is a new band worth checking out.

https://www.divinoninoband.com/

When Duran Jones & The Indications took the stage in the basement of First Unitarian Church, the energy in the air was like no other.  Everyone moved forward and smiles were seen from face to face all the way to the back of the venue.  You could feel the positivity in the room and everyone’s problems going away for the next hour.  Opening with “Make A Change” singer Durand Jones meant business, for his vocals were powerful yet soothing.  The next six songs took the crowd through their latest album American Love Call with each one being slow and steady while building the crowd up to what was to come.  Drummer Aaron Frazer would then shine on “Groovy Babe” with his hard hitting drumming while Durand Jones would deliver an exceptional performance with his amazing vocal work.  The highlight came when they played their newest song “Long Way Home”, which is a personal favorite, and “Can’t Keep My Cool” which Durand Jones gave a breathtaking performance on his knees.  The band closed with a crowd favorite “Smile” only to come back and do a two song encore to the sold out Philadelphia crowd.  They closed with two songs with the last one being The Beatles’ cover of “Don’t Let Me Down” in which I think the fab four would’ve endorsed 100%, well, Ringo and Paul would’ve.  Durand Jones & The Indications seem like they are ready to pop, with this latest album, I don’t see why this won’t be on everyone’s list of top 3 albums of 2019.  Hopefully this album cycle will have them going everywhere around the world, and hopefully we will be seeing Durand Jones & The Indications more than once this year.

Splash Black