Photo by: Deidre Helton
The audience moved in sync with the baseline, tithe heartbeat of the music, and the hidden treasure of Black Gold.
An alternative rock band from Brooklyn, Black Gold exudes a combination of energy, catchy keyboard melodies and off-the-cuff lyrics to create irresistible tracks the crowd couldn’t help but dance to at the show at the Marquis on March 29.
Despite being the opening act for Sherwood, Black Gold stole the show, hyping up the crowd with the energy and passion contained in every fluid song. Every musician on stage was enjoying himself, and consequently so did the fans. Simply put, the intensity was contagious.
With smooth guitar riffs, foot stomping, keyboard slamming and an impressive vocal range, Black Gold into a specific genre becomes a difficult task, even in the band’s own eyes.
“We’re neo-nazi, communist, republican, Christian, right-wing stoners,” said Eric Ronick, the vocalist and keyboardist, with a sigh.
Black Gold was founded in 2006 when Ronick and Than Luu, the drummer, met and began collaborating to write and record music almost immediately. Since then they were joined by Kerry Wayne-James on bass and Alistair Paxton on guitar and backing vocals. Their debut album, Rush, was released in February 2009.
Their persisent attitude is what inspires the band and, according to Luu, every band member fell in love with Colorado during their visit. They especially love Red Rocks Amiptheater where the beauty and ambiance of the theater inspire impromptu jamming, while being able to receive feedback from other visitors.
This same interaction carries over to the audience as the band performs. The stage presence of all four men exemplifies what it means to be a good musician. Last week, just as Paxton swung off his guitar to pick up a set of drumsticks and join Luu on a snare drum, Ronick moved back and forth from the keyboard while singing into the microphone, and Wayne-James swayed to the beat, stomping his feet in rhythm. Their enjoyment for the music they were making was apparent.
