100 Monkeys Reviews
I finished writing the “official” review today, will write the full detailed fan review tomorrow. Got hit by a bloody bus today and I’m getting too stiff and sore to type anymore.
100 Monkeys say farewell to Vancouver
We’ve been spoiled here in Vancouver these past two months. 100 Monkeys, consisting of Jackson Rathbone, Ben Graupner, Jerad Anderson (sporting a brand new mohawk), Ben Johnson, and Uncle Larry, played a farewell show for Vancouver on Oct 25th, their 4th show here in the past 2 months. And what a farewell it was!
Held at the Venue, a newly revamped nightclub, energy and anticipation were high. Local band Bleeding Hearts Express started the evening, playing a rousing set that mixed rock,blues, and big band. And then, finally, it was MONKEY TIME!
The band bounded onto the stage as the LED screen behind them flashed 100 Monkeys, and the crowd went wild, cheers turning into laughter as Uncle Larry was escorted onto stage in a full length mink coat by 2 scantily clad women. The boys took their places and started off with a resounding rendition of “Orson Brawl”. One of the unique things about 100 Monkeys is that each member takes turns on every instrument, switching it up on every song.
Ben Graupner, definitely the most animated and high energy member of the band, employed hilarious theatrics during “Wings on Fire”, screaming “We’re going DOWN!” as he swooped like a plane across the stage, crashing to the floor at the end. Another highlight was “Monkey Soup”, a song by dear friend Spencer Bell, who unfortunately passed away from adrenal cancer. “Keep Awake”, a new favorite debuted at their show at Neptoon Records, had the crowd waving their arms and singing along to the hilarious lyrics.
Another unique feature the band does is an improv song based on a word picked from the screaming crowd. This show’s song was “Campbell’s Soup’. Jackson, always fast on his feet, sang a 2 minute improv, playing to the crowd with a cheeky smile and some smooth moves as Ben G and Jerad rocked the bass and guitar. As the band exited the stage after playing “Ugly Girl”, the crowd began chanting “MONKEYS! MONKEYS!”. They kept us waiting a good 2 minutes until Ben G leapt wildly back onto the stage with a huge smile. Jackson said “We forgot to tell you guys something. And thats THANK YOU!”. The “Thank You” song commenced, Jackson pointing at each section of the crowd in turn, at the end asking us to turn to the people around us and say “Thank you”.
They waved and left the stage (Thank you Jerad for running back to get the set list for me!), and the crowd prepared for the signing to follow. The line snaked it’s way 3 deep all around the club, everyone eager to say Hello and get an autograph. The boy’s are the most gracious musicians I’ve had the pleasure to meet. They each took the time for a short chat and hugs were definitely not in short supply.
All in all, in my opinion this was the best show of the 4 played in Vancouver. (They were ALL amazing though!). The band was bursting with an electric energy, holding the crowd in the palms of their hands. I have never seen a band so in tune with each other and the audience, and it’s wonderful to see a band in it for the love of music, you can see and sense the pure enjoyment they get from it. They also announced they had just finished their new album, and will be embarking on a 100 Cities tour soon throughout the U.S.
Gracious, playful, funny, down to earth, and immensely talented, this completely unique band will surely go far. Vancouver thanks you.
Written by: Shanti Kalidasa Photos: Michelle Alleyne McAuley
