If you’ve never listened to local band Red This Ever, then you are missing out on what is probably one of the hottest synth-rock acts in the Baltimore music scene. On July 5th, these guys, along with the JV Myka Project, played the first show in a series that is being called the SëN Baltimore’s Live Music Summer set. JV Myka opened the show a little after 9pm at The Depot, and played a decent line up of songs. A few covers were thrown in along with some of their own music, and included was a divine rendition of The Clash song “Should I Stay Or Should I Go.” Most memorable, though, were the belly dancer duo—brought out to shake their hips for a single song’s duration, much to the enjoyment of any men (and some women) in the crowd.

The evening’s smorgasbord of 80’s-style music was continued with Red This Ever. Claiming a heavy influence in the new-wave/ synth-pop movement, their set is a powerful mix of body-shaking, danceable beats. Falling somewhere in between the more modern bands She Wants Revenge and Interpol, singer Roy Retrofit picks up an adorable quasi-British accent as he vocalizes. Although their recorded demos sound more fluid and polished, their live performance is what really takes them to the next level talent-wise. RTE seems like the kind of band that always manages to transcend the barrier between performer and audience, and The Depot was the perfect place for their commingling to happen. Maybe it is just the raw energy of being there, live, in front of friends and fans alike—Roy’s use of the song “Giveaway” to hand random things out to people in the crowd was a special touch, and the way that he held the hand of one of his groupies while serenading her and staring into her eyes would have caused any teenyboppers (had they been present) to open a cream factory. By the end of the evening, the floor stage was crowded with bodies, swaying back and forth to rocker chick Ada’s unstoppable bass lines, and head bobbing to Matt’s keyboard stylings. Tony on the drums and Brendan tearing up the guitar complete the five-top ensemble.

Bottom line: these guys rock. Their first full-length album Selfless is in the works, and their next show is on August 29th at Sonar for the E.Joseph and The Phantom Heart CD release party. If this venue was any indicator of the future of Red This Ever, they are definitely worth a watchful eye and an add on MySpace.

As far as JV Myka is concerned, they will be playing along with four other local groups at the Creative Alliance on Saturday, July 12th. The doors are at 7pm, and with the promise of an eclectic performance from all, it is not a show to miss!

To find redthisever: www.myspace.com/redthisever To find The JV Myka Project: www.myspace.com/jvmykamusic

Tags: Jessica Snow, Red this Ever, The Depot, The JV Myka Project