Centro-matic/Vintage Blue; June 8, 2014; The Frequency

Even though Centro-matic lead singer Will Johnson makes it to Madison every 12 to 18 months for an unplugged show in the basement, it's been years since the whole band made the trip.  Perhaps even dating back to the long-gone King Club for a show in 2006 or so.  I worried the Frequency would be too small for the crowd I was expecting, but it turns out Centro-matic had the opposite worry.  "We were afraid no one was going to come out and see us on a Sunday night!" Johnson smiled early on in the set.  And indeed it was a comfortable crowd at the Frequency tonight, and those are two words I don't usually use together when talking about the Frequency.  They were enthusiastic and ecstatic, obviously captivated by the fiery show.  Johnson was like a man possessed, alternately growling and crooning lyrics, while some of the best musicians in the business backed him.  So, yeah, he may have looked a little like a crazy Jesus, but it was Sunday after all, and we were all looking to get saved. 

A great end to a fantastic weekend of music.

Vintage Blue

Centro-Matic