ZapTown

[Review Written By Danielle Look]

Losanti at The Melody Inn
August 19, 2009

Torrential rain and phenomenal wind prove time and time again to serve as no deterrent for the live music enthusiasts of Indianapolis. The Melody Inn, unsuspectingly thriving just north of the 38^th and Illinois intersection, was their destination on this stormy August Wednesday. The Cincinnati talent known as Losanti was the affair that persuaded them to leave the comfort and protection of their home and come out to support original touring musical acts.

Cincinnati’s gamut of accomplished bands runs as wide as the river it sits upon, boasting everything from funk pioneer Bootsy Collins to world renowned guitarist and talk-boxer Peter Frampton (although born in England, he now resides in Cincinnati). This rich, eclectic musical background comes to light when up-and-coming bands like Losanti treat a crowd to their unique sounds. Obviously inspired by weed-smoking, rasta-tinged Sublime, this band put the “oouu” in groove, complete with repeated rap singing from lead vocalist Jack “J Rhyme” Novak. Surprisingly though, they never stayed there long, frequently upping the tempo and channeling something harder, often in the same song. Spacey guitar solos leading into intense moments of punk-like rock parallel the works of Chicago jam banders Umphreys McGee.

The boys covered Jimi Hendrix with a rendition of “Fire”, allowing guitarist Colin Finch to prove his talent. But even when they returned to their own distinctive style, Finch continued to keep the delicate balance between straightforwardly heavy rock and mellower, reggae-esque tunes. The closing song for the set brought bassist Justin Segbers, and his right thumb, into the spotlight. As he stepped forward, utilizing the slap bass technique with conviction, Segbers and Losanti performed the funkiest song of the evening before saying good-bye to Indiana.

The only disappointment of the night was the length of the show, clocking in at just over a half hour. The audience would have easily been happy to listen for 30 more.

The Melody Inn has built a reputation for good taste in music. Whether it be their award winning jukebox or the fabulous assortment of original and independent artists they book, you can always count on outstanding entertainment at this venue… and Losanti was certainly no exception.

(All Photos by Gary Mead)