Charlotte-based State Of Art guitar-driven four-man combo is not new to the Charlotte music scene, and their 9 PM show was the reaffirmation that State Of Art continues to capture whenever and where ever they play, whether the stage is in New York or at a local sports bar.
The Visulite Theatre has continued to be a comforting host for many acclaimed entertainers. The room's perfect ambience and acoustics make The Visulite a favorite for local entertainers, live performers in all genres, and touring bands from across the nation.
This was Smith & Company's first show at Elizabeth Street's acclaimed concert venue that holds approximately 500, and State Of opened the night with 100 plus devoted fans in attendance.
State of The Arc
State Of Art's first performance at Visulite–wielding a jam-tasty, spontaneous, fresh repertoire–carried the crowd of dedicated listeners and the uninitiated to a rejuvenated, playful blues-based state of sound.
State Of (Julian Boucherle, Harry Kollm, Mike Smith, Brent Wallace) and their humble, witty consonance–most notable in their music but also in their stage presence–projects genuine drive and ardor that defines this successful act in the spotlight under the radar.
The showmanship and musical repartee between this young brotherhood of collected talent is nothing short of professional, yet their aptness for inventive song structure and unique composition by virtue of letting the music play them delivers a rock-steady jolt of pure excitement and recreation.
Reverberation of positive lyrical inflection and addicting hooks–sans superficial gist and swagger–seem to be a collected refrain that liberates or describes the arc of State's performances in the past.
Friday's show was consistent and characteristic of a group at the top of their intuitive prowess and musical confidence.
State Of Art Will Not Abate
State Of Art's apparent influence, ambitious talent and following continue to evolve because when they take the stage–their musicianship is not abated by the obvious distractions and detours that tend to hold musicians and entertainers back from making music in the now.
They let their creativity grow on stage for all to witness.
Their sound is sharp and cohesive, yet they are unafraid to take risks and push the envelope to a level of musicology by testing each other's instrumental boundaries. There is a feat all bands have to overcome when making music and playing live–sharing unbridled sometimes unpolished compositions with risk of audience indifference or fans expecting a certain song, sound, or set.
State Of Art Set List–May 7, 2010
- Hello
- In Memory Of You
- Rolling By
- Dig Deep
- Drive
- Identity
- Outlaw
Exquisite State
Friday marked their first appearance at one of Charlotte's preferred venues for local and national bands and music fans.
One might easily assume State Of Art has been owning the theatre's landmark stage long before the historic Elizabeth district and the CPCC neighborhood was refurbished and conjoined with Charlotte's growing uptown hustle and bustle.
Nevertheless, it was obvious this local quartet and their enthusiastic fan base reveled in The Visulite Theatre's inviting vibe, launched by a night of fresh, jam-filled verve State of Art delivers regularly but especially in superlative venues like the landmark Visulite.
Wesley Cutlip - A full time musician and freelance listener that admires freelance writers. I am a graduate of UNCC with a BA in English and Philosophy.
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