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| The Electrolytes | |
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I wanted to have a cover band that played the best soul songs with a female vocalist and two backing vocalists. I dreamt of costumes and 60's girl group choreography. The dream came true thanks to the patience and brilliance of Pat Wallace. The Electrolytes played our first gig in 2001. The reaction was astounding. We got standing ovations and tons of press. Our set list was eclectic and well-received. It included songs by The Staple Singers, Sugar Pie DeSanto, Prince, Chaka Khan, Jimmy Cliff, The Dramatics, Crystal Waters and more. The Electrolytes is really magical. We joyfully spread a message of diversity and people power with music and showmanship. |
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The Electrolytes, featuring a girl-group vocal front lineup is the perfect
house band, in spirit and style. It's their policy to play only bummer-free
songs, and they have a great ear for oldies people love to hear. They
do Motown moves, change gowns between sets, and have enough energy at
the end of three sets to respond to the clamor for an encore with an extended
cover of "Venus'' — the Bananarama version. |
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The first goal is to have the band as tight and grooving and impenetrable
as possible. The next goal is to have a bitchin' show complete with fabulous
outfits, choreography and have the drum kit rise off the stage and fly
over the audience. The ultimate goal is to have anyone in the audience
who has experienced us absorb our love of music and glow for many days
afterward and to expose some original songs that have been sampled and
taken over by the present day pop machine - sort of educate as well as
entertain. Don't want to sound arrogant, but there are no similar bands.
Not to this. Our set list is really diverse. From the Staple Singers to
Romeo Void… Blu Cantrell to The Ronettes. We just want to play songs
we love with people we love, make a little dough, and wear lots of jewelry
and shit. |
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To delve deeper into the notion of tribute bands and how they fit within the greater artistic continuity, I contacted The Electrolytes. They are an especially talented dance band, performing faithful covers of - well, whatever feels good. They have a three-woman frontline and "A rockin' band behind them," as Pat Wallace, their guitar player and occasional vocalist asserts. Pat is talented and kindly, and is involved in a number of musical projects in the Boston area, including Robin Lane and the Chartbusters. Even in the cramped bathroom, as I helped them with their various mesh costume pieces, they radiated more charm and exotic grace than I have on the best of days. I realized, more than anything else, it's their presence that elevates the band away from being any old cover band.— Subterraboston |
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Then come the Electrolytes, Boston's new cover band sensation guaranteed
to put anybody in a good mood. The seven-piece act plays Top 40 hits from
the '60s through the '90s, and features a classic girl-group trio in clingy
sequined cocktail dresses up front. They're all gorgeous. The Electrolytes play only songs that are downer-free, good-vibe favorites.
"Ooh Child,'' "What You See Is What You Get,'' "River Deep,
Mountain High'' - they don't back down from a challenge. (Bassist Melissa
Wells says they're going to add Madonna's "Ray of Light'' to the
repertoire). DJ and pop historian Brother Cleve, happily surprised by
one cover after another, announces flat-out that this might be his "new
favorite band.'' In a few different conversations around the room, people
keep saying the same thing: Down with emo, more of this. |
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©2005 Melissa Wells
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