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 Although the approximate age of the typical Sister Hazel fan appeared older than, say, the average attendee at the Vans Warped tour, the audience seemed relatively young to me. In fact, the only guy I saw in the place who appeared to be over 40 was the "real Kramer" who was standing to my right in the VIP section. As would happen in these concert situations, the lights dimmed and the band took the stage. Although my wait had been relatively brief, I somehow managed to run out of beer just as Sister Hazel launched into their opening number, "Give In." Though a little heavy on the bottom end and a little light on frontman Ken Block's vocals, the band sounded good, crisp, lively and oh, so melodic.
With the exception of Newell – who was clad in tight leather pants and patent leather shoes – the band sports a look that brings to mind a bunch of guys on the way to the Laundromat. Very down-to-earth, indeed. I should say that Sister Hazel may not be pretty but they do play a set of top-notch tunes, and they do it very well. As the band launched into song #4 of the evening, "Beautiful Thing," I continued my exercise in crowd-watching. Definitely, no moshing. Very polite, this group was. I turned to my right. The real Kramer looked relaxed, calmly bobbing his head up and down to the music. I decided to risk my coveted place at the balcony railing and grab myself another beer. When I returned, miraculously, my spot was still available. Very polite, indeed.... Around midway through the set, Sister Hazel launched into an extended jam that included a drum solo and some vocals-in-unison-with lead riffing from Newell that couldn't help but bring jazzman George Benson to mind. At this point, the energy in the place became decidedly vibrant. Although Newell's leads, once again, were impressive, as were the harmonies of Block and rhythm guitarist Andrew Copeland, it occurred to me that what the band lacks is a certain degree of balls and willful abandon. (But, hey, no one's perfect.) What the band exudes in no uncertain terms, is perkiness, professionalism and a decidedly good attitude. (Like I said, no one's perfect.) One thing is pretty much a given: these five guys from Gainesville, Florida will probably be present and accounted for on our airwaves for some time to come. And a sold-out crowd at Irving Plaza says far worse things could happen to many a rock fan today. August 2000
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