The Life and Times makes rare St. Joseph appearance at The Rendezvous tonight
The Kansas City alternative rock trio The Life and Times use noise and melody like bricks and mortar to construct surprisingly large walls of sound.
But guitarist/vocalist Allen Eppley humbly suggests that it’s more a result of the toys than the players.
“It’s more effects pedals,” he says. “Just turn all the effects pedals on and just let them do their stuff.”
It’s not quite that simple.
The group is the brainchild of Eppley, former frontman of popular KC hard rock group Shiner. It also features Eric Abert on bass and Chris Metcalf on drums. Unlike Shiner, with its straightforward, aggressive and pummeling approach, this group experiments in music that Eppley calls “expansive, noisy and dynamic.”
The Life and Times’ music engulfs you with its size and forces you to absorb it. The layers of delay guitar, steady bass and drums that mix intricate fills and slow, woolly-mammoth stomp create hazy soundscapes, with Eppley’s effect-altered vocals blending right in with the scenery.
It’s a sound they’ve crafted since 2003 over the course of recording a full-length album “Suburban Hymns” and a trio of EPs. It’s also a sound they can duplicate live — with a bit of tinkering.
“He has a ton of effects going on vocally and on his guitar, and he runs them all on stage while playing,” says Chris Clark, who has shared the stage with The Life and Times as guitarist for Black Pool Lights. “I’ve always felt bad for whoever had to go on after them, because live, they’re incredible.”
Their sweeping sound is accompanied by a light show that’s surprisingly minimal. Three white tripod lights, one for each member — that’s it. No distractions or cool visuals to hide behind. Just three guys laying down some serious sonic terrain a listener should be happy to get lost in.
“It’s the weirdest thing, but it looks cool,” Clark says. “You’re forced to listen to it.”
Lifestyles reporter Blake Hannon
can be reached at blakehannon@npgco.com
This is The Life
What: The Life and Times with Hundred Years War
When: 10 p.m. tonight
Where: The Rendezvous, 619 Felix St.
Cost: $3
Info: To listen, go to www.myspace.com/thelife andtimes
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