VOX - SEMISONIC

With a Crowd Full of

Screaming Young Ladies...

Pledging their undying love, Semisonic did an admirable job of showcasing their musical wares in December, 1998 at Hollywood’s Palace Theatre. Lead vocalist and guitarist Dan Wilson, along with bassist John Munson and drummer Jacob Slichter, touring in support of their latest release, Feeling Strangely Fine, worked at delivering a mix of textured melodies and danceable rock and roll. Wilson seemed somewhat taken by surprise at the frequent wedding proposals thrown his way by the females down front. He thanked the ladies a few times and proceeded to deliver a thrilling rendition of "Singing in My Sleep," the second single from the new record. Once they got into their music, Semisonic seem quite at home.

While Wilson provided the crowd with a running narrative throughout the show, the music proved to be what Semisonic does best. While they have enjoyed a great amount of radio airplay for "Closing Time," Semisonic showed that there was much more to their music than what the casual listener has heard in their car From the longing for a far-away loved one related in "Singing In My Sleep" to the truthfulness of their smash hit "Closing Time," to the carnal knowledge of "DND," the trio played a tight and effective set, while allowing the music to deliver it’s message. When John Munson took over vocal duties on "California," his stirring delivery of the song’s emotional depth had much of the crowd taking notice. It seemed that most of the crowd came away with more than they expected from the show.

While the Palace’s Saturday night club schedule doesn’t allow for much in the way of long nights, Semisonic left their guests feeling that, with more material and time under their belts, they have the ability to be a large-venue headliner and with the promise of things to come.