Concert Review/Photos: The Fauntleroys @ North Star Bar
Please note: This article is published as an archive copy from Philadelphia City Paper. My City Paper is not affiliated with Philadelphia City Paper. Philadelphia City Paper was an alternative weekly newspaper in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The last edition was published on October 8, 2015.
This show was packed with punk royalty (and you missed it).
[ 10/10 ] Last Friday the North Star Bar was home to the explosive all-star line-up of The Fauntleroys. With a pedigree of punk, R&B and folk, the quartet of Alejandro Escovedo, Ivan Julian, Nicholas Tremulis and Linda Pitmon proved to be a phenomenal rock and roll elixir.
Playing behind their just released EP Below the Pink Pony they were masters at switching lead vocals and mixing and matching rhythms and harmonies. With Escovedo handling bass, Julian and Tremulis picked up guitar duties. Julian, originally of the 1970s punk band Richard Hell and The Voidoids, had a healthy chunk of the stage to himself most of the night so he could draw out the inner fire of his axe. Tremulis brought his mixed bag of rhythm, blues, soul and rock to the table with emotive rock vocals and stirring guitar work. Escovedo was as commanding as ever with his spirited voice and Pitmon delivered her drumming and vocals with her signature panache. All four of them were having a blast on stage, engaging in fertile banter and ready and willing to jam with each other at any moment.
And even though they have only six tracks released, The Fauntleroys pounded out nearly 20 on stage. Some are newer creations; others were raucous covers. The Incredible String Band’s “Chinese White” stood up right next to Escovedo’s 1970s punk band The Nuns’ “The Beat” and Lou Reed’s “Waves of Fear.” Certainly the crowning moment was the show closer — Iggy Pop’s “I Wanna Be Your Dog.” With Escovedo on lead vocals, The Fauntleroys showcased their explosiveness.
It was a little disheartening to see only 30 or so Philly rock fans show up. But punk perseveres. The Fauntleroys will play their hearts out for whomever is willing to eat them up.
Philly-based Jeff Thomas’ All-Volunteer Army were a rousing opening band. With Thomas mainly on keys (allowing for an oddly satisfying moment of playing the theme to Hill Street Blues) and lead vocals, he led his four bandmates through uplifting rock. Certainly enjoying each other’s company and the music they were playing. Pure fun.
