I gotta a fever . . . The only prescription is more cowbell
September 3, 2003
The fans screamed… “We want more cowbell!”
On Sunday night, Where’s Jimmy K At?, Millimeters Mercury and Troubled Hubble packed The House, 263 E. Lincoln Highway, with screaming, adoring fans.
Where’s Jimmy K At? opened with an enthusiastic rendition of Nelly’s “Ride Wit’ Me” that soon had the audience on their feet. They played a ten-song set that never lacked energy from beginning to end. WJKA? referenced several pop culture icons including Alex Trebek and John Stamos. They were the perfect balance of entertainment and amusement. For that, the audience loved them. No one could get enough of Michelle Apostol’s cow bell.
Following WJKA?, Millimeters Mercury took the stage. Although they seemed overshadowed and under appreciated, Mercury played an amazing set that exemplified their musical talent.
Millimeters Mercury consists of guitarists Travis Carter and Robert Voyer, drummer Chris Vlasses and bassist Gabe McElwain. Their polished stage presence proved that they are comfortable onstage and with each other. Millimeters Mercury is based out of Chicago; they play most of their shows in the Chicagoland area. Thus, coming to DeKalb was a real treat.
They cite Dismemberment Plan, Death Cab for Cutie, No Knife, Faraquet and David Bowie as inspirations. Although a lackluster sound system degraded the quality of the performance, Millimeters Mercury were impressive.
Taking the stage for the grand finale was Troubled Hubble, an upbeat alternative indie rock band. A rabid audience enjoyed their sound, and many even danced. Troubled Hubble seemed to be very comfortable onstage and very appreciative of the audience.
“Nancy” and “I Love My Canoe” were definite high points of the show.
Due to unfortunate technical difficulties, the band was conversational and made some amusing Steve Martin jokes. They also invited an audience member onstage to crack several jokes about a blind deer. (“What do you call a deer with no eyes? No idear.”)
Troubled Hubble finished with a wonderful rendition of “Walking on Sunshine.”
It was a high-energy show that left the audience begging for more John Stamos references, polished stage presence and dancing.