Artist: White Heat

Artist: White Heat

Links: https://www.facebook.com/Whiteheattrio

https://soundcloud.com/white-heat-trio

At press time, the words “trio” and “Heat” are still being used to describe the NBA's defending champions. No doubt, after tonight's Game 5 with the Spurs, “trio” and “Heat” could instead evoke the White Heat trio opening Thursday's Elbo Room show (with Rook and the Ravens, the Lulabelles, and Paul Rush). The word “trio” is important in the context of White Heat. The band formerly billed as a duo.

It says nothing negative to me that a band would eschew the bass guitar, at least early on. A band's development can be slowed by internecine conflict, the potential for which increases exponentially with each additional band member. Whether or not that's been the case with White Heat, which was apparently formed from the ashes of another band (The Spoilers), remains to be seen. But if it means focusing on the song-writing function, or improving the instruments already accounted for, then the bass is better off being replaced by functional equivalents (like keyboards or drop-tuned guitars), or added at a later date.

After all, the White Stripes were already platinum before “Seven Nation Army” introduced song-critical bass. Rather, their early successes were premised on, depending on who you ask, nifty song-writing, crazed Robert Plant-like vocals, or childlike drumming. And though the Meg White contingent has been getting traction lately (see e.g. http://grantland.com/features/jack-white-meg-white-white-stripes-lazaretto/), this seems to be the easy way out for those seeking to trash Jack's most recent solo work. To my thinking, Meg could have taken a smoke break, and Jack still would've stole all over Dolly Parton's “Jolene” like a man possessed (http://youtu.be/ThtOpd8tHSk?t=37s).

In other words, great songs are great songs – low end be damned. [Enter White Heat.] Because if you've grown tired of spending every “Sunny Afternoon” since '66 with the Kinks, try having a “SunDance” with White Heat instead. What do I have to do, you ask? No matter how hot it gets, just keep dancing. And if a boss happens upon your beach-based dance party, charm-and-disarm with a well-placed, “Take it easy on me.” And though “Momma Says” you got all the right moves, sometimes it takes more than moves to entice the beach bunny one blanket over. First, try the pick-up line from Ty Segall's “Dating.” Didn't work? Now try White Heat's: “I wanna know where my heart is / I wanna know who you are.”

You're welcome.

*** The author of this review, John Johnson, plays the cajon for the following band: http://youtu.be/tMS73-1kCr8