Driven Far Off

Dustin Kensrue
CD RELEASE SHOW at the Silent Movie Theatre
Los Angeles, CA – January 27, 2007

Los Angeles is an amazing city. You never know what you will see, what you can do, or who you may run into. Upon entrance to the Silent Movie Theatre I turned to the merch table, and nearly bulldozed Bryce Avary (The Rocket Summer) and his wife. On top of some of the most prominent musicians, the industry’s most respected journalists, in attendance were the few lucky fans who were able to secure tickets to the show. Literally, a small movie theatre, it’s the first concert I have ever been to, where the whole crowd sat comfortably and within visual site of the performer’s facial expressions. While the lighting wasn’t the greatest for pictures, everything else was perfect.
Dustin was preceeded by the incredibly talented Yellow Red Sparks. Josh Hanson’s solo acoustic project that reminded me a bit of Damien Rice meets Death Cab For Cutie. I would strongly suggest you take the chance to see him if you can and purchase one of his $1 cds.

When Dustin stepped on stage to perform with friend Chris Jones (if my memory serves me well) on drums and brother Chase Kensrue on bass, I have to admit, I was surprised at his look. He looked much more like a family man, and much less like a rockstar than past concerts.
His set wasn’t the longest, but still contained almost all of Please Come Home. Covers that ranged from Springstein to the crowd favorite Counting Crows, “Round Here”- Kensrue opened a new channel of his ability during this show. Comparing him to his aura performing in Thrice is almost impossible. The intensity, passion, and precision is definitely still there, but the flavor is different. Making use of the acoustic guitar and harmonica, instrumentally he replicated his new CD perfectly.

I think the reason that Dustin Kensrue has always been able to captivate audiences and impress critics the same is not because of his honest demeanor, authoritative stage presence, or tasteful banter, but because of his voice. Kensrue has the power and the harness of veteran acoustic artist like Rocky Votolato, but the range and power that can hang in there with the best. It won’t matter if it’s the first, fifth or fiftieth time seeing him perform, he never fails to please.

While opportunities are few and far between, I wouldn’t hesitate to catch one of his solo shows for an instant. Kensrue has truly proved him self as one of the most versatile musicians in music today. There’s a definite appeal to his solo act that some may ignore plainly because it’s not what they expect. Don’t miss out, catch the show, buy the album and support an incredible musician.