Post by Katie McKenna, Photos by Ryan Dorgan
I started my birthday off the right way the eve of March 2, after I headed over to Jake's to check out the free Push-Pull, Tammar, and Blk Jks show. The concert unfortunately started a bit late, but the performances more than made up for it.
Local band Push-Pull, started off the night with a raucous and propulsive set. For me, Push-Pull has been an acquired taste. I don't know what it was, but after seeing them at Jake's they became much more appealing. I think once I realized that their forte is making caustic rock songs that don't take themselves too seriously, I could fully enjoy them.
Taking the stage next was another local band Tammar. The quintet definitely shifted the mood, with a much more dreamy and atmospheric set. It was my first time seeing Tammar live, and I can definitely say that they're one of the better local bands I've seen perform in Bloomington. I found myself completely zoned into their music; I think I almost forgot where I was for a while.
Ending the night with another fierce performance were Blk Jks. If you hadn't already heard, the four-some hail from South Africa and have been hanging around Bloomington for a while now, recording at Russian Recordings and playing shows. Their performance at Jake's was their last in Bloomington before setting off on an international tour.
After seeing the Blk Jks for a second time, they made it clear that they're truly good at fusing together many different kinds of music, including everything from Afro-pop to jazz.
The haunting, minor-keyed "Lakeside" was one of my favorites of the night. Both psychedelic and serene, the song definitely tipped off my taste buds.
I enjoyed what each member brought to the table, but Drummer Tshepang Ramoba was easily my favorite of the group. Energetic and constantly smiling, he seemed to want to continue even after the other members were done playing.
They ended their set with the song "Summertime", leaving audience members yearning for both a longer set and warmer weather.
