Watch the turtle, it only makes progress if it sticks its neck out…make sure that neck is warm and put on some Turtleneck!
Opening things up at the Other Side, Turtleneck took to the stage with a turtle-like strut, building a quick little jam to settle things in before merging into the opening riffs of “Yield Not To Temptation”. The dynamic shift brought the crowd to attention as they began to dance to the first live notes of the night. Up next the band launched into their original, “Oracle”, a sanguine southern-rock tune which featured the biggest improv moment of the set in a psychedelic space jam dripping with funk. As the lead broke through, it elevated the segment through its peak and back into the main melody. There was then some dueling licks from both guitarists, which again led to another peak before circling back to the closing chorus.
The band then performed a well executed rendition of their original “Hydrosonic”. The stirring lead work during the verses and the incredibly melodious chorus riff contrast each other so well and keep the song extremely engaging. As you’re being dazzled by the lead, you’ll find yourself anticipating the chorus. It also featured another improvisational moment with a more abstract breakdown, sweeping guitar licks, and a patient build that erupted with a piercing lead and then once again resolved into the infectious main riff. Afterward, the band performed a cover of John Scofield’s classic “Hottentot”. One of the highlights of the set, the band executed the cover extremely well, especially the locked-in playing during the jam. While no one is John Scofield, Turtleneck’s cover was a fitting tribute to the jazz-fusion living legend.
Next up, the band kicked into their original, “The View”, a rock tune with another super catchy riff. The tune is supremely upbeat until the bridge, which is a dark heavy metal shredfest that builds up and then peaks by crashing back into the buoyant main riff. The band then performed another original, “Sailin’ On A Backwoods Bays”, a crunchy operatively-titled tune about sailing and drinking. The breakdown brings back a plethora of funk tones that eventually makes way for another searing lead to carry the song home.
Wasting no time, the band then went right into the soulful standard, “Working On A Building”, a cover they put their own progressive twist on with heavily distorted guitars and funky bass rhythms. The band’s full prowess was on display with guitar and bass solos galore. The set then closed with the instrumental, “Be Good”, another tune that exemplifies Turtleneck’s strength: writing exceedingly catchy riffs, which help create a sonic atmosphere that sets the tone for the entirety of the tune. They certainly helped set the tone for the night, priming the crowd for more great things to come. Hopefully it won’t be six months until we see them again!
Turtleneck | 2019-01-18 | Cervantes’ Other Side, Denver, CO
-= One Set =-
01. (G Jam)
02. Yield Not To Temptation (Col. Bruce Hampton & The Aquarium Rescue Unit cover)
03. Oracle
04. Hydrosonic
05. Hottentot (John Scofield cover)
06. The View
07. Sailin’ In A Backwoods Bay
08. Working On A Bridge
09. Be Good
Show Notes: This was an opening set supporting lespecial. Mom & Dad played after Turtleneck.
Taper Notes: Stage Right of the board (slightly off-center) mics PAS and raised around 9′. Board feed thanks to FOH Alon!
LINK: https://archive.org/…/Turtleneck2019-01-18.AKG.P170.AUD.SBD…
