By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Venue: Crowbar, Ybor City, Tampa–March 19 2019–Ceramic Animal and Spendtime Palace
Hot off of their recent appearance at SXSW, Philadelphia-based band Ceramic Animal warmed up Crowbar in Tampa’s nightclub area, Ybor City, on a cool and quiet Tuesday night. Appearing with Costa Mesa-bred Spendtime Palace, the boys have been touring the country with their retro come-hither music, they describe as “psychedelic garage-yacht”. What that means, I have no idea—but what I do know is I really like what I heard last night.
First up on the stage was Spendtime Palace, with their full band, including cool synth back-up, and energetic retro sound. Spendtime Palace’s music was rocking, melodic, and a really a welcome change, as more Millennial bands are toying with the 60s and 70s sounds. The almost all female audience danced, bopped, and flirted with the lead singer, who sported shaggy blond locks and a a Boogie Nights porn ‘stache. I definitely am going to keep my eye on this band!
Next up was Ceramic Animal, the five-piece band comprised of three brothers Warren Regan (vox/guitar), Elliott Regan (keys/vox), Erik Regan (drums) as well as friends Dallas Hosey (bass/vox) and Ant Marchione (guitar). I was quite chuffed to see the band dressed in matching slick, pin-striped 60s style, mod suits, which set the tone of lounge music, coolness. Ceramic Animals have not only captured “the look” but also their music exhibits a nostalgic crooning vibe blended with the avant garde feel of psychedelic rock and disco with a touch of garage rock. Ceramic Animal will definitely appeal to fans of Arctic Monkey or even Cage the Elephant.
Lead singer Warren Regan kept a serious demeanor about the stage as he crooned into the microphone. Ant Marchione, windmilled his arm, hitting jangly chords, capturing the look and feel of a mid-60s rock band. Elliott Regan bopped on the keys (and I was smitten with his smashing voice) as bassist Dallas Hosey and drummer Erik Regan kept the beat tight.
During the band’s set, Ceramic Animal played songs from their 2016 debut album The Cart and 2018 sophomore album The Horse. A real standout during the evening was the epic “All My Loving” which spanned almost 10 minutes of disco beats which then unexpectedly jolted down to a funky chorus, “all my loving, she’s got something, for me, for me”, before descending into a completely different direction of instrumentation, showing how talented and tight the band really is. Other highlights included “Look for a Lover” and “Hit or Miss”. I am really glad I finally got to check the band out in person, as Ceramic Animal was a welcome surprise. They certainly gained a fan!
PHOTO GALLERY
Ceramic Animal
Spendtime Palace
VIDEOS
TOUR DATES
Co-headline tour dates with Spendtime Palace:
3/2 — Denver, CO — Lost Lake
3/3 — Salt Lake City, UT — Kilby Court
3/5 — Seattle, WA — The Vera Project
3/6 — Portland, OR — Paris Theatre
3/8 — San Francisco, CA — Bottom of the Hill
3/9 — Santa Cruz, CA — The Catalyst
3/10 — West Hollywood, CA — The Roxy
3/13 – 3/16 — SXSW
3/19 — Tampa, FL — Crowbar
3/20 — Miami, FL — Gramps
3/21 — Orlando, FL — Soundbar
3/22 — Atlanta, GA — Vinyl at Center Stage
3/23 — Norfolk, VA — Charlie’s American Cafe
3/26 — Philadelphia, PA — Johnny Brenda’s
3/27 — Washington D.C. — Dangerous Pies
3/29 — Brooklyn, NY — Elsewhere Zone One
3/30 — Cambridge, MA — The Middle East (Upstairs)
4/1 — Lakewood, OH — Mahall’s
4/2 — Columbus, OH — Big Room Bar
4/3 — Pontiac, MI — The Pike Room
4/4 — Chicago, IL — Schubas Tavern
SPOTIFY
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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