Low dough Fratellis show worth the price
By Rachel Hanes, Staff Writer
July 26, 2007 | 5:31 p.m.
Nothing could be better than a summer rock show boasting an infectious-melodied band for a few measly bucks. That’s why the five-dollars-per-ticket Fratellis show being held at the Newport Music Hall in Columbus on July 31 at 6 p.m. could be the sugar to sweeten up summer.
Hailing from Glasgow, the Fratellis trio is relatively new to fame. Their critically acclaimed debut album, Costello Music, was released in 2006. Most, however, know the band from a January 2007 Apple iPod commercial that featured their terribly infectious first single, "Flathead." The band has garnered much attention and success from the single, which will no doubt increase with the recent release of their second, “Chelsea Dagger.” Since then, bandmates John, Barry and Mince, all of whom carry the fake Fratelli last name, have been touring and are finally making their way to Columbus for a CD 101 Low Dough Show.
Those familiar with the Columbus alternative and indie rock scenes have most likely heard of the Low Dough Shows, if not attended one before. CD 101, a popular independently-owned alternative radio station in Columbus, tackles the task of bringing big names in alternative rock for a low ticket price by sponsoring the inexpensive shows. Not only does the amazingly low-price ticket costing merely $5 make it possible for deep-in-debt college students to attend, but the Columbus venues that host the shows are usually ones that only add to the excitement.
The Newport Music Hall, selected to host the Fratellis, is Columbus’ most famous venue and, with room for only 1,700 guests, promises an intimate and exciting show every time. As an original rock club, the Music Hall has hosted great names in its long history, ranging from Queen and U2 to Pete Yorn and Iron and Wine. Front row concertgoers are inches from the talent, and the small theater makes an excellant dance hall when showcasing an act like the Fratellis, a band that mixes a sense of humor with movable beats.
The Fratellis, as one could expect, aren’t going this show alone. They bring with them two globally-known opening acts, the Switches and Dappled Cities. The Londoner Switches can be described as a mix of the Fratellis' style and a bit of the Killers' sound. This musical blend creates catchy dance rock with memorable hooks that will no doubt have the audience singing along.
Dappled Cities, who are native to Sydney, Australia, do not have the same concentrated clatter as the Fratellis or the Switches but will bring a contagious and borderline romantic sound to the mix of fast-paced rock brought on by the other acts. The band, whose music is comparable to that of Grandaddy, will bring a change of pace to balance out similar-sounding Switches and Fratellis.
It’s obvious by listening to Costello Music that the Fratellis are all about fun. From the opening song, “Henrietta,” a bouncing song about a girl obsessed with the three leading men, to the final song, “Got Ma Nuts From a Hippy,” which shouldn’t be explained as much as it should be heard, the Fratellis have an eclectic sound that will surely have the crowd hooked.
The opening acts, the Switches and Dappled Cities, each have something to bring and will likely leave Columbus with many new fans. With acts like these playing in a venue like Newport, this Low Dough Show is more than worthy of the drive to the heart of OSU’s campus and the search for that spare change you hid in your sock drawer.
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