Love as Laughter & Isabel

The Blue Room, although by far Chico's most independent, open, and unassuming venue, can sometimes be an intimidating place for an outsider. The atmosphere was very Cheers-like, everybody knew everybody’s name, except for of course me, the loner-journalist-outsider. This was by no means a bad thing; it’s merely proof-positive that people who have taken the time to go to more than a few Blue Room shows suddenly find themselves becoming addicted to the stark honesty of the both venue and the music which accompanies it. In fact the feeling of alienation was in many ways enjoyable. That, aside from a few familiar faces, hi-bye acquaintances, I didn’t really know anyone, was almost liberation from the sometimes grinding, social graces of a relatively tight-knit scene like Chico.

But, one complaint that I do have about the Blue Room is that, due in large part to the aforementioned independence and a very chill attitude, by both the bands and the promoters, punctuality is not necessarily a high priority. The show was advertised as being at 9:00 PM in the calendar section of our esteemed publication. Taking into account my past experiences with " Blue Room time," I showed up at 9:45 PM and was not at all surprised to see a flyer advertising the show to start at 10:00 PM. So, I went to Tower, where I was kindly kicked out, due to closing time, wandered around downtown and returned promptly at 10:30. Once again, I was not horribly surprised that the first band was not onstage yet, but as the hour grew later my patience grew shorter. About twenty minutes later, Isabel assumed their positions onstage and began fiddling with their instruments. Music was near. Then without warning, their disengaged from their instruments and left the stage again. Technical difficulties were the overheard excuse. The waiting re-commenced. Finally at a time nearing 11:30 the band retook the stage. By now, my expectations were nearing zero.

All previous thought was rendered meaningless the moment Isabel began. Never during my time in Chico has a band surprised me so much as these four lads. My immense pleasure gave way to almost-unbearable jealousy, as I realized that the music of Isabel was what I had almost heard in my head but never had been in a band capable of fleshing out the physical form. Somewhere between Four Minute Mile era Get Up Kids (but less poppy) and Hum (but not as mathy), Isabel continued to transfix me with song after song of intensely beautiful layered guitar. The vocals were not to be heard from my vantage point, but this was almost preferable as I was completely consumed by the instrumentation. In particular, the drummer, whose name remains unknown to me, was shockingly talented. I wish that Isabel were rock stars, so I wouldn’t feel so strange about being in awe of them. My new goal in life is to convince Isabel to let me join their ranks, thus completing my life. But, I would be satisfied just to see them again, preferably soon.

Unfortunately, this wonderful feeling could not last, and alas, Isabel departed in favor of the night’s headliner, Love as Laughter. A hopeful feeling of curiosity filled the crowd, who had been energized by Isabel. In the waiting, I discussed the merits of Isabel with a rival journalist, who although less excited than I, shared my sentiments.

Unbeknownst to me, I was about to be surprised a second time. But this time, it was by the utter ineptitude of Love as Laughter. Sounding like the college rock version of The Catheters (not a pleasant idea, mind you) they tried to simultaneously be rockers and hipsters. Needless to say, this attempt failed miserably. I hate to be negative, but I found no redeeming qualities in this band whatsoever. Maybe it was just that Isabel was so good, but Love as Laughter seemed comically outmatched. The drummer beat aimlessly at his undersized drums, while the vocalist/guitarist, replete with Richie Sambora haircut, tried to be cool, until he unplugged his own guitar. I know that many, most assuredly the band, may take offense to my comments, but remember that this is just my opinion. And in my opinion, Love as Laughter didn’t really do much of anything for me. In fact the only real effect they had, was to make more apparent the fact that Isabel rocked serious ass.

– Daniel Taylor

– Photos by D.C. Ramirez

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