Discography
Read More Matt Marka is one of those semi-elusive musicians—the kind whose name strikes a familiar chord even if you’re not quite sure why…you…know…him...
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The 400 Bar in Minneapolis is neither for the faint of heart nor for the discriminatory intellectual. Similar to the 7th Street Entry—a glorified parents’ basement—the modest venue operates on a “no frills” philosophy. Drinks are cold, bathrooms have soap, and, on a good day, the air conditioning trickles lukewarm rivulets of air, just enough to deflect body heat-induced paralysis. Those fair-skinned urbanites craving tropical cocktails will likely be disappointed not only by the bar’s buttoned-down aesthetic, but also by the absence of tropical cocktails.
That being said, within the 400 Bar’s peeling walls, there exists an undeniable energy. The environment is conducive to rock shows of yesteryears. Bands like Ada Jane thrive, while the occasional indie rube flounders, unsure of how to respond to such course temperaments. Friday’s show proved the latter point, as Ada Jane took the stage to a merry gang of rock fans, young and old alike. While the youth crowded near the front, starry-eyed in collegiate wonder, the old folk sat back, perhaps remembering a time of Husker Du amidst a cloud of sweaty nonsense. This is both band and bar’s appeal: a total lack of pretense. The age disparity between fans is enough to construct a brand new beer-guzzling human being yet everyone interacts beautifully—bonded by the shared love of rock.
Matt Marka writes sharp, pragmatic lyrics, set to the infalliblebuzz of guitar drivenmelody. It’s a timeless recipe and, simply put, it works.More importantly, this is not a band of amateurs. These fellas are seasoned musicians and they know how to put on a solid rock show. While their contemporaries fiddle around with synth and laptops and electronic doo-das, Ada Jane keeps it real: plugged in and turned up. Way up. As I mentioned before, 400 Bar shows are not for the faint of heart. While I screamed inane observations to my concert companion, it quickly became obvious that The Point in the Grand Scheme of Things was not to preserve my hearing. No, it is a rare individual that exits an Ada Jane show thinking to himself “boy, I wish my eardrums were a tad more shattered.”
Pre-show I chatted with Marka briefly about their recent West Coast tour. Besides an underwhelming stint in Omaha*, the singer seemed happy with the turnout. With dates in San Diego, L.A. and San Francisco, to name a few, it’s easy to imagine Ada Jane melting the silicon hearts of California with their Midwestern brand of rocking out. Of course, it’s always nice to come home, and ‘home’ was the unofficial theme of the night, as the band returned to familiar ground. Marks said it best on “Right Wrong” (Again, Again): [I] just want to see your face at the end of each night, is that so wrong?” Perhaps standing before a crowd of loyal fans is just the kind of unconditional love every rocker hopes for at the end of his night. At the very least, a cold drink in a bar where ‘rock’ is still synonymous with sincerity.
For the latest Ada Jane news as well as tour highlights, visit their official Website / Facebook / Myspace. Read a review of the band’s 2009 release Again, Again HERE.
*Let’s be honest, no surprises there. Or, should I say—no one was Oberst-ing with enthusiasm. Hey-o!
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