Getaway cruises into Shelter

REVIEW
	Getaway Cruiser Feb. 20, 1998 The Shelter

Deep within the surreal urban landscapes of downtown Detroit, a collection of hipsters congregated Friday night to witness possibly the most engaging performance yet by Getaway Cruiser. One show at a time, this ambitious Ann Arbor band is increasingly exhibiting its passionate multi-instrumental artistic vision.

Loud guitars, fuzzy bass, funky drumbeats and diva vocals form the backbone to their audibly cinematic songs. Breakbeats, turntable scratches, drum loops, harmonica and accordion melodies add layers of diverse experimentation and individuality.

In concert, the atmospheric soundscapes sometimes can be eclipsed by the engaging visuals. Getaway Crusier band members possess immense stage presence and emanating personality from their photogenic and picturesque poses to their stylish selection of shoes and shirts.

Seductive singer Dina Harrison demanded the attention of the crowd with her sexy lyrics, soulful voice and sensuous movements.

Musical mastermind Drew Peters, with his long braids and flashy red socks, utilized his arsenal of distortion pedals to dress his guitar tones in colorful tones and textures.

ADRIANA YUGOVICH/ Daily Dina Harrison and Drew Peters of Getaway Cruiser delivered an amazing performance Friday in Detroit.

Modest though stylish bass player Mark Dundon kept the crowd's heads bobbing with booming bass tones and cool collective looks in his black turtleneck and shaggy haircut.

Funky drummer Dan Carroll simultaneously expressed his hipness while corrupted the crowd with his uncontrollably danceable beats.

Multi-talented guitar god Chris Peters supplied women-killer looks, mind blowing guitar licks and classic poses that would put Eddie Van Halen to shame.

Getaway Cruiser's set consisted of 11 intense rocking songs that spanned the better part of an hour, leaving fans begging in desperation for an encore. There was no rock star attitude or marketing commentary. The songs and stage presence did the majority of the talking.

Memorable moments from the show included the final song of the night, "No More Blue." Structurally minimalistic, this song supplied an overdose of electronically fueled adrenaline, infectiously rhythmic drum beats, poetically angelic vocals and mysteriously sublime guitar effects.

Other highlights included the opening song from their "Phones Calling" album. Titled "Bad Time," the song's melodic chorus surrounded by guitarist Drew Peters' man-made manipulation of a flute sample mesmerized experienced Getaway Cruiser fans into singing along.

Constantly keeping the crowd guessing, the Peters brothers put down their guitars for the song "Growing Out." Drew assembled a psychedelic accordion melody over which Chris Peters demonstrated his talents on the turntables. Dundon's dirty bass fuzz and Carroll's marching beats also collaborated on the kaleidoscopic soundtrack for Dina's epic poetic prophecy.

The short set included a sensuously rocking Tony Toni Tone cover, "Let's Get Down," that evoked even more dancing.

Fortunately for fans not adventurous enough to venture into the inner city shadows of Detroit, Getaway Cruiser plans to return to the peaceful streets of Ann Arbor soon for a show at the Blind Pig.

Also look for Getaway Cruiser's self-titled major label debut album scheduled to be released in May.

02-24-98