Isotope 217 rises above the Bland Pig

By Kitten Vile

Daily Arts Writer

It was a wild time! Amongst the dirty, depressing atmosphere of Ann Arbor's famous bleak and grimy Blind Pig, Isotope 217, the Chicago Underground Duo and the opening act CrushKillDestroy shone beyond the smoky cockroach-infested gloom on Sunday night.

Fortunately for the audience, there was none of the usual boar-headed harassment to be dished out by the bartenders, who must have been overtaken by the mellow and good-natured vibe.

The music, although inappropriate for a place such as the Blind Pig, enraptured the people and drove them crazy with applause. Toward the end of the night though, it was painfully obvious that the Blind Pig's lack of comfortable seating and amenities turned many to the raging boredom of irritation and fatigue.

It was amazing to hear people suggesting that they ought to mosh to the tightly experimental and fuzzily mixed concoctions of Isotope 217's last few songs. It was a slick night and anyone who was there could attest to the fine drumming and instrumental variation throughout the three snugly woven acts.

What's also incredible is that a good number of the people in attendance would most likely not claim to be easily won-over by most styles of jazz. A+ for an intelligent diversion from the usual trash of the Pig's scene.

Courtesy of Aesthetics

Isotope 217 chills out after long hours of practice.