Eureka! Rooney At The Wonder Ballroom

Rooney had a new bassist in Brandon Schwartzel, described by Throwback Suburbia drummer Mike Collins as “smiling more than the last one.” Bringing up the rear was drummer Ned Brower, who also provided backing vocals. Collins, who dined with the band before the show, reported that Brower is wrapping up his solo record produced by Mike Viola, tentatively titled Great To Say Hello and recorded in only seven days.

Photo © 2010 Deborah Lipski

Schwartzman reported that fan voting influenced the song selection (presumably for the whole tour) and as a result they’d be playing songs that were slightly dusty. “Tell Me Soon” did get off to a slightly rough start with Schwartzman appearing to forget the opening lines, but the band soon settled in on that tune and the next popular choice, “I’m A Terrible Person.” The middle of the 16-song set, “I Should Have Been After You,” was a good peak, with several themes and Queen-like guitars.

Afterwards, Schwartzman noted that the requests would keep on coming, as a woman told him before the show that they’d better play “Not In My House” from the band’s new album Eureka or she’d be mad. Not one to enrage a loyal fan, the song was next on the list. As the beat pounded, Locke wrestled with his guitar like Keith Richards, seemingly fighting its sudden movements. During the Michael-McDonaldian groove of “Stars and Stripes,” Rooney pulled out a page from the ’70s rock playbook and gave each member a solo. No guile, no irony, just a few bars each to step out a little.

Ending the main set with their debut single “Blueside,” Rooney took a short break before returning. “If you want it, you got it, Portland!” Schwartzman shouted, before launching into “All Or Nothing” and “I’m Shakin'” for their encore. Seven songs from their first album, three from their second, and six from their third album, and the show was over.

Their tour continues through August with a number of dates opening for Hanson, but Schwartzman promised to return next year. Despite falling victim to a fickle industry, Rooney have stayed true to their original vision for the band, and each album bears that out. In concert, their continued enthusiasm for their jobs is obvious.

Photo © 2010 Deborah Lipski

Eureka was released on June 8 and can be purchased via iTunes or Amazon. Check out the band on MySpace and don’t miss Rooney on their summer tour:

6/29: Denver CO, The Marquis Theatre
6/30: Omaha NE, The Waiting Room
7/1: Columbia MO, The Blue Note
7/2: Little Rock AR, Juanita’s Cantina Ballroom
7/3: Shreveport LA, The Collective
7/5: New Orleans LA, Republic New Orleans
7/6: Pensacola FL, Seville Quarter (Phineas Phogg’s)
7/7: Orlando FL, The Social
7/8: Gainesville FL, Common Grounds
7/9: Tampa FL, Crowbar
7/10: Atlanta GA, The Loft
7/11: Charlotte NC, Amos’ Southend
7/12: Greenville SC, The Handlebar
7/14: New York NY, The Fillmore At Irving Plaza
7/15: Dewey Beach DE, Bottle & Cork
7/16: Lancaster PA, Chameleon Club
7/17: S. Hackensack NJ, School Of Rock
7/18: New Haven CT, Toad’s Place
7/19: Farmingdale NY, The Crazy Donkey
7/22: Poughkeepsie NY, The Chance

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