Silver Spring, Md. based funk-rock band Lionize celebrated the Feb. 18 release of their newest album “Jetpack Soundtrack.” The record showcases the culmination of the band’s 10-year career, and after touring for five weeks in support of the release, Lionize returned to their home town for a release party and performance at the U Street Music Hall on Feb. 20.
“We got a bit of cabin fever,” Brooks said, “but having that time to focus on production was one of the best parts of making [Jetpack Soundtrack].”
Following local opening act The Delegation, Lionize took over U Street Music Hall and kept heads bobbing and feet tapping throughout their set. Appropriately, much of their set was focused on new material. Energetic performances of “Breather” and “Amazing Science Facts,” along with old favorites like “The Ballad of Ronnie Buttons” were high points of the set.
U Street’s Music Hall’s size may not compare to 9:30 Club, but its dance floor was nonetheless packed with fans of all ages supporting the local rock outfit. With amps cranked and drums the concert-goers could feel in their chests, Lionize had the audience rocking harder than anticipated for a Thursday evening.
Guitarist and lead singer Bergman was at the top of his game, in full control of fuzzed out guitar riffs and a voice that ranged from soulful shouts to bluesy, Black Keys-like vocals. The rest of the band performed excellently as well, and showcased their individual talent as well as their ability to perform as a unit. The performance overall was marked by a level of cohesiveness that only comes with experience, and Lionize has paid its dues.
“We’ve been together a while now, but not much has changed,” Bergman said. “We’re all still friends, we learn by playing together constantly.” And even after 10 years and five albums, the Silver Spring natives have no plans to call it quits.
After a decade of nearly constant touring and playing together, Lionize knows how to put on an excellent show. The songs flowed smoothly, and were often blended together into one extended, groove-laden jam session. But that’s the band’s style, and they’ve stuck by it since 2004.
“The idea of starting anything else is overwhelming,” Brooks said. “If you have a ‘Plan B’, you’re going to use it. So our only plan is to keep going as long as we’re still being creative.”
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