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Naive Melodies

Check out Naive Melodies at the Astro Lounge on the 19th.

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One of the most critically acclaimed and popular New Wave bands of all time, the Talking Heads is one of the few groups I can think of that deserve a cover band in their image. Lifelong musician Matt Engel agrees, and says that The Talking Heads was a major influence on his original music and vocal style. After playing covers of Psycho Killer with his touring band, he decided to take on the task of learning more of The Talking Head’s material. Joined by John Tortorici and Harry Hulsizer, friends and band mates from the Arcata, Calif. music scene, Naive Melodies was formed, and the guys started working their way chronologically through the Talking Head’s dense catalogue of material.

“It was fun at first, a side project,” says Engel. “Things kept sounding good and we kept getting good response and now it’s been a year.”

Why the Talking Heads? Because, says Engel, the band is timeless. David Byrne’s signature shaky and startling vocal style is a recognizable icon of ‘80s alternative music and the band’s progression from a rag-tag artsy punkers to a worldly eight piece secured them a position in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

“Most music that you listen to today is influenced by them in one way or another,” claims Engel.

Naive Melodies is all about bringing an authentic avant-garde dance party to town. The three piece isn’t as concerned with the exact replication of the songs as they are with having a good time. The songs they are covering were originally played by at least four people if not seven or eight, so they’ve made their own arrangements to fill in the spaces, and you can expect to hear a range of Head’s hits.

“We are a little more into the earlier edgier stuff; it’s dancier.”

Engel says he loves playing Talking Heads because everyone is a Talking Heads fan even if they don’t know it.

“They hear all these songs and say ‘oh that’s the Talking Heads?’ one song after the next. It is an easy way to keep the party going.”

Naive Melodies

$7 advance/$10 door

9pm Sat., May 19

Astro Lounge 939 Northwest Bond St.