by Jennifer Alten
"We will never whine about being too tired from touring. That is just something we will never do," stated guitarist/vocalist Chris Eudy, speaking for the band.
You see, the Nubile Thangs have a major goal for 1997 -- to become huge stars. And given their recent performance at Martyr's, their goal may not be far off. The band made that promise right after one member of a well-known Chicago band, who had been complaining to them about the pitfalls of success, walked by their practice space.
Think of the raw energy of The Replacements, the tight grooves of James Brown, the blasting horn section of a big band, add in five guys who are having a great time on stage and you've got the Nubile Thangs.
But don't think too hard about pinning a label on this band, which might be their commercial downfall. The band built their new 7-inch release around that concept, which features the song "This Music (Will Never Sell)"
"Our music is about the act of rock with a dance ethic and garage R&B. We are into music people can have fun with and dance to," said vocalist/bassist Lindsay Jones. "Until (some) people get into the chorus, they think we're just an acid jazz band," added saxophonist Jason Singer.
Different may mean more work and be more difficult to sell, but The Nubile Thangs have a refreshing take on new music. There's so much energy flowing on stage that Jones is constantly bouncing around on stage, blowing away any stereotype you've ever associated with bass players. Their high-octane, high fun shows are a huge treat. And at Martyrs, the crowd agreed as dozens grooved for the entire set.
Luckily for them -- and us -- their hard work and talent isn't going completely unrecognized. The Nubile Thangs were invited to play at The Midwest Regional Music Festival and The Philadelphia Music Conference. And they've received airtime on Chicago's Q101 alternative show.
The band's eclectic list of musical influences is one of the reasons behind their unique sound, which ranges from Rage Against the Machine to Bauhaus to Zeppelin to XTC to trumpeter Oscar Yberra's Latin music to their nearly universal claim of loving Pavement.
At this point, their sound was still evolving. "For some reason, we had never put the horns together on any song," said Jones. "There was a trumpet song and then a saxophone song. One day while we were practicing, it hit me. What the hell were we thinking? Jason started arranging songs for both horns and it just clicked instantly."
The band has recently brought back some of their older songs, reworked to include the horns.
The Nubile Thangs, who have already played in 34 states and Canada, are currently on multiple-city tour they set up themselves. They are planning to hit Minneapolis, San Francisco, L.A., Tempe, Ariz., Albuquerque, N.M., and Colorado Springs, among other cities.
Then after the exposure they get on tour, watch out. They just may become huge rock stars -- without the ego, of course.
To check out their full touring schedule or to order their most recent release, visit their Web site at www.nubilethangs.com.
Centerstage Will Feed You
