And your ears shall hear…

It’s been a while, many years, since I have seen Tributosaurus. So, when a friend of mine told me he was going to Martyrs’ to see them play as XTC, my brain, like my senses (pun intended), started working overtime. How could I make this night happen for myself?

I’m within walking distance to the venue, and cost wasn’t a problem. I coach girls’ softball and it’s slowly becoming my life, so I had to figure out how to sneak out of practice early and get my butt there on time. XTC doesn’t tour because Andy Partridge has stage fright, so this would be my opportunity to see a band I might never get to see live and to hear some of the most accomplished pop songs ever written.

If you’re unfamiliar with the band, what you need to know is that each month Tributosaurus tackles a new artist, morphing into said band and playing songs from their vast catalog. On this night, they paid tribute to XTC, and we got a song or two from nearly every record they have released. Every show is a different performance, as the band ebbs and flows through songs, trading instruments and taking turns singing.

Drummer Dan Leali holds the whole thing together with his spider-like arms, while Chris Neville, keyboards and lead vocals, gives life to each and every song with his incredible vocal interpretations of Mr. Partridge’s intricate melodies and lyrical prowess. Lead guitar player Chris Seibold, a professional player since 1996, makes every note even more believable with his incredible tone and touch. Post-show, I had to run over like a fanboy to acknowledge what I heard.

Curt Morrison brings a wide array of instruments and talent throughout the night, playing lead and rhythm guitars while being the general joke teller. Let us not forget the incredible rhythms of bass player Jon Paul, who adds another dimension of cohesiveness that was highlighted throughout the night, along with keyboard player Fred Simon and flashy lead runner Dag Juhlin, who pivots between guitars and vocals. Kalyan Pathak adds a special sauce with his smattering of percussion, and, spoiler alert, his daughter Kaveri Pathak treated us to a special performance. Steve Frisbie rounded this crew out singing backup vocals and taking the lead at times.

I’ve been hearing “Making Plans For Nigel” on WXRT in Chicago for years, so opening the show with this piece of rock and roll history set the stage for a euphonic night of incredible instrumentation and musicianship. “Life Begins at the Hop,” “When You’re Near Me I Have Difficulty,” and “Limelight,” from Drums and Wires, were all carefully regurgitated for our ears.

Skylarking gems included “Dear God,” another one of my favorites albeit a song that has challenged my religious beliefs at every listen. This Tributosaurus version was pushed over the edge by 11-year old guest vocalist Kaveri Pathak who smiled through her innocent intro singing, “Dear God, hope you get the letter, and I pray you can make it better down here/I don’t mean a big reduction in the price of beer.” Behold this little girl standing center stage at Martyrs’ with the whole venue in the palm of her hands as we contemplate our existence. What a moment!

“That’s Really Super, Supergirl?” is such a cool tune. I was NOT familiar with this slice of pop that I’m now crushing on daily. “Hurt like kryptonite, Put me on my knees/Now that I’ve found out just what you’re doing, With your secret identities.” Do all the Marvel fans secretly play this at every party, cause maybe they should. “Earn Enough For Us” was also played from Skylarking.

Tracks played from English Settlement included “Senses Working Overtime,” and “English Roundabout,” which feels like an ode to The English Beat. I had no idea how bouncy and quirky XTC could be and these songs displayed proudly by Tributosaurus showcased a side of the brit band I’d never heard.

The surprising highlights of the show had to come from XTC’s Black Sea record, which I had never previously heard before. “No Thugs in Our House,” and “Burning With Optimism’s Flames” have been on repeat for the last few months as I search for the most comprehensive version of the CD available. “Generals and Majors” has always been one of my favorite XTC songs, and that was played early on as well. I can’t forget about “Respectable Street,” which gets an honorable mention, as well as “Science Friction,” and “Statue of Liberty” from White Music.

Growing up on Oranges and Lemon had me patiently waiting for the expectant treats delivered in the form of “The Mayor of Simpleton,” “King for a Day,” and “One of the Millions.” But that was all we heard from their late 80s, early 90s alt-rock breakthrough record. “The Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead” was covered from Nonsuch, but we didn’t get the graceful “My Bird Performs” or “Dear Madam Barnum” this time around.

If you get a chance to see this band transform into one of your favorite artists, you won’t be disappointed, as they are nothing but class. Tributosaurus has created its own niche here ever since, and Martyrs’ is the perfect venue for this act, with a big stage and warm sound.