February 8, 1999 SOUNDSCAPE | 54-40 rocks the Munk By Michelle Dubuc The Munk was filled to capacity for 54-40's latest gig on February ist. The few tickets left over for pur- chase at the door. were quickly scooped up by lucky last-minute concert goers, and a_ sold-out crowd milled about waiting for the commencement of the show. Apparently in the hopes of selling more drinks, the Munk had the doors open at 7:00 pm only to have the opening band not start until 10:00 pm. So it was after more than a little mindless chat- ter and bored wandering that the music finally began. Damn the Diva, who was supposed to have the opening slot, can- celed at the last minute. Prince George's own Rae King Blues Band was given the slot instead. Having a blues band open for 54-40 was definitely unusual, and watching them take the stage they admittedly looked out of place. But after they got into their set this awkard- ness quickly disappeared. With a good variety of beats and an excellent gui- tarist, they managed to get the anxious crowd bop- ping. Locklin Cross of the Max FM 94 fame added a surprisingly adept harmon- ica that completed the blues sound. After their set, a brief intermission fol- lowed. Unannounced, 54- 40 rushed onto the stage and exploded into "Nice to Luv You," making it obvi- ous the long wait was going to be. worth it. Neil Osbourne (lead singer) and Phil Comparelli (guitar and organ) flashed the kind of "Gee, I'm having fun," smiles you-don't often get to see at concerts any- more, while Brad Merritt (bassist) closed his eyes and seemed to almost meditate on the music. The addition of a female singer, Coco Love Alcorn, added a new dimension to the bands sound. A prime example was the more mellowed yet irrepressibly funky version of "One Gun", where Coco added layers of her beautiful voice on top of Neil's chanting lyrics. With every song the crowd grew more and more intense, and a particularly energetic ren- dition of "Radio Luv Song" caused the bouncers to have their hands full with the rushing crowd. The encore featured an extend- ed, jazzy version of "Music Man" with Phil Comparelli playing trumpet. The band stuck mostly to their hits, taking only a few opportunities to play new material from "Since When." It was a good mix, allowing for the introduc- tion of new material with- out dulling the crowds enthusiam with a bunch of songs they didn't know. All phe aio Rtekte) tcite Satojoued Gunvece 54-40 Lead Signer Neil Osbourne works the Munk crowd. photo by Kevin Milos in all the show was an incredible success, and displayed that without argument 54-40 are going to be a force in the Canadian music scene for a long time to come. Over The Edge Page 7 _ FALL 1999 BACHELOR of JOURNALISM DEGREE PRINT BASED Early admission begins Feb. 15. Apply by May 14, 1999 ADMISSION OPTIONS: * Regular admission with 2 years’ approved Liberal or Associate of Arts * Quick-completion options for degree-holders, experienced journalists, or diploma holders # Part-time study available THE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE CARIBOO Visit our Digital Newspaper at: hitp://www.cariboo.bc.ca/news Visit the Journalism Program webpage: http:/Awew.cariboo.be.ca fae/BJOUR/BJOURPRG.HTM FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (250) 828-5093 or (250) 828-5202