The band was to be broadcast live on Delraydio.com [http://delraydio.com/, a local internet radio station. They started out with viewers waiting to watch the show from home, glad they didn't have to miss out on the event just because they couldn't actually get there. A rare treat for AluKard fans, I am sure.

I had never seen AluKard play an acoustic set. Though I have seen the entire band play more than once, and am quite familiar with their sound, I had no idea what to expect. The songs I knew I would hear, such as 44 Kaliber Love Letter, Everyday Life and Forever Never were all delivered as expected, but brought to life with an abundance of soul. You can tell Level is able to embrace each note more deeply, knowing he won't be drowned out by drums, rhythm guitar or bass. I felt like I was listening to songs I had fell in love with nearly a year ago all over again, and for the first time. It was truly an experience. Griz stepped up to the plate to throw us a new spin on a classic: "Sunday" which I had last heard him perform as emcee for The Cornerstoners. Let it stand as an infinite understatement that E. Grizzly has a sound that is properly juxtaposed alongside Level within AluKard.

Also with AluKard was special guest Candace Meyer, an upcoming Miami vocalist with a voice twice her size. At first glance, this thin beautiful girl appeared to hide behind herself, fading into the background with her laptop, sitting on the sidelines with her Chuck Taylors sticking out from beneath her frame, her ripped jeans complimented by her long sleeved white and black striped blouse. She took to the stage - and in one moment - captivated every ear. She made love to the microphone, proving that good things often do come in small packages. Her sound was her own, only faintly possible to define, perhaps a sound similar to that of a melodic pairing of Fiona Apple and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. It made me smile at first, what just moments ago seemed like such a shy girl, was now the voice of a strong woman. I was reminded of why they say never judge a book by it's cover, because if you try to determine the worth of this vocalist by her appearance, you will certainly feel the sting of humility once you hear her wail.

Having never heard any of the artists there to play for us, Dustin could have fooled even me. His beats were so on point that it was unnaturally natural. It just fit, and the music as a whole made more sense because of his presence. Dustin was indeed serendipitously supplanted amongst these performers, for his drumming brought a heartbeat to the act that was definitely an improvement upon perfection, if such a thing is possible.

A couple of times throughout the performance, all four artists took to the stage, each freestyling in their own way, songs that would never again be heard, for they were the child of improvisation by a quartet that will never again be assembled. It was an honor to be present, and I won't soon forget the experience.

AluKard was pleased to announce at the end of their set that thay had been given major corporate sponsorship by Jagermaister, and would be the opening act for Epitaph Records http://www.epitaph.com/ band Pennywise and Pepper in May at Northern Florida Venues as part of the Jagermeister Music Tour. Congratulations was not only in order, but duly given in excess. Thank you again AluKard for coming up to Delray Beach to inject your sound into our little town. We eagerly await your next Palm Beach County appearance; we wouldn't miss it for the world.

Liked this post?