“Speak easy,” a term coined back in the 1930s, refers to an illegal establishment that served alcohol during the prohibition. It sounds pretty awesome, but the music played at these dangerous gatherings was even better.
A bit more modern, but still showing the “speak easy” vibe, was the mix of jazz, with some soul, and a hint of punk at The Note last Thursday night when The World/Inferno Friendship Society took the stage.
The show was led by Jack Terricloth, “a man that seems to have stepped out of a burlesque carnival circus,” said Mario, a fan of the band. As Terricloth sashayed out onto the stage, a champagne bottle could be spotted in hand. Known for his stage banter and views on politics, he promptly kicked off the show with a bang.
The band quickly moved everyone in the audience; literally, there was an instant mosh pit. Dance moves straight from the 50s broke out in the middle of the crowded floor as dare devils surfed the tops of the crowd. Meanwhile, mohawks were spotted, ladies climbing the railings, teenagers leapt from the stage only to be caught by the burley lumberjacks of the crowd, and the constant stench of sweat stung in one’s nostrils. No surprise to its attendees, the show went off without a hitch.
Unlike a normal band, these fine folks have band alumni. Containing over 30 members, the musical group offers a new experience every time they put on not a show, but a performance. With only enough room on the stage for a limited amount of members, there is usually room for 10 performers at a time. The performance on Thursday consisted of: a bass, a drummer, a keyboardist, a saxophonist, an electric violinist, and several other talented contributors.
With the way these folks brought their music alive with their heart and passion, it is hard to believe any other combination of group members could sound anywhere near as fabulous as they did.
Nicole Bair is a fourth-year student majoring in liberal studies with a minor in Spanish. She can be reached at NB777106@wcupa.edu.