In Rare Form
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In Rare Form

San Francisco, California, United States

San Francisco, California, United States
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"In Rare Form Album Review"

In Rare Form: In Rare Form
Posted on Tuesday, November 18 @ 20:01:30 CST
Topic: Show & Media Reviews

FROM AHT ISSUE 5.1

In Rare Form
Self Released 2003
—Bill Whiting

The booming lines of Erik Lekas' bass combine with Darin Hall's drums to introduce "Long Dusty Road," the first track off of the self-titled first release from In Rare Form. A simple pattern of rhythmic notes are immediately established by Lekas and Hall in a relaxed yet driving manner. Brother Mark Lekas' mandolin forays ride atop the rhythm, complimented by Tim Miller's grooving lead guitar.




But "One Step Behind" unveils the real heart and soul of this laid back unit. Their passion derives from a psychedelic sound reminiscent of Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, or Neil Young and Crazy Horse. "One Step Behind" is written by Jon Betti, and his simple strumming is complimented by Tim Miller's gruff Jim Morrison-like vocals. Betti experiments heavily with echo and reverb, but it is the ensemble's eerie, otherworldly fluidity in jamming that captures the imagination. This, like the Door's best work, is music that creeps in from another room, inviting you to another plane of existence in a brooding, decisive way. "Searching For A Dream" lays bare in rare form's Young and Crazy Horse influences with Betti's and Miller's feedback drenched workouts playing off of Mark Lekas' intricate mandolin and Erik Lekas' bluesy bass notes. It's a stunning track, invoking memories of Sampedro and Young dueling together on "Cortez the Killer."

An original piece that plays off of the strengths of guitarists Miller and Betti, “Blind Man” hauntingly recreates a deeply centered movement that brings to mind the structured nuances of Panic's "Driving Song." Betti and Miller navigate around the song's highly improvised jazzy riffs, supported by Hall's tight drumming. They create a heady mixture that drives In Rare Form's bluesy, spacey sound to its outer reaches.

If you like your jams dark and mystic or full of electric guitar effects with a late 60's bent to them, then in rare form's music will suffice when there's a full moon outside. It'll send shivers up and down your spine.

- An Honest Tune


"In Rare Form Album Review"

In Rare Form: In Rare Form
Posted on Tuesday, November 18 @ 20:01:30 CST
Topic: Show & Media Reviews

FROM AHT ISSUE 5.1

In Rare Form
Self Released 2003
—Bill Whiting

The booming lines of Erik Lekas' bass combine with Darin Hall's drums to introduce "Long Dusty Road," the first track off of the self-titled first release from In Rare Form. A simple pattern of rhythmic notes are immediately established by Lekas and Hall in a relaxed yet driving manner. Brother Mark Lekas' mandolin forays ride atop the rhythm, complimented by Tim Miller's grooving lead guitar.




But "One Step Behind" unveils the real heart and soul of this laid back unit. Their passion derives from a psychedelic sound reminiscent of Jefferson Airplane, The Doors, or Neil Young and Crazy Horse. "One Step Behind" is written by Jon Betti, and his simple strumming is complimented by Tim Miller's gruff Jim Morrison-like vocals. Betti experiments heavily with echo and reverb, but it is the ensemble's eerie, otherworldly fluidity in jamming that captures the imagination. This, like the Door's best work, is music that creeps in from another room, inviting you to another plane of existence in a brooding, decisive way. "Searching For A Dream" lays bare in rare form's Young and Crazy Horse influences with Betti's and Miller's feedback drenched workouts playing off of Mark Lekas' intricate mandolin and Erik Lekas' bluesy bass notes. It's a stunning track, invoking memories of Sampedro and Young dueling together on "Cortez the Killer."

An original piece that plays off of the strengths of guitarists Miller and Betti, “Blind Man” hauntingly recreates a deeply centered movement that brings to mind the structured nuances of Panic's "Driving Song." Betti and Miller navigate around the song's highly improvised jazzy riffs, supported by Hall's tight drumming. They create a heady mixture that drives In Rare Form's bluesy, spacey sound to its outer reaches.

If you like your jams dark and mystic or full of electric guitar effects with a late 60's bent to them, then in rare form's music will suffice when there's a full moon outside. It'll send shivers up and down your spine.

- An Honest Tune


"CD Review"

Here are my comments, first of all I want to let you know I really liked it upon the first listen and that is saying alot when listening to a new band for the first time.

I can tell you guys are influenced alot by bands like Widespread Panic, Big Head and a little bit of Tragically Hip in there...the Dead, Allman Bros.

Song #1 --Pretty Good---this to me sounds like an old Big Head Todd song, especially vocally...I like the solo around 1:40

Song #2---I really like this song--Did you play both guitars in the beginning? I like the subtle use of the mandolin. The runs are really nice though. Vocally...the roughness of the voice works well with the crisp sound of the guitar.

Song #3- I really like this song too--This to me sounds definelty like a mellow Widespread song, especially vocally. I like the slow bending note then the deep chord part in the verse....the chorus is magic though.

Song #4 Soul Tub?????----This sounds like the Chips stuff you used to play in college. I like the part around 1:20-1:35- Not much big into rap....but I do like the funk!---The chorus reminds me of early Chili Peppers choruses...true men don't kill coyotes

Song #5--Doesn't really stand out to me from the rest of the songs...which again are quite good

Song #6- Starts out with the Allman Brothers--Jessica type vibe- Vocally again sounding like Big Head and somebody I can't quite put my finger on...now I know, this band called Black Happy-----local Idaho band back in the 90's, you wouldn't know them.....I dig this song alot

Song #7- I like this song too...mostly because the changes between fast and moderate tempo's--The part where he is speaking is like Nick Cave's Wild Rose or something---another one where the mandolin is a nice accent---and the wah is great at the end

Song #8- Nice little ditty----the Vocals at 1:00 scared me the first time through, I listened to this at home the first few times, with my big system cranked up and that part shocked me

Song #9- I like this one alot too...nice groove....needs to be played loud!


My favorite songs in descending order #2,6,3,9,7,8,1,4,5

Overall, I really dig it....still a little rough around the edges, but I think better production would take care of that. My only other minor criticism is that the singers seems to lack a little range, but again I think better production could change that. I played it for my girlfriend and didn't tell her it was your band she also really like it. I I wish I could see you guys live....I bet it is a really good show. Anyway I hope this was helpful and thanks for letting me comment on it!!!!
- Independent


"CD Review"

Here are my comments, first of all I want to let you know I really liked it upon the first listen and that is saying alot when listening to a new band for the first time.

I can tell you guys are influenced alot by bands like Widespread Panic, Big Head and a little bit of Tragically Hip in there...the Dead, Allman Bros.

Song #1 --Pretty Good---this to me sounds like an old Big Head Todd song, especially vocally...I like the solo around 1:40

Song #2---I really like this song--Did you play both guitars in the beginning? I like the subtle use of the mandolin. The runs are really nice though. Vocally...the roughness of the voice works well with the crisp sound of the guitar.

Song #3- I really like this song too--This to me sounds definelty like a mellow Widespread song, especially vocally. I like the slow bending note then the deep chord part in the verse....the chorus is magic though.

Song #4 Soul Tub?????----This sounds like the Chips stuff you used to play in college. I like the part around 1:20-1:35- Not much big into rap....but I do like the funk!---The chorus reminds me of early Chili Peppers choruses...true men don't kill coyotes

Song #5--Doesn't really stand out to me from the rest of the songs...which again are quite good

Song #6- Starts out with the Allman Brothers--Jessica type vibe- Vocally again sounding like Big Head and somebody I can't quite put my finger on...now I know, this band called Black Happy-----local Idaho band back in the 90's, you wouldn't know them.....I dig this song alot

Song #7- I like this song too...mostly because the changes between fast and moderate tempo's--The part where he is speaking is like Nick Cave's Wild Rose or something---another one where the mandolin is a nice accent---and the wah is great at the end

Song #8- Nice little ditty----the Vocals at 1:00 scared me the first time through, I listened to this at home the first few times, with my big system cranked up and that part shocked me

Song #9- I like this one alot too...nice groove....needs to be played loud!


My favorite songs in descending order #2,6,3,9,7,8,1,4,5

Overall, I really dig it....still a little rough around the edges, but I think better production would take care of that. My only other minor criticism is that the singers seems to lack a little range, but again I think better production could change that. I played it for my girlfriend and didn't tell her it was your band she also really like it. I I wish I could see you guys live....I bet it is a really good show. Anyway I hope this was helpful and thanks for letting me comment on it!!!!
- Independent


Discography

Self Released Debut Album, 2002 In Rare Form
We have had radio play in many college towns, in SF, LA, Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Oregon. Also, Radio play internationally Japan, Slovania, Germany and recently Bagdad

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Bio

IN RARE FORM is comprised of three musicians who like to take music to new levels. The summer of 2001 was the debut of IN RARE FORM’s original San Francisco rock-and-roll sound, but the band “formed” much earlier, as its members have been playing together for years. IN RARE FORM keeps the crowd groovin’ through inventive mandolin solos, powerful vocals, infectious bass lines, creative guitar chops and the occasional unannounced, infamous donut-eating contest, starring the Lekas brothers. All in all, the band has one goal in mind: to extract the best out of each member and bring it to the stage.
The foundation for IN RARE FORM begins with the Lekas brothers. Having played together for over 10 years, Erik and Mark share a musical chemistry only known to siblings. Erik is a prolific lyricist, whose vocals lead much of the band’s numbers. His dynamic bass lines energize the music, underlying much of its tone and animation. Younger brother, Mark, is exceptionally creative on the mandolin, taking the instrument to new levels of experimentation and improvisation. Mark truly has invented his own signature style, which combines his “Dawgesque” approach to music and his background as an electric guitar player.
IN RARE FORM’s drummer, Steve Strehler, holds the group together with his experience and knowledge of music. He is able to pull the different sounds of Mark’s mandolin, and electric guitar. IN RARE FORM recorded its first studio CD in April 2002. This self-titled album has been played on 93.7 KSFM in San Francisco, Vermont, Colorado, Arkansas, Germany, Slovinia, UK, Bagdad and 97.1 FM in Los Angeles. The band is continuing to learn and grow as it constantly books and plays more live shows. IN RARE FORM’s second CD, which is in production, will have 12 new songs and has a target release date set in April 2007. With a planned national tour this summer, In Rare Form is looking to take their Whiskey Drinking Ass Shakin Groove Rock to anew audiences everywhere.

IN RARE FORM has performed at the following venues:
Broadway Studios (SF); Tongue & Groove (SF); Hard Rock Café (Newport Beach, CA); Red Devil Lounge (SF); Wente Vineyards— acoustic set (Livermore, CA); Hotel Utah (SF); Blake’s (Berkeley, CA); Lost & Found (SF); Ocean Fest-Farallones Marine Sanctuary (SF); Ireland’s 32 (SF); The G Street Pub (Davis, CA); Sweet Springs Saloon (SLO, CA); Josh Slocumb’s (Newport Beach, CA); Dave & Buster’s (Orange, CA); Last Day Saloon (SF, CA), Absinthe (Santa Barbara, CA)Compass Commuinty Charity Holiday Party (SF, CA); Great American Music Hall among others.
IN RARE FORM is interested in booking club dates, indoor/outdoor concerts and benefits. Log on to www.in-rare-form.net to view photos, schedules, listen to mp3s, etc. Contact the band for additional booking information at 415.885.1949 or write to:
In Rare Form
1238 Kearny St
San Francisco, CA 94133

Band Members