pheen

When it comes to local music, you never know what you’re going to get.

Musical prodigies are rare. Every band has to start somewhere and work its way up. This approach is natural, but we can be exposed to some less-than-stellar concert experiences when a band tries to hone their sound (or in some cases, learn how to play).

Every now and then, you stumble upon an up-and-coming band that is comfortable with what they are doing without trying to be something they aren’t. One such band is Pheen.

Consisting of Mike Ulm (vocals), Dan Kurtz (drums), Shane Stevens (bass), Kevin Samuel (guitar) and John Murphy (guitar, backup vocals), Pheen is a band with the word “radio” written all over them.

On Thursday, March 22, Pheen took the stage at Piere’s. Immediately, their stage presence and catchy hooks drew in the crowd and created an electric atmosphere.

Ulm’s vocals are strong and refined. They are melodic in an age where so many bands seem to be trying to out-growl one another. His vocals are complemented by Murphy’s soaring backup vocals--high pitched harmonies that set their sound apart from their contemporaries.

Samuel is a great guitar player who is not afraid to shred when appropriate. His appreciable subtle, yet powerful, guitar riffs heavily contrast with that of bands that rely solely on power chords for a heavy sound.

The rhythm section is deserving of special mention. Kurtz has a crunchy and driving approach to the drums. All of the most successful rock bands from Led Zeppelin to STP have had drummers with a deep, heavy sound. Kurtz is big on the hi-hats and toms, and he does it all with a smile on his face.

Stevens rounds the sound out with his with his booming bass sound, but his claim-to-fame is his stage presence.

Pheen’s show culminated in a satisfying concert experience that gained them more than one new fan.

What was particularly noticeable about this band was how quickly their songs clicked with the listeners. Songs like “In the Mirror” drive rockers with catchy choruses and melodic verses. Pheen is also the type of band that doesn’t confuse the crowd at a live show, and regardless of your musical preference, you will find like one of their songs.

After their set on Piere’s mainstage, the guys from Pheen stuck around to show some love to Heroes4ghosts, a high energy rock cover band fronted by Dave Shmoekel, formerly of Jettingham. With a humble demeanor, these guys are approachable and down to earth.

My hope is that Pheen continues to grow and hone their abilities further. Fort Wayne needs bands who do what they do well.

Check them out at http://profile.myspace.com/pheen - The Communicator