Maroon 5/Michael Tolcher/Melbourne
The TLA, Philadelphia, PA - October 31, 2003

As if South Street wasn't freaky enough, try throwing three ragin' bands and hundreds of pumped fans in for a Halloween bash. No wonder the show was off the hook!

Maroon 5 headlined their first show in Philadelphia with guests Melbourne and Michael Tolcher. Some came in costume and some didn't - but everyone had a blast.

Melbourne filled in for the then-ill Gavin DeGraw. Yes, I was bummed not to see DeGraw, but it was cool to see this Decent Xposure compilation CD band live. Their sound is harder, but its still quality. My only problem with their performance was that the lead singer didn't have enough mic - or at least I couldn't hear what he was saying. Nevertheless, this Raleigh, North Carolina band not only knows how to amp up their electric guitars with a Radiohead-like edge, but they know how to dress. Yes, ladies, the lead singer wearing a velvet blazer. Nuff said.

I really liked their song, "Allyson", which I reviewed during our DX promotion. Nice stuff. I hope to hear more from them

Then it was onto Michael Tolcher. After hearing his upcoming album (trust me, you'll adore it as much as I do), I was eager to see him. Rightfully so, because this crazed Atlanta artist is nothing near ordinary - musically, or personally.

The rest of his band took the stage and I glared at the front mic. Tolcher was nowhere to be seen. And then came a deep, dark, ghoulish voice, reciting a hauntingly comedic yet freakish poem about his excitement for the show, and his obsession to ward off all evil and have fun.

"I am the warrior, the divine destroyer," Tolcher recited over the system. He then stepped out, in costume of course, and began to play. Boasting angels' wings on his back, everyone seemed pleased to hear his distinctive acoustic rock sound. For me, I could feel this is the beginning of great things for this Octone Records artist. He really got the crowd going.

With a fun-loving stage presence, Tolcher is the kind of performer who enjoys himself when he's playing, and is genuinely happy to sing his songs. He can rhyme like Jason Mraz and jam like the Barenaked Ladies or The Clarks. It's a rich blend of funk, alt rock, jam band antics and spoken word frenzies.

But the best thing about this emerging artist is that his songs carry a message. In "Sooner or Later", which is destined to be his debut hit in my eyes, he sings about learning things on your own and letting things work themselves out."Mission Responsible" boasts"make a difference" inspiration. By the time he was done with his seven-song set, I sincerely didn't want him to get off stage just yet - I wanted to hear more.

His upcoming album, I Am, is sure to be a hit, and I can tell that this funky musician can lure people in with his live sounds as much as his studio remixes. I was pleased to tell another concertgoer all about him when she asked who he was. (Cuz you get a lot of questions when you're writing like mad during a kickin' rock show. Don't' worry, I rock out, too.)

Honestly, looking back, I think because I've seen Maroon 5 three times now, I can say that although they rock, Tolcher really made the show for me. Hopefully he'll get a bunch more fans out of his touring stint with Maroon 5, rightfully deserved. Oh yah, and he's a pretty cool guy...energetic to say the least!

When it was Maroon 5's turn to take the stage, and the crowd responded overwhelmingly when they did. Dressed up in diverse costumes ranging from the ghost on drums to Peter Pan on bass, the band opened with "This Love."

But it was hard not to laugh uncontrollably, as headman Adam Levine was dressed in drag. I'd heard he told MTV he may pull off the stunt. Boy did he ever in M5 attire (low hip huggers and a midriff baby T). Although, his "cleavage" didn't last too long, as the rocker had a roadie strip off his sutffed bra.

"I have a huge respect for women...tonight," joked Levine, as he continued on with "Tangled", "The Sun", and"Through With You." He defined his get-up as"a sorta hootchie mama Maroon 5 fan."

I was kinda taken back by the middle of the performance, sentimentally happy for them - they've come very far and now they're their own phenomenon. It's always great to see a band truly emerge. They don't need big headlining acts anymore, and it's nice to see that people are finally recognizing how unique and fresh their sound is.

"Secret" was also played, and in it, Levine harmonized, giving it a different live sound in addition to the slower tempo. Nice. They went through much of their album,"Songs About Jane", and played"Wasted Years," too.

Returning for their encore, the band jammed off with "Must Get Out" and"Frontin" by the Neptunes. Oh yah, toilet paper flew through the air, tons of rolls, tons of fun. I didn't get pelted, either, which was a plus.

The end of the evening got even better for Andre Coles, 20, Philadelphia. The band pulled him on stage during the funkish rap tune and let him take the mic for a minute. He got the crowd utterly pumped as he rapped away. Levine managed to get his mic back, said his goodbyes and the crowd continued to beg for more.

"I think I single handedly scared the shit out of all the evil spirits," Levine concluded.

It was a great show, and I got to hang out with the awesome gals from HB Charities. (Oh yah, and Dan!) The HB gals are the ones who have partnered with Maroon 5 to hold food drives at a bunch of their shows. A truly caring, fun group of ladies who care enough to make concerts worthwhile - thanks for the fun times, girls. It was nice to methane!

Note: I did not get arrested. Yet. If you don't know what this means, that's good.

Reviewed by Kristen Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com