Show: Mr. Fish
Band members:  Kyle Little, Kaevan Tavakolinia, Nathan Goldman, Alex "Fish" Friend, Tyler Kelly
Date saw the show:  July 27, 2008
Place saw the show:  Kansas City, Missouri, Fringe Festival

Reviewed by:  Deborah Ground Buckner (Kansas City Correspondent - USA)

A garage band has quickly made its way out of the garage, writing original songs, playing its own gigs, and selling its own CD.  If this isn't impressive enough, consider that the five band members are all sixteen years old.  They have been playing together for about two years, and it is evident they are comfortable with their music and each other.

Despite a hot, stuffy venue and problems with amplifiers, Mr. Fish put on a fun show.  The band consists of Kyle Little, lead vocalist and guitarist; Kaevan Tavakolinia, bassist; Nathan Goldman, vocalist and guitarist; Alex "Fish" Friend, keyboardist and saxophonist; and Tyler Kelly, drummer.  They kept the house rocking with original songs such as "I Wanna Get My Ass to Space," "I Want to Ride on the Octopus," and, a love song that is an ode to "Salad."

Whether it was amp trouble or a sixteen-year-old desire to be as loud as possible, there were sound problems that sometimes obscured the vocals.  That's a shame because we don't want to miss things like:  "Sometimes I don't thrill you/Sometimes I think I'll kill you . . . When I need a friend, it's still you."  There is a lot of truth about relationships packed into those three rhythmic lines. 

Through it all, some great musicianship is apparent.  The band members looked like they were having fun, and it was a pleasure to be there as they played.  They exhibit an impressive poise and stage presence for so young a group.  For example, when a curtain forming a make-shift wall collapsed, one of the guys quipped, "Mr. Fish-breaking down barriers!" then looked up and said, "Ceiling, you're next!" 

While many garage bands never escape the smell of motor oil, this group is already out stirring up a sweat in a hot venue.  Check them out at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=52431046 where you can also order a copy of their cd, Soft Serve Assault.