It is hard to pinpoint No Address down. As songwriters go, singer Ben Lauren is quickly proving himself to be a cut above the norm. And as musicians rate, the band is putting in solid performances night in and night out. But there just seems to be something that is missing from making these two connections meld together on stage. Lauren has the perfect small-club repertoire down, as he chain smokes and drinks his Corona like another band may raid the band's dressing room at any time. He moves nonchalant across the Newport stage like a comfortable cat that just ate a big meal. Even when he hops in the security pit to sing with the crowd, there is very little added pizzazz to his persona, and it's as if Lauren assumes the response to his each act.
Although the band's debut release on Atlantic, Time Doesn't Notice, and their single Sadie (When I'm Gone) have a great melding sound on record and radio, the band seems to still be putting their live show together. Lauren interacted very little with the rest of the band, and the band seemed to me more concerned with its own chords and beats than what was happening in front of them. No Address has tremendously solid songs, with vocals sounding more like Mike Ness of Social Distortion than a pop-rock band, and even their sometimes dark lyrics fall more to that realm, yet their structure and tempos are almost Heartbreaker-esque.
From reading Laruen's lyrics or just listening to his music, there is definitely a man vs. woman motif repeated over and over again, almost as if Lauren himself is struggling his place in a relationship. And those lyrics and solid beats behind them are definitely striking a chord with the audience, and more with the women than men. From across the Newport's floor, more than a few younger females were singing back every lyric melted out through his microphone.
There is no doubt that this band as definite potential to be a mainstay in the industry. With memorable lyrics that are relatable, and musicianship that is more than reputable, yet not overpowering, No Address is well on their way to having a stable career. But there is work to be done for their live show, especially once they break out of the smaller club shows. Lauren brings the ambiance of a local band playing at a pub, and once he breaks out of his mold and attacks the stage with more enthusiasm, that will give the band more opportunity to free themselves.
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