Winter’s icy grip has kept much of the Midwest in a bitter chokehold this year, and though there’s no quick-fix remedy, temporary relief could be found in a night of smoldering bluegrass for the good of family. After the untimely death of guitarist and founding member Kirk Rundstrom, Split Lip Rayfield nearly called it quits. Now, nearly a year since Rundstorm’s passing, the remaining members regrouped for a winter tour to benefit the former guitarist’s family, in particular his two young daughters. The near-capacity crowd had clearly made an effort to support the cause and the band. Eric Mardis, Wayne Gottstine and Jeff Eaton responded by blasting through a slew of furious uptempo, punk-influenced bluegrass during the extended single set.
Explosive renditions of Split Lip favorites “Kiss of Death” and “A Little More Cocaine Please” focused eyes toward the lightening-quick mandolin riffs from Gottstine, whose precision complemented the bouncy rhythmic backbone established by Eaton and his custom one-stringed gas tank bass. The interplay between the three was playful and humorous and created a casual, yet inviting atmosphere. Mardis even joked about how Eaton majored in kazoo at Berklee School of Music before a quirky version of “Never Make it Home,” which, sure enough, featured a lively kazoo solo from Eaton. Even though much of the material was fast-paced, the somber take on “Crazy” allowed for a much-needed breather and was a highlight of the evening.
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