For most people, grinding it out every day and working hard
enough to make something that matters is a grueling, challenging bore. For Free
Energy, taking to the road for months on end and spreading throwback rock love
across the nation is not only accomplishing something remarkable, it’s also a
damn blast. I caught up with the band in Los Angeles for a two-night hangout at
the Echoplex, with Mates of State headlining.
Burning through the country,
generating face-tingling buzz, the boys show no signs of slowing down any time
soon. And why would they? When you get to play exactly what you
yourself would want to listen to, dance to, and makeout to every night, life is
pretty rad. Night after night the boys bring both a nostalgic rock vibe and a
fresh, fist-pumping spirit that is largely absent from the mild-mannered indie
rock scene. In their spare time, they’re digging up cassette tapes, buying vans
safe enough to cross state lines, and guerrilla hot-tubbing. I was sad to let
them go. After a set of sweet moves, legit guitar sounds and melodies that hook
into brain and stay there, everyone wants more. Like candy. For this reason, the
band has been referred to as a novelty, one that’s longevity could be limited
to the youth of sticky hot summer days and inner tubes on rivers. This narrow
thought couldn’t be further from the truth. Last I checked, fun times and music
that makes you feel good aren’t going out of style any time soon. And amped
rock that manages to mix the best of the old with a completely new and kickass
power is something we’ve been starved for. Free Energy is letting us get fed. Those of us lucky enough to live in Chicago get them for the Pitchfork Music Festival this month. Everyone else should check a calendar and buy some tickets. I think right about now they’re rocking
the pants off the southern part of the country. Which is, I suppose, just
another day at the office.
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