By: Nikki Maoz

Tauk :: 01.16.10 :: The Bitter End :: Long Island, NY

The name of the band, Tauk, is a reference to Montauk, or what locals call “The End” of Long Island. However, with another powerful performance at The Bitter End, the group proved that “The End” is nowhere in sight.

The packed house became immediately engaged with the band’s contagious energy as they kicked off the show with their most popular tune, “Eva,” a perfect blend of jam, funk and rock. Charming a demographic ranging from jazz fans to jam fanatics was a simple task for the talented quintet – Alessandro Zanelli (lead vocals), Matt Jalbert (guitar, back-up vocals), Charlie Dolan (bass), Arlic Carter (keyboards) and Adam Akpinar (drums). The crowd’s reaction to their most recent endeavor at The Bitter End was no different than their last performance in August, however, the band’s musical progression was truly evident after logging serious studio time while recording their full-length debut (which should be out later this year).

One highlight was “Roll with the Punches,” an uplifting tune that allowed the band members as individuals to display their creativity in solo jamming. An animated Zanelli displayed an impressive capacity for vocal range as Dolan’s rhythmic bass lines contrasted beautifully with Jalbert’s raw guitar shredding and Carter’s melodic keyboard undertones. Akpinar’s drumming was especially captivating, with endless change-ups and masterfully executed cues.

The climax of Tauk’s cover of The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” was an undeniable peak for both the band and the audience. In a whirlwind of swelling sound and anticipation, the band teased the audience, introducing the tune with quiet, intriguing musical simplicity, only to then burst into a full on rock-out session filled with passionate wailing and heart-throbbing dynamic changes that left the crowd begging for more. Captivating and exhilarating, the band undeniably gave The Bitter End’s Saturday night attendees something truly exciting to Tauk about.

01.16.10 :: The Bitter End :: Long Island, NY

Eva, Eye To Eye, Does It Matter?, Hiker, Drowned, Roll With the Punches, Turn Me In, Snoopy’s Revenge, Maybe So > I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

JamBase | NYC
Go See Live Music!