Live Review: The Constellations, Soulphonics & Ruby Velle @ The EARL, September 10

By Sam Parvin

With The Constellations’ recent signing to Virgin Records, I
anticipated a rather rowdy show at The EARL on Thursday night, and, girl, was I
right! There was not one disengaged body
in the bar – the performers would not stand for such allowances.

Peaking around the corner through the back door to The
EARL’s music room, I was a little surprised that more people weren’t there
yet. After all, the show was slated to
begin at 9, and I graced the scene close to 10:30. But the musings of Ruby Velle were undeniably
strong and drawing in more spectators in each minute’s passing. Ruby’s voice is sultry and strong, sexy yet
fun, and her musical style is difficult to find in the 21^st
century. The six-piece band, complete
with a horns section (two saxophones and a trumpet), evoke sounds of 1960s soul
and funk that is undeniably danceable.
By the end of their set, I was amped up for The Constellations, already
making plans to check out Soulphonics in the near future, and developing a
small woman-crush on Ms. Ruby.

Now the back room at The EARL
was near capacity. Lead singer Elijah
Jones and the seven other members of the band evoked a commanding energy that
permeated the smoky room. The
Constellations hung out in the crowd during the Soulphonics and Ruby Velle set,
which is always welcomed and the sign of an artist in “it” for the right reason
– the love of music. It just made me that
much more excited for their success, the future of the band, and their drive to
create immense music.

The Constellations played their radio success “Felicia”
about three songs in. “On My Way Up” was
next, then “Step Right Up”, an Atlanta favorite. The song takes its listeners on a journey
through Atlanta’s venues and music scene, shouting out to “Buckhead frat boys,”
the Clermont Lounge, last call at 2 a.m. at the Drunken Unicorn, and more; and
of course the crowd went wild when Elijah paid tribute to a “Saturday night at
The EARL.”

The energy present at The Constellations’ shows is impressive
– not only from the performers, but also from the audience. Clap Squad Alaina Terry and Shabnam Bashiri keep the band,
audience, and energy in full-swing, with their “ooo’s” and “yeah’s.” The musicians seamlessly integrate their
sounds into the vibe of the room, and Jones acts as a
cheerleader in keeping his audience’s energy high.

This Southern Gothic band has forged a unique path through
Atlanta music, and their live shows display that they are deserving of their
success. Atlanta is so excited for the
recent and future success of one of its most unique and creative live bands. Catch them soon, or you’ll be cramming into a
larger venue next time around!