When The Attorneys’ John Wlaysewski greeted late night International Pop Overthrow Festival revelers with a well-timed quip worthy of Conan, Jay, Jimmy, or Dave: “this show is pro-bono” it’s quite possible they thought he was saluting the U2 singer-statesman who lives in the neighborhood.
At The Baggot Inn, an Irish-themed watering hole and west Greenwich Village indie rock enclave, The Attorneys found themselves on the receiving end of Festival founder and longtime Amplifier Magazine contributor David Bash’s gushing hosannas. And rightly so. Comprised of guitarist Wlaysewski, who also does a commendable job of singing harmony, vocalist/keyboardist William Ryan George, bassist Evan Joyce, and drummer Ken Weisbach, the young foursome are destined for greatness, that is, if all the stars align properly.
Akin to modern pop rockers Hot Hot Heat, Rufus Wainwright, and the Attorneys’ self professed classic influences The Police and Queen, the lads have songs and chops in no short supply. George’s vocal prowess is expansive - he could star on Broadway or hold court at Madison Square. Wlaysewski brings to mind a young Bill Nelson, who also possessed the uncanny ability to meld experimental guitar motifs into sophisticated pop song structures. Joyce, a recent addition which allows George to devote his full efforts to singing and playing keys, lays down the groove with funky, unconventional lines that should garner him his own following. Weisbach is the rhythmic tether that holds it all together.
Rendering cuts from their recent release Stereocracy The Attorneys confronted the spectators head on - which is no small task in the most jaded city in the musical world. “We come across best in front of unpretentious audiences” notes Wlaysewski, “not necessarily smaller ones. I actually think we could sell an arena show given the right lighting! We write and play for the rafters no matter the venue. This is what we do best. I do feel that New York City is in a constant state of one-upping the trends and irrelevant re-definition - lots of staring at the floor and facial hair - you can gauge what’s hipster in the moment by who is represented in the latest American Apparel ad.”
Due to the IPO’s stacked schedule, The Attorneys kept their set relatively brief and packed with potential hits. Joyce’s staccato groove on “Stay” lifted the drunks off their stools and onto the makeshift dance floor near the club entrance (note: dancing to live music is prohibited in Manhattan) - fortunately law enforcement looked the other way - or at the NYU college girls grinding to “On A Whim,” “Madison,” and “She Got It.”
In addition to the band’s individual talents, Wlaysewski is quick to emphasize The Attorneys’ two essential credos: serve the song and simplify. “I feel great respect and freedom in this project, and love all the members for their service to the higher calling of the composition over their egos and need to prove their musicianship.”
As for those properly aligned stars, The Attorneys are fully aware of the uncertain state of the music business with regard to the slow demise of record labels and traditional methods of distribution. Though bands such as Radiohead have the latitude to let the marketplace decide their fate The Attorneys are exploring the many options available to them.
“A great learning experience this whole music business is” says Wlaysewski. “I feel smarter for just having participated!”
--Tom Semioli
