Nov 17 2008
Music Night in Space City - 11/14/2008 (Part One)
The TonTons at The Mink (10-11pm)
Part One of tonight’s festivities took place at one of my new favorite venues in Houston, The Mink. Located at what might be the primary new hub of energy for artistic/musical/cultural types in the 18-30-year-old set, Alabama and Main, The Mink seems set to take its spot as one of the “it” locales in town, where the dive feel of the place runs right into the swank aspirations of its clientele. Moreover, the night itself was set aside to play host to an event entitled “Forsa Pink’s Almost Famous Fashion Show,” and who better to kick the night off with a band than The TonTons, one of the most exciting and talented new bands in the entire Houston scene.
Led by a tiny young woman and her big, booming, soulful voice, this ethnically diverse quartet concocts for their fans a searing blend of ‘60s-‘70s blues and psychedelic rock that is quite irresistible. But their sound is far from mournful or languid – there’s a distinctly powerful swagger to their sound that’s first created by the excellent guitar work and then duly supported by the booming bass and powerful drumming. What often proves to most important with seeing any band live is: a) whether or not they are enjoying themselves on stage; and b) whether or not their stage energy is carrying over onto the assembled crowd. Suffice to say that The TonTons had the room full of 40-50 folks on their feet, singing along, and dancing to the music. In my opinion, what really makes this band work is that the vivacious and gregarious lead singer knows when to step back a bit and allow her bandmates to really get down deep into the music. The band’s rocking ten-song set proved to be an excellent way to start my evening.
