Concert Review: KatsüK Occupies Lola's 6th

On Saturday night in Funkytown, revolution was in the air – refusing to be washed out by even the unexpected and torrential downpour.

Revolution, of course, has been all over the social media, the alternative news, and even in small print in mainstream news sources. Occupy Wall Street and now Occupy Dallas are front and center in the minds of many. The revolutionary spirit even reached Lola’s Sixth Street, and a triple-bill dubbed “Occupy Lola’s.” With a full band KatsüK show as the main event, I needed no convincing to join this sit-in.

I arrived late, just as Interstellar Transmission were finishing up there psychedelic set. The Austin-based psychedelic band consists of Gavin McGowen (guitars), Nathan Wilson (drums), and Wilyum Jerome (keyboards). I found myself wishing I had been able to hear more of these guys and will definitely check them out on a later date.

There is always been a sort of a spiritual energy associated with one of KatsüK’s shows, a certain organic quality that leaves you at peace – at once calm and energized. The band consists of Daniel KatsüK (guitar, flute, and vocals), Everlovin’ Jones (drums), D. Anson Brody (bass) Jeff Dahlgren (guitar) and Orion Pitts (violin).

As always, the musicianship was first rate, the vocals were powerful and emphatic, and the crowd was energized. But just as the mood in the country is different, so was the mood on Saturday night. The music still had that ethereal quality, but there was a funkier, harder edge to it. Daniel KatsüK even switched to electric guitar for much of the set. It felt unlike any of the KatsüK shows I’ve attended in the past.

I sat and closed my eyes to listen to the music, but the guy next to me kept shaking me and telling me to wake up. I was profoundly awake, though. Hand-drawn paper signs covered the wall behind the band with lyrics such as, “bullets are decisions”, “A Mask Unmade of Sabotage,” and “The Winners Rewriting History.” At various points, KatsüK they played songs dedicated to Anonymous and the Occupy Dallas protest.

At times in human history, there is a need for moral outrage and activism. Now seems to be just such a time. Occupy Lola’s brought the energy of Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Dallas protests to Fort Worth, but also provide a healthy sonic outlet for some of that anxiety and frustration. The show reminded us that, whether it’s on Wall Street in New York, Harry Hines in Dallas, or Lola’s in Fort Worth, we’re all just searching for justice, safety and peace.