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Aich Madness Live at A&R Music Bar
8.6/10
Hip Hop
Reviewed By: Jewels Alexandria
(3 Minute Read)
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Joey brings us front and center for his Aich Madness tour at the A&R Music Bar in Columbus, Ohio. It feels almost as if there is a seat with your name written personally on it. It is very rare we get a live album from an underground artist. And the importance to experience an artist live, famous or underground, gives a sense of pureness and brings the music alive. It’s like a time stamp we can reference back to. Open Tree House, originally released in 2020 continues to transform and blossom into something so profoundly beautiful, it was only right he released a live album to top it off. From the regular release to a deluxe edition and now some live audio, Aich continues to set the standard for hard work and discipline. Furthermore, the Aich Madness tour gives a little more than Open Tree House. He gives us music from 2018’s If Money Grew on Trees, 2021’s Out Of My Own Way, The Full Painting –EP (2021) as well has a number of singles he released throughout the years.
Immediately, the crowds’ energy is felt as the hype man/DJ pumps the crowd up, “when I say Jo-ey, you say Aich!” As if he is talking directly to you. The drums, played by Dae, as Joey approaches the mic are sick. And if you have never seen The Head Band live, this is the next best thing. He then jumps straight into Pass Go with an explosive vibrancy that sends chills underneath the skin. “Suburban kid but got it on my own.” The crowd’s cheers and energy electrifies Joey as he introduces the band by numbers. Similar to basketball positions, and then beautifully transitions into, Somewhere over Kansas. A song that describes expectations or plans we made for ourselves at a young age before realizing patience is key.
Live albums also allow room for the artist to change lyrics or melodies and gives us a chance to hear what the band is capable of. Almost as if hearing your favorite song for the first time all over again. The end of Siren Time has a piano finish that makes me appreciate the song in a whole new way. For just 20 seconds, the band is able to transform the track into one of the most attractive and relaxing tunes. Running it back two more times is automatic.
But one of the most alluring aspects of the of Aich Madness album, is Joey Aich expressing is gratitude for not only the support, but his drive and dedication to the art. He respect’s the process and time it takes to achieve complete harmonious unity with this thing called music. And he does it all gracefully and with huge a smile on his face.
September 4, 2024