Legendary combo, The Strawberry Alarm Clock played an amazing 16-song set to an enthusiastic crowd at Tiki Oasis on August 9. Part of Tiki Oasis’ annual, event closing, Rock ‘n’ Roll Party, the performance doubled as an album release show for their new album, Where’s One, out now via Big Stir Records, with the concert taking place at the Town and Country Resort’s Pacific Ballroom. The live music was preceded by a signing session in the venue’s lobby.
Best known for their #1 1967 hit, “Incense and Peppermints,” The Strawberry Alarm Clock are not resting on their laurels. Where’s One is a superb album, studio helmed by the band’s guitarist, Steve Bartek. Sonically it sounds great, but it’s also filled with excellent musicianship, soaring harmonies and best of all, really good songs. First single “Monsters” and should be follow up single, “I’m Not The One,” in particular, are wonderful examples of psychedelia infused pop-rock, with really strong hooks.
The group still features five original members: Steve Bartek (guitars, flute, producer), George Bunnell (bass, rhythm guitars, vocals), Gene Gunnels (drums, percussion, vocals), Randy Seol (drums, vibes, percussion, vocals) and Mark Weitz (keyboards, vocals), joined by Howie Anderson (lead guitar, vocals) who became part of the band in 1986.
Back to the show. The Loons were originally set to kick the evening off, but as frontman Mike Stax announced from the stage, a scheduling conflict with a band member prevented them from being able to play. So, instead the Strawberry Alarm Clock started a little earlier at 7:05, and played a little longer than originally scheduled. Meanwhile, DJ Tony the Tyger kept things jumping between sets, with The Pandoras closing out the night.
Interestingly, The Strawberry Alarm Clock performed songs from their first three albums and their most recent release, but nothing was included from their middle two albums, 1969’s Good Morning Starshine, and 2012’s Wake Up Where You Are. It was also a varied audience, with original fans in attendance, but also a lot of younger folks who seemed well versed in the band’s music and history.
As befits an album release show, the majority of the night’s set was built around Where’s One, with 8 of its 13 tracks played. The concert started, as does the new album, with the brief acapella piece, “Feel the Love,” which the group followed with another track from the album, “Tahitian Gardens,” the Strawberry Alarm Clock then hitting its stride alternating new and vintage tracks, until the home stretch. It was all very well received, with 1967’s “Birds in My Tree,” in particular getting a big cheer.
One of the night’s highlights was the new song, “I’m Not The One,” which had the whole ballroom moving, even the folks at the tables. Considering it’s a brand-new song, this one really connected. As impressive as the vocals were throughout, the musicianship was also second to none, with wonderful instrumentation, including various percussive elements, flute and vibes, all adding to the kaleidoscope of sound emanating from the stage. Adding to the atmosphere were projections and video on a set of screens behind the band, alongside the colored stage lights and decorations.
The Strawberry Alarm Clock closed their set with three songs from their 1967 debut album, including the title track, with “Rainy Day Mushroom Pillow” going right into “Incense and Peppermints,” cueing a sea of cellphones, before playing a terrific version of “Worlds On Fire.” The set wrapped up with the night’s sole cover, a rousing recast take of The Beatles classic “Day Tripper,” as heard on the new album, but here played with even more fire. The crowd absolutely loved it.
It may be sixty years since The Strawberry Alarm Clock first hit the charts, but they’ve lost none of their passion for playing and writing great music in the decades since. Indeed, what the band achieved at this show was nothing short of stunning, with fans seriously impressed with how good it all sounded, compliments to the band and the very good soundman. Best of all you could tell the band was having as much fun as the audience, who remained pressed up against the stage from the shows start to finish. By all means you need a copy of their new album, Where’s One, its a great listen. But just as importantly, if you get a chance to catch The Strawberry Alarm Clock live, don’t pass up the opportunity! You won’t be disappointed.
https://strawberryalarmclock.com
