“Sneezy”
Genre: Funk/Soul Jam Band
Debut: June 2016

Rating: 9/10

Not often is there an opening band that leaves such an impression. However, none have left a mark quite like the band ‘Sneezy’ did in their stop in Metro Detroit where they opened for “Dogs In A Pile” at the Magic Stick on Nov. 8.

“Sneezy” a “funk-soul jam band” from Chicago, debuted their first album in mid-2016. They have seven members, Brett O’Connor (lead vocalist/harmonica), Jack Holland (vocals, acoustic guitar) Austin Lutter (background vocals and electric guitar), Tom “Chops” Hannum (bass), Danny Bauer (background vocals and keyboard), Austin Koziol (drums), and Destiny Pivonka (saxophone and vocals).

“Sneezy” has a total of seven albums. Some of their most popular songs on Spotify include ‘Fat Girlfriend’, ‘Busy Things’ and ‘Church in The Morning’ to name a few. Fans of them describe them as being like “Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem in human form,” that “they keep the positive vibes up” and that they “bring the funk” with them wherever they go.

From the beginning  of their show at the Magic Stick it was clear that this band was different than any other.

The band radiated energy the minute they stepped onto the stage. Funky is definitely the best way to describe them, all of the members had tons of energy despite it being about seven in the evening. They played loudly and clearly, dancing and frolicking all over the venue. Nearing the end of their time, two of them even took their shirts off and started running through the crowd. It was safe to say that their music was as energetic as them, and had people stomping their feet at one point.

A lot of the songs they played that night felt very Southern, Bluesy and Jazzy. They did jam a little bit, but it was no 45-minute Dark Star if that’s what some prefer. Even if one is coming in from a completely different taste of music, it’s hard not to like them, even if just because of their energy.

It helps to enjoy a concert better when the venue is good. Places like Little Caesars Arena have terrible sound, and some of the seating makes it difficult to solely focus on the music. The Magic Stick has none of these problems. There’s a bowling alley, a bar and a pizza joint all on the floor level, then the actual concert venue is upstairs. Moving up there, it has two different bars that are usually open, one on the main level and one out on the balcony. The lighting is always perfectly matched with the songs, and the sound is beautiful there. It’s not huge either, which some may prefer since a lot of the time, depending on the band, the members will mill around and mingle after they play. 

“Sneezy” absolutely did, and meeting a few of them did showcase how genuine they are. They were as vivacious and passionate even though they just slammed down harder than a lot of bands tend to do. By the end of the show, they were completely covered in sweat to where they were glistening. This band truly adores what they do and work hard at it, which cannot be said for artists in general in today’s world, especially with the rise of AI and the songs that get generated by it.

“Sneezy” is more than worth seeing, especially if someone wants a more intimate experience. As well as one that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, as some other concerts do. Not everyone has 300 bucks to drop on seeing a big name from far away, compared to the 20 dollars the Dogs In A Pile tickets were.

Having to watch them on a screen at a weird angle rather than being able to see them in their entirety with the naked eye does not compare at all.

The more personal aspect of going and seeing smaller creators is a much better experience unless one wants to get good seats, backstage passes and such to more well-known players.

As of now, the band is touring in Florida through January, although it’s doubtful that they won’t make an appearance here once the snow and slush are gone.

They are a solid 9.5/10 for anyone looking for high-energy, funky, jammy music at an affordable price. There aren’t enough praises that can be sung for them.

For more information on “Sneezy” go to https://sneezymusic.com/band/.