Speakeasy gets ill (video)

illScarlett can be found in the Urban Dictionary between ill sauce and ill shatner.

The definition?

"Only the coolest band in the world... based in the Sauga they rock this ska scenes world."

Grammatical weirdness aside, this is a true testament to the impact the Mississauga (AKA the Sauga) band has had.

A textbook case of how creativity and determination pays off, Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman invited illScarlet to join the last three Canadian and US tours after they set up generators in the parking lot and played to entertain fans waiting in line.

An infectious combination of rock, ska, reggae, punk and dub, their music is created for one purpose.

Partying.

While the music is written and performed to induce skanking (a dance typically done while listening to ska music) in the most timid of concert goers, the lyrics are sometimes quite serious and socially aware.

From Heaters, "We are livin' in a police state / Situations getting grave / Right now / I'm takin' it."

Tuesday night's appearance by illScarlett at Algoma University's Speakeasy was an energy-driven, skank-inspiring party of the highest level.

Performing mostly original material from their past repertoire as well as from their upcoming June release, they also snuck in a few covers by their most obvious influence, Sublime.

Completely surprising was a most enjoyable cover of Billy Joel's The Longest Time.

"This is what happens when you don't have a set list and you have no idea what to play," said singer/guitar player Alex Norman.

"Nothin' you can do about it. I have the mic. I feel like God right now."

Local show-openers, the Economy Studs were given a huge thumbs up by illScarlett near the end of the night as Norman sang their praises.

"How about that opening band, the Economy Studs? That's one of the best drummers in the world right there," exclaimed Norman, much to the delight of Studs' drummer, Robbie Adamson.

The small yet mighty audience at the Speakeasy was not about to let the band off the hook and enthusiastically demanded an encore.

After their two-song follow-up, the members of illScarlett eagerly accepted fan compliments and signed any and every piece of band paraphernalia people could get their hands on.

Without a doubt, an "ill" (cool, tight, sweet) band, expect to hear more from illScarlet.

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