Kirby Krackle - 'Live In Seattle'

Open The Fridge is headed to San Diego Comic-Con this weekend, and I think I know what I'll be listening to on the plane.

Out today is the latest album by nerd rock band Kirby Krackle, appropriately titled Live In Seattle. Recorded at the Seattle Hard Rock Cafe during the band's annual concert, Kracklefest, the album features live performances of some of KK's most popular songs, including "Nerd Money," "I Wanna Live In A World Full Of Heroes," and "Ring Capacity."

If you saw OTF's interview with Kyle Stevens and Jim Demonakos, the gentlemen behind the band, you'll know that the Seattle-based pair of nerd rockers have a passion for comics, video games, and the like, pouring every ounce of that love and appreciation into their music. Songs from their previous albums embodied that passion, but this live, high-energy display brings it to a whole new level (pun intended).

It's one thing to hear good rock on a studio album, but when a band takes to the stage with a full complement and pours their collective hearts into a performance, you can feel it. I had the great opportunity to hear KK live at Wizard World Philly, but that was just Kyle on stage with some pre-recorded tracks and his acoustic guitar. It was a great show, but Live In Seattle, backed up by the likes of Adam WarRock and Kristina Horner and surrounded by a room full of fans, songs like "Roll Over" and "Great Lakes Avengers" find new energy. When Kyle can let the audience take over during "Ring Capacity," you have a good thing going.

Amidst the fan-favorites, the album also features a cover of A-ha's 80s hit, "Take On Me," a first for Kirby Krackle. It's a surprising addition to the performance, but oddly enough, it doesn't feel out of place. KK's established style, which already harkens back to several pop hits of the 80s, makes this cover feel right at home among the superheroes and video games.

If you're a fan of Kirby Krackle's previous work, and appeciate the added energy of a live performance, I highly recommend adding this album to your music library. If you have not heard their work, I recommend even HIGHER that you check it out at KirbyKrackle.com.

Kirby Krackle continues to entertain with their unique, yet familar style. If you're among the lucky fans to be on the West Coast for SDCC this week, stop by booth #1803 to meet Kyle and Jim, or see KK's acoustic set for Warner Brothers' EXTRA on Friday, July 13th at 6:00pm.

Check out Live In Seattle at Bandcamp and in the music store at KirbyKrackle.com!