Obvious Pop - Concert Review
by Tony Shore
April 16, 2004 

Celtic Rock?!

While I enjoy traditional Celtic music, I like the merger of traditional Celtic styles with 
progressive rock and fusion even more. That's where Tempest comes in. Their CD's are for the 
most part good, but their live show is even better. 

I saw them for the first time last night in Chippewa Falls, WI. What could have been a small 
town gig disaster actually turned out to be a phenomenal performance and show. Mostly high 
school aged kids showed up, and I was wondering what they would think of this Celtic Rock act, 
complete with fiddle and mandolin. As it turns out, my fears were unfounded, the show was 
great and they captivated the young audience. There was even a large dancing mob of kids up 
in front of the stage, bouncing around wildly to the music for the entire show.

The songs were great, but the most impressive part of it was the performance. Each of the 5 
band members are masters at their instruments. Besides being great, tight players, they really 
have a wild time on stage. They seem to be having so much fun it's infectious, and the audience 
has just as much fun right along with them.

You can tell it's a great show when everyone from the high school kids to the parents in the 
back swarm the merch' table after the show to buy the bands CD's.

There are two other factors that make Tempest an even more amazing and unique band. One is 
the simple fact that they are the nicest, friendliest band you'll ever meet. These are real, 
down to earth people who are enjoyable to talk to. The other thing, which is perhaps the most 
unbelievable fact of all, is that all 5 members are from different countries. Lief, the lead 
singer and electric mandolin player is from Norway, drummer Adolfo is from Cuba, the guitarist 
Ronan is from Ireland, bassist Ariane is from Australia and Michael the fiddle player is from 
California. Are there any other nationally known bands that have 5 or more members that are 
all from different countries?

Again, the band is amazing live, but the CD's are good too. You can listen to samples on their 
website at www.tempestmusic.com