The Disco Biscuits and Swift Technique @ The Fillmore.

February 10, 2016

tags: swift technique, the disco biscuits

by gwmiller3

Text and images by Chip Frenette.

On Saturday night, The Disco Biscuits played the last of their three shows at Philly’s newest big venue, The Fillmore. Along with the Biscuits, whose origins are in Philadelphia, was local funk act Swift Technique.

The Disco Biscuits are known for their stunning laser and light effects and they did not stray from the norm Saturday as they played their fusion of jam band and electronic music. The genre bending sounds of the Biscuits brings out a crowd that is just as eclectic and entertaining as the audible journey the attendees witness.

“I never miss them if they are within 100 miles of my house,”said Marc Clemmon, 26 of Abington. “It’s not just because the music. It’s always a dope scene and I always make new friends.”

Swift Technique kicked off the party. They paraded out with a booming horn section and put on a very energetic show.

The night started with Nik Greeley holding down the vocals and leading the stage antics. After a few songs, he was joined onstage by singer Chelsea ViaCava.

ViaCava was all hair and skin tight red pants and when she joined Greeley and the rest of the band onstage, Greeley asked, “Where you been?”

“I came straight from the 70s baby!” said ViaCava.

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_01

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_02

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_03

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_04

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_05

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_06

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_07

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_08

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_09

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_10

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_11

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_12

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_14

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_15

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_16

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_17

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_18

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_19

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_20

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_21

dsico_biscuits_swift_technique_fillmore_february_6_chip_frenette_22

Another of the many highlights of the Swift Technique set was a plastic penguin featured front and center. Greeley and ViaCava regularly engaged the inanimate object, holding it over their heads. They then used the penguin to introduce their next song.

“You gotta pay respect to the bird!”ViaCava said. “So put your hands up and show your respect.”

The band then played their rendition of “The Bird” by Morris Day and The Time, a track made famous by the movie Purple Rain.

Greeley was really happy to open for the Disco Biscuits and it was obvious. After their set, he was beaming.

“Last year, we played the after-party for The Disco Biscuits at Voltage after their show at the Electric Factory,” he said. “This year, we are opening.”

Swift Technique’s next local show will be at Johnny Brenda’s on March 5 with the West Philadelphia Orchestra.