Concert Review: The Secret Handshake at The Prophet Bar (April 24)

by Brenna Rushing

Kids too young to drive stood in a wrapping line on the deserted streets of Deep Ellum waiting to get into The Prophet Bar. Last night The Secret Handshake, also known as Luis Dubuc or the one-man wonder, played to his hometown crowd with three other local bands. The lineup included Castillan, Disco, and First Class Fever.

Castillan didn’t make too much of a splash, they had just enough time to give a small sampler of their music. They had a chill vibe, regular rock with a deep-voiced singer creating a downer sound. He fit in some screaming sporadically, which seemed a little too hard for this young crowd. Their drum line precession, with the entire band, at the end gave some spice to their short set.

There was some local support for Disco in the crowds; they seem to be building a good group of fans. They changed up the mood by bringing in some youthful pop punk with the scarves and layered haircuts. They ignited energy by covering Lady GaGa’s “Just Dance” and asking the crowd for a dance party. “Surprise Me” was their last song.

First Class Fever jumped onstage next, really bringing a show in the small room. The entire band has great energy. They are all over the stage and ask for the crowds’ involvement in almost every track. FCF has five members, three guitarists, the lead singer and the drummer. They had a keyboard playing to the songs adding a slice of electric components to the loud guitar chords.

The Secret Handshake set up fast, with a drummer and guitarist playing as backup to Dubuc. He makes all of his own music in his bedroom, with his computer at the helm. He uses digital instruments: a Macbook, a synthesizer, keyboards, a piano and an electric guitar.

His second full album, My Name Up in Lights came out Tuesday. Last night was his release party, which proved to be a vivacious success. Fulfilling the new album’s name, he had giant TSH letters onstage, made up of light bulbs flashing constantly throughout the set. He’s very recognizable with his signature beanie and one full sleeve of ink on his right arm.

The uplifting “All For You” opened the show, making the mood cheery and loud. Everyone sang along and danced with all smiles. Dubuc does great with crowds by being very interactive and asking for jumping, dancing and clapping through the entire set.

All age groups came together for his show, proving his music is more ageless than you think because his digital works can sometimes be seen as a young emo trend.

“Midnight Movie” slowed down the vibe a couple of songs later, moving Dubuc to play his keyboard. Of course he spoke of his love for the ‘90’s, which is a big inspiration and passion for his music. He asked how many people had a crush on Uncle Jesse in Full House. Not sure the crowd screamed because he asked them a question or if they really did know who that was.

TSH attempted to close with Cher’s “Believe,” adding even more synthesizers to his voice than she did! But not even a moment passed after he stepped offstage did the crowds start chanting for more. As he began to play an encore, he announced this was his first. Great way to welcome him home.