Live: Halleluyah RANCHO RELAXO – APRIL 30 - by Michael Dach - From generation gaps to cross-border connections, Halleluyah serves up an eclectic buffet to suit everyone's taste. But can variety stifle a newly formed group whose sole purpose is to create good, influential music? Before the show, lead songstress Diamonds Davis, a Detroit native, spoke candidly about the group's sound, its direction and why she does what she loves. Davis joined the group after being approached by lead guitarist, and manager, Kim Tallman. She defines the quintet as a rock/rap outfit with a side of jazz via the saxophone stylings of Al the Saxman. Despite the obvious differences in influence between members, she says the main objective behind the band is "to create music that people can live up to." Of course, this plays well with the morals she upholds for herself and her position on delivering a positive message, especially towards the female population. "I] need[ed] to say something that affected woman to balance out the male perspective," she said. Not only was her dictation presented in good fashion, Davis also balanced out the male prerogative of the group. The set would probably have been be more easily understood if it weren't for the poor sound quality reverberating off the enclosure that Rancho Relaxo calls a stage. Regardless, the performance demonstrated a close bond between the members — not bad for a crew that's only been together since February of this year. The only individual who I thought looked out of place was Tallman, on lead guitar. She can certainly play; however, a rigid stiffness seemed to hold her back from enjoying herself, looking preoccupied with the audience rather than letting loose and doing her thing. The only other concern rests beside the direction this posse wishes to take. Forming under an affable love for music is great, but if they would define themselves in a group setting and reflect a specific style they would greatly increase their chance for success. Unless a faceless identity is your gimmick, it seems pointless trying to cram a whole lot of something into nothing.Even a whole lot of melodious goodness needs a little substance.