Lift to bring energy, own musical style to Sea Dog audience

Mark McCall admits that if his band, Lift, would just break down and “Play some Skynyrd,” as Maine audiences are prone to shout, they could make a pretty good living through music.

But that doesn’t fly with McCall and company.

Bucking a trend that has made cover bands popular, Lift has axed “Free Bird” and “Sweet Home Alabama” from its repertoire in favor of playing Elvis Costello, Bruce Springsteen and, most impressively, Lift.

Lift will play at the Sea Dog in Bangor at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 31, in support of its album, “Worth The Weight,” and the local music scene.

The album and the band’s choice of cover songs reflect a wide range of influences. McCall favors The Beatles while Andy Gilmore honed his guitar stylings from the likes of Mark Knopfler and Jeff Beck.

It is Doug Hoyt’s influence, however, that gives the band superior energy and presence at live shows.

Hoyt embodies the spirit of ’60s supergroup The Who on the stage and in the studio. McCall said he’s had to get out of the way on occasion when Hoyt winds up for a Pete Townshend-style windmill with his guitar.

McCall said the band finds it difficult to work its own songs into a set list without taking flak from audiences for, what else, not playing Skynyrd.

The band charges on, though, playing its own cache of eight very tight, solid songs, mixed in among classics that aren’t necessarily on the radio 10 times a day.

The authenticity of the cover tunes is striking. Hoyt’s voice could be a double for The Boss, and the occasional addition of a saxophone player makes “10th Avenue Freezeout” come alive.

McCall won’t offer any hints at surprises the band has up its sleeve for Saturday’s show. Like any true rock star, he’s in it for the fun and the music.

“If we make it through all the songs in tune, that’s a surprise,” he said.

But that wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone who’s heard or seen Lift play. They’re winning fans over with determination, a unique collection of songs and superior talent.