Funky Alternative Hard Rock band from Cincinnati, Dead Humor, performs a live session for How BANDED Stole Christmas.
How BANDED Stole Christmas: Goof Juice Live Session
Cincinnati band, Goof Juice, performs a special live session at The Chapter Room for How Banded Stole Christmas.
Post Malone's Sold Out Show in Cincinnati Proves He's a Rockstar
Post Malone is a f*cking ROCKSTAR
all on his own.
He doesn’t NEED a song titled ‘Rockstar’, a body covered in tattoos, or even a collab with THE Prince of Darkness himself, Ozzy Osbourne - Post Malone is a f*cking ROCKSTAR all on his own.
On a Sunday in July, Cincinnati was blessed to be the second stop on Post Malone’s If Y’all Weren’t Here, I’d Be Crying Tour at Riverbend. The energy in the amphitheater was just as palpable as the humidity in the air. The show had SOLD OUT in a day.
Fog slowly filled the stage and a string section played to build up the tension until Posty would grace the stage with a red solo cup in hand. Although this was a brand new tour AND his first time being backed by a full band on tour, Post Malone gave everything you could ask for from a live performance. There was synergy, passion, gratitude, emotion, and connection.
From the very moment he stepped on stage, you could tell Malone was having the time of his life. With every move he made, it was clear he was so happy to be there. If you’ve seen any coverage of his — performances, you know he dances like no ones watching. And we eat it up. It’s real; it’s relatable; it’s how a lot of us would dance to his music too.
The setlist spanned his discography even including a couple unreleased songs from his upcoming album, AUSTIN. The night even included a performance of ‘Hollywood Dreams,” a stellar mashup featuring Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Dreams’.
But if you needed proof of his Rockstar credibility…he gave it to you. The lights dimmed and Ozzy Osbourne’s face graced the stage. Flames shot around the stage as Post Malone screamed "‘Take What You Want’ in his best screamo voice; and it f*cking worked! So well. It’s moments like that where you just cross your fingers that one day Post Malone will drop a Rock record.
Being a rockstar isn’t about the genre of music though. It’s in the way you perform. Post Malone’s ability to go from a heavier ‘Take What You Want’ to later playing acoustically and captivating the crowd to sing along and light up the amphitheater is star power.
At the end of the show, with a red solo cup in hand Post Malone said to the crowd with deep sincerity, “I love you more than I can ever say.”
We love you too, Post, we love you too.
Catch Post Malone on tour now. Check out dates and get tickets HERE.
JULY 9th SET LIST:
Better Now
Wow.
Zack and Codeine
Psycho
Goodbyes
Hollywood Dreams/Comedown
Mourning
I Like You (A Happier Song)
Jonestown (Interlude)
Take What You Want
Over Now
rockstar
Feeling Whitney
Stay
Overdrive (NEW SONG)
I Fall Apart
Wrapped Around Your Finger
Circles
Enough Is Enough (NEW SONG)
Too Young
White Iverson
Congratulations
Broken Whiskey Glass (instrumental)
Sunflower
Chemical
Review: Early James Delivers Poetic Magic on First Headlining Tour
I was supposed to see Early James and his crew up in Chicago on his Strange Time to Be Alive Tour, but a double-booking had me on the road to a completely different part of the country that day. I’m not one to give up, so I packed my bags a day early and found myself driving 4 hours east to Ohio (a state I’ve found myself in more times than I ever would have anticipated at beginning of this year) for a Halloween-tinged show in Columbus at Ace of Cups, a vibey little bar-venue with skeletons galore.
It wasn’t my first time seeing Early James and his crew live, but it was definitely my favorite. You’d never have been able to tell this was his first headlining tour. He and his band play like they’ve been touring the country for years, engaging so naturally with the crowd like they’d played Columbus a million times over, like it was their city. The talent between the four of them (James, Ford Boswell, Adrian Marmolejo & Joey Rudisell) is remarkable; they are so easily able to recreate the sounds of their records. They’ve quickly become one of my favorite live bands by far.
Early James is also one of my all-time favorite live vocalists. His strong rasp never wavers, only impresses, and completely takes over the room. Perhaps a funny thing for me to say given that I’m younger than him, but you’d never expect such a voice to come out of someone so young. His voice is a perfect fit for the clever poetry of his now two full-length records, the latest (and the namesake of the tour!) having dropped back in August.
The covers he played really stuck out to me, particularly “Psycho” and “Your Cheatin’ Heart.” “Psycho” found its way onto the setlist via a request from the crowd for Halloween. An old Eddie Noack song from 1949, James and his crew made the thing sound brand new, telling the song’s haunting story in a way only he can. I’d love to keep hearing that cover all year round, but it couldn’t have been more perfect for an almost-Halloween show. “Your Cheatin’ Heart” (of Hank Williams fame) was planned, but still felt very light-hearted and impromptu, like the band was just having their own casual little jam session. If I didn’t already know better, I’d have thought the song was written just for James to sing; I will never get over just how insane his vocals were on this one, switching back and forth from a raspy wail to a smooth croon so effortlessly.
I really couldn’t have asked for a better setlist (admittedly one of my favorite songs was missing, but I did hear it live earlier this year); almost all of my favorites were on there and not a single song disappointed. I believe wholeheartedly that every Early James fan there heard something they loved and left that night feeling immensely satisfied. Let that be a testament to you, reader, of how absolutely phenomenal of a live band James and his crew are.
He and the band are funny too, some of the funniest musicians I’ve ever seen onstage. They don’t just play for the audience, they make friends with them. There were jokes and banter galore – I even saw the origins of an inside joke that I hope to see last for years to come (to the guy who acted as James’ dad for the night, I hope you’re reading this!). There was never a lull, not really, because even when the music stopped, there was somebody on that stage making the crowd laugh. It created an intimacy to the already-intimate show that I’ve yet to see at any other small venue show I’ve attended.
Early James just might be my favorite discovery of 2022. I’ve yet to encounter another artist who can tell a story quite like he can AND perform them so well live. Nothing is lost from studio to stage, if anything, the stories only get better. Get him on your radar if he’s not already on it. Take it from me, he’s been worth every mile.
Turning Gold with Rock and Roll: A Journey To Review of The Pretty Reckless
Film photo by Max Callahan
“There are very few people like me, who look upon rock and roll as a kind of religion.”
-Joan Jett, 1988
Without hesitation, this is exactly how Taylor Momsen, front woman of hard rock band The Pretty Reckless, embodies her passion for rock music today. The group triumphantly celebrated three sold-out shows at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City, and I had the privilege to embark on a journey to Night 2, and as incredible as it was in performance, so it was in commitment to getting there.
I’m from Massachusetts, so a little snow never (usually) hurt anybody up here. The night my roommates and I set off for the Big Apple though, Mother Nature almost pulled a fast one. While driving down the interstate, we slid on the ice and snow. Unable to see, frightened from the first slide and being closer to home than New York, we turned around and headed for home for at least some sleep.
Something was eating away at me, heading back in the opposite direction. Every travel for live shows, for me, is like completing my own mission. A new lesson is learned with the new miles conquered. I needed to learn my lesson from The Pretty Reckless show. I couldn’t let this be the end. So banding together with my roommates (ABSOLUTELY PUN INTENDED), we set off on what I believe is my most devoted act to live music yet. At 5am we were all heading to bed, at noontime we all were waking up again, and by no later than 2:15 we were back on the road we had just tailspun on 14 hours before.
9:00p.m. Ticket: scanned. Coat: checked. Shot of tequila: smooth sailin’. Taylor Momsen? Hitting. The. Stage. The second that I saw her platinum blonde hair, my jaw dropped. Then I heard her soul capturing wails… and I seriously got emotional. This is a woman… a woman in the 21st century that has given her life to rock and roll. In an industry and specifically a genre in said industry such as music where it is so heavily influenced and run by men, it is so refreshing to see a woman get up on a stage and use her undeniable talent to not only entertain but also remind audiences that this field is not a game just for the dudes. Oh, yes, chicks can sure as hell be rockstars too. It’s also important to note that it isn’t even just her talent that wowed me for years to come, it was the sense of control she had on that stage: obvious to navigate that sheis the focal point and she knew all eyes were on her. She grabbed that power by the balls and showed everyone that her place in rock and roll is for real. As the focal point of the performance, Taylor had a really beautiful way of connecting with the audience. She told stories, engaged us by taking a vote of where we were all from, playfully bickered with her instrumentalists, she was an act from the moment she walked on stage until the moment the show was over.
One piece of the show I really had respect for and loved was the use of sound cues, or soundbites throughout the set. As a now ex-theatre student, it’s now more prevalent to me than ever that you can always leave theatre, but theatre will never leave you. Most of us first experienced Taylor Momsen as little Cindy Lou Who in Jim Carrey’s live action ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ and then afterwards as Jenny Humphrey in ‘Gossip Girl.’ After watching evidence that Taylor and her band still pay tribute to clips from films, shows, and other performances by encorporating them into the set, whether as an intro or outro to a number, was something so promising for my own past self to experience. It was a unique interpretation for a rock show, and electrifying to witness as I never knew what sound bite was coming next.
Film photo by Max Callahan
The band behind Taylor shocked me way more than I had expected them to. Aside from Momsen on vocals, The Pretty Reckless is composed of Mark Damon on bass, Ben Phillips on lead guitar and backing vocals, and Jamie Perkins on drums. I really loved watching the way this group communicated, musically, in front of an audience. There were moments throughout the show where Momsen would leave the stage, allowing Damon and Phillips to come together and literally play off each other’s backs. It was super fun to watch how much fun they had on stage playing together. Phillips can shred to melt your face off and Damon has iconic moves as he plays that make it just about impossible to take your eyes away. I loved hearing the contrasting vocals Phillips provided underneath and aside Momsen’s. Their voices coincide so beautifully together to create some of the most haunting hard/metal rock music of our generation. Perkins, their drummer, was a little more mysterious though, which I thought added an extra layer to the band. Undeniable talent he has, but I also don’t think I ever saw his face, which ironically, worked for me. I didn’t even need to. He made his presence perfectly known in his drumming all night long, especially in his kickass solo that lasted almost 10 minutes.
Now having been on the first of soon-to-be many crazy journeys that The Pretty Reckless will send me on, I am more than ready for the next. This show was also a huge check off of my bucket list as a fan: to go to New York City as my own person, without my family, and to see a show with my roommates. As we walked out of the Bowery, into the bitter cold and walked down the streets of Manhattan, full of glee, I gazed up at all the buildings in the night sky and knew this was only the beginning of trips to the city I’d catch for some good rock and roll. The Pretty Reckless have already announced a return date to my area, amongst other festivals later this year, and I will be doing whatever I can to witness that bottle blonde babe, Taylor Momsen, wail in my face again. This new 2020’s era of TPR is so kickass to watch evolve and if you haven’t given their latest albums, ‘Death By Rock And Roll’ and ‘Other Worlds’ a listen yet, I would highly recommend doing so. As a female, I have found so much liberation within their last two releases, and seeing them live finally made the adoration for the entire band come full circle. If our world is looking to fierce femmes like Miley Cyrus and Hayley Williams to carry on the torch of kickass music and believing in the power of your own voice, then Taylor Momsen sure as hell is right up there with them. The next wave of rock and roll is here, and Momsen is one of the leaders of the pack. I can’t wait to see where The Pretty Reckless goes with all of this momentum next.
“𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐫
𝐖𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝
𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫
𝐈'𝐦 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐈'𝐦 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝”
Review: Ceramic Animal Put the “Beat” in Beat Kitchen with Headlining Chicago Show
I got to check a show off of my 2022 bucket list AND see my first Banded sticker make its way onto a road case in Chicago a few weeks ago with Ceramic Animal at Beat Kitchen, a small bar venue in the heart of Roscoe Village.
After having seen them open for The Black Keys in St. Louis in July, I was already planning on going to see them, but I lucked out and won myself free tickets and a pre-show hang in the green room (big shoutout to Sam for taking good care of us!). We chatted about the making of Sweet Unknown, their favorite things about Nashville and their home turf of Philadelphia, but this isn’t an interview piece (this time!), so let’s jump forward to the show.
Something I love about these small venue shows is the openers. They are so often bands I might not have found any other way, and I like to consider myself one of the biggest proponents of opening act support and encouragement. Spirit of the Bear and Trash Panda didn’t disappoint, bringing indie rock and funk to the party, respectively. They brought equally as much energy to the room and hyped up the crowd almost as much as Ceramic Animal did. They took their respective sets seriously, and it was evident as each of them left the stage that they had converted the crowd into fans.
If there’s one thing about Ceramic Animal’s live show that always translates from being an opening act in a huge amphitheater while it’s still daylight out to headlining a small, vibey room at 10pm at night, it’s that they own the stage like no other. All five of their unique personalities shine through during their shows, and this was especially evident from the very front of the room at Beat Kitchen in Chicago. They were electric, making a small stage feel huge with their never-ending energy, but still keeping a lot of that intimacy that I love about small venue shows by interacting with the crowd and getting right up in our faces.
Their demeanor onstage, with both the crowd and with each other, is indicative of a band that takes itself seriously, but not too seriously. They play their music and they play it very well, but they know how to have fun. There was an air of lightheartedness in the room, excitement and humor present through the duration of their set.
One of the biggest qualifications of a “good” band for me is how good they sound live. It’s one thing to be a good studio band, but it’s another to be able to replicate those sounds live, and Ceramic Animal checked every box on that front. I even found myself enjoying some of the songs more live than I do their studio versions (“All My Loving” live supremacy). The mix was fantastic, everyone was on point and brilliantly in sync – everything sounded fantastic.
The crowd ate up every second, singing and dancing along to every song. The energy in the room was high; the band feeding the crowd and the crowd feeding the band in this remarkable roundabout kind of way. Even when the tempo slowed, there was still a buzz in the air. The vibes couldn’t have been better.
The Sweet Unknown Tour is over, but no doubt you’ll be able to find these guys on the road again soon. When new dates drop, do NOT hesitate. I can promise you it’ll be one of the best shows you’ve ever seen, and one of the most fun nights you’ve ever had. Get them on your bucket list, now.
SHOW REVIEW + PHOTOS: Puscifer's Existential Reckoning Tour is Out of This World
“Life is too short NOT to create something with every breath we draw.”
Simply put, that is EXACTLY what Puscifer is; the culmination of Maynard James Keenan and company breathing life into every outlandish idea that’s sparked their minds. Described as his creative subconscious, Puscifer has become Maynard James Keenan’s project alongside Mat Mitchell and Carina Round.After experiencing and witnessing it live, there is no better way to describe it. Let me take you through the night…
On November 10th, Cincinnati spent the night probing for alien life with Puscifer.
In preparation for what was imagined to be an eventful mission, electro-goth duo, Night Club, entered the room. The lights were down low but the energy was HIGH. Hiding in the shadows, Mark Brooks laid down the beats while Emily Kavanaugh commandeered the stage. Strobe lights flashed, hair whipped back and forth. Emily brought the dark disco to life with eerily soft vocals and a stage presence that left nothing untouched.
The exact energy rush needed for an existential reckoning.
At the request of the artist, phones and any recording devices were prohibited. Cut off from our only point of contact and constant distraction, we were now in our own cosmos.
The stage was set like the inside of a space station. The lights went out and the members were illuminated in tube lights as if they were transported through
Throughout the night, Maynard James Keenan and Carina Round orbited around the stage. From moments of synchronized choreography to unruly runnings about, the two embraced the space. As we looked on, a gaggle of secret agents tracked down the extraterrestrial. Yes, there were most definitely alien sightings. It was mesmerizing.
There is jamming to Puscifer in the real world, then there is jamming with them in their own little world. You can’t help but groove along. The music is going to getcha. All the men in black t-shirts (mostly TOOL) stood around just itching to let loose, and once ‘The Remedy’ began, their guard let down and the room really started to move.
Performing the majority of Existential Reckoning, Puscifer mixed in pieces from their discography bringing it all together to tell a full-length story we were all glued to. At no point did I know what to expect next. They kept us on our toes quite literally and figuratively.
Puscfier’s performance was so serious yet so unserious. It toed the line of don’t you dare-crack-a-smile to I-can’t-help-but-chuckle. The presence of Keenan’s multiple larger than life characters, Agent Dick Merkin and Billy D were guilty for a lot of this. From beginning to end, they left a smile on my face and my head tilted in curiosity.
Overall, it was one of the most visually pleasing and captivating performances I’ve been to all year. Well done, Puscifer, well done.
*Click photos to enlarge.
SHOW REVIEW: The Velveteers featuring Lylyth
Darkness, Chaos, and femininity describes Lylyth, the hard rock band from Pittsburgh who opened for the Velveteers at the Mr. Smalls funhouse September 15th. Their authentic sound drew me in with Athena Onyx on vocals Candrika Rice on bass and vocals, Sully Dunn on guitar and Rio Clark on drums. Always using their music to promote the right to an abortion or spreading awareness about domestic violence, the majority of their funds go to planned parenthood organizations.
This was Lylyth’s second show ever! They performed a plethora of their original head banging songs. Dedicating songs to many loved ones and cracking hilarious jokes, this band of individuals is a one of a kind. The chemistry and stage presence between Athena and Drika is powerful and devine. Two songs that are out now on Spotify are “Fight Back” and “Toxicity”. You can also find the “Fight Back” music video on YouTube. Pittsburgh needs more authentic bands like Lylyth, so please support them as much as you can!
This was my 4th time seeing one of my favorite bands ever The Velveteers. Starting off strong with “Beauty Queens” the crowd started going crazy for drummers Baby Pottersmith and Jonny Figg. It’s not every day you see two drummers in a band, but The Velveteers are no ordinary band. My favorite part of the show was how much they interacted with the crowd. Baby had a fan hold their drum and they just went crazy creating their own beat and rhythm. Jonny rocked out with crowd, and overall we were just enjoying ourselves.
As the night went on I was dancing with this awesome person who was trying to start a mosh pit. We were shoving into each other and singing along to songs such as “Motel 27” and “Choking” when a huge mosh pit erupted. Later that night I realized I was moshing with Ivy Peacock, the person behind the amazing hair, makeup, and merchandise of the band. I love that woman and non-binary people are taking a more prominent role in the music industry especially when it comes to lead singer Demi Demitro a powerhouse front woman. Her voice is indescribable and grungy but also very smooth. Her guitar skills are out of this world, and her stage presence is sexy. The night ended with “Limboland” one of my favorite songs off their latest album Nightmare Daydream.
I hope to see The Velveteers back in Pittsburgh soon and I’m excited for the new music they release next.
FOLLOW THE VELVETEERS
FOLLOW LYLYTH:
Lylyth instagram: lylyth_band
Athena onyx: Athena_onyx999
Candrika Rice: bohemian.demon
Sully Dunn: comradesully
Rio Clark: jesvs_christ
Ivey Peacock: Ivey.peacock
SHOW REVIEW: Greta Van fleet Play Boise Idaho featuring Hannah Wicklund, and The Pretty Reckless
“The best Greta Van Fleet show ive been to so far…” was everyone’s sentiment after the band of brothers finished their set at the Extra Mile arena in Boise, Idaho.
Tears were brought to my eyes when Hannah Wicklund took center stage starting with her biggest song “Bomb through the Breeze.” I have been a huge fan of Hannah’s music for a little over a year now. In my opinion, Hannah is one of the most influential lyricists and guitarists in womans rock today. You can hear hints of Janis Joplin and Joan Jett in her songs in such a remarkable way. Her artwork and craftiness with her album covers and merchandise are her own authentic work. My favorite song off of her title album Hannah Wicklund and the Steppin’ Stones is “Shadow Boxes and Porcelain Faces.” The Arena was lit up and everyone swayed as Wicklund’s story telling voice sang the beautiful lyrics. All my worries and doubts went away as I cried taking in all of the music. She also sang two new songs which will be on her next album. I don’t recall the names of the songs, but excitement built up in me knowing she will be releasing new music. Hannah’s set was short but special and very spiritually uplifting for me.
Hard Rock band The Pretty Reckless took over the stage after Hannah. Lead singer Taylor Momsen is a hardcore rocker and an incredible front woman. You may recognize Momsen from the popular TV show Gossip Girl. I don’t know much about these crazy rockers or their music but “Make Wanna Die” is a banger of a song. Their set was exciting and powerful, and I became a fan of their music that night.
Photo courtesy of Greta Van Fleet
“Reasons for Waiting” by Jethro Tull swarmed the arena as fans eagerly waited to hear Josh Kiszka’s haunting poem….
“People need People, Enjoy all of it always.”
Words cannot describe how much I love Greta Van Fleet. They are the most unique group of individuals, with talent that goes beyond the spectrum. Each song of theirs is crafted with the most care and imagination. When it comes to their shows they have something new for us every time.
The Boise show started off with “Built by Nations” then into “Black Smoke Rising” which led to “Caravel” and then my favorite part of the show, Danny Wagner’s drum solo. Wagner changes it up almost every time, which I believe is his way at hinting that new music is coming.
Two songs that are not commonly played but made an appearance were “Broken Bells” and “Age of Man”. I believe we got the most unique Greta performance by far that night. A power outage didn’t stop anyone from having a good time. Even though “My Way Soon” was cut short Danny kept going at it with his drums as the whole band joined in to give us an extraordinary end to an amazing concert.
“I guess that’s it! They shut me off bitch.”
SHOW REVIEW: Jesse Jo Stark Gives a Bewitching Performance in L.A.
Creative, mysterious, gutsy, and rock n’ roll. That’s one way to describe Jesse Jo Stark, the daughter and designer of the fashion family brand Chrome Hearts, but as of late she is the badass rock-glam singer who dominates the stage. She grew up listening to a variety of music styles, and since 2014 she has been recording head-banger tunes like “Dance to the Cramps” and “Baby Love” and strutting into country territory with “Driftwood” and “Silver Kiss.” Her latest album Doomed has a variety of emotions and sounds including, "So Bad” featuring the Neighborhood’s Jesse Rutherford, a disco-influenced track with “Pussycat” and the jump-inducing beat in “Trippin.”
Most nights in Los Angeles are a blur of streaming traffic lights, forgotten promises and parties. From across the street the Echo seemed to have its usual Saturday night buzz of fans with black clothes, leather jackets, boots and platform shoes. As you got closer however, you could see muscle tees and sweaters with the words Deadly Doll and heavy eyeliner on fans who trailed below the “Sold Out” marquee of the local rock artist’s album release show on October 15.
At 10pm the bandmates initiated the entrance of the ghoul queen of glamour with “666 in the Suburbs” – a perfect fit for the show’s location since the song encapsulates the anxiety and dark side of being in the Hollywood lens. Jesse Jo bewitched the stage with a latex blood-red dress and raven boots as she shattered expectations like mirrors of one’s doubting self. This was Jesse Jo’s second show since the Covid-19 pandemic put live entertainment on pause, and she advised the audience to come together and enjoy themselves. “Leave your ego at the door! None of that L.A. shit!”
“Leave your ego at the door! None of that L.A. shit!”
The second song of the night was the macabre romance track “So Bad” as Jesse Rutherford joined her on stage for the duet. A gargoyle was perched on stage, a monster mask hung from a microphone and later merged onto the bass guitarist’s face as the fog machine set the scene à la creature feature with the hostess in clad latex. The props weren’t there to commemorate the Halloween season but to represent the growling guitar riffs, the starry night eye makeup and songs of life and death that define the singer’s album Doomed.
She led the crowd through a set of her 2019 EP Dandelion with the title track about a lover’s lonely haze while being too deep in a relationship that you can’t get enough while fans made offerings, such as glowing rings, a dead bouquet of roses, and a custom leather jacket.
Jesse Jo reigned the stage like a bat at moonlight, seducing the audience with the wrenching “Lipstick,” a song she wrote about the torment of loving someone while purging the pain they caused. Her piercing cry on the heavy punk track “Fire of Love” proved she has the guts and attitude to challenge what people know about rock n’ roll. The blazing guitars, thunderous drums, and the audience’s screaming vocals electrified the room.
The stakes are high and Jesse Jo has proven to kick them down while in latex boots and her powerful vocals claim the night like lightning. You’ve heard the phrase “rock never dies” but everything has a death bed until it has been resurrected and that is what Jesse Jo Stark has achieved.
REVIEW: Bourbon & Beyond Takes Makes For The Perfect First Festival Experience
My first music festival experience at Bourbon & Beyond was amazing. The weather in Louisville, Kentucky was absolutely beautiful; very hot but with a cool breeze. In my opinion, it was the perfect weather for a weekend outside filled with live music.
Photo by Steve Thrasher. Courtesy of Bourbon and Beyond
My friends and I walked in right as Reignwolf was performing their set. I don’t know any Reignwolf songs but they were really good and energetic. As we walked through the fairgrounds, we picked up some incredible food and saw some breathe taking artwork. The festival had everything from little cowboy and cowgirl hat stands to the Greta Van Fleet cook off.
Sammy Kiszka and his brother Jake kiszka went head to head to see who could make the best Bourbon & Beyond burger. Drummer Daniel Wagner made a special appearance as one of the judges. The burgers looked amazing! Sammy made an impossible burger with mac and cheese and Jake made a blue cheese bourbon burger with bacon. Danny has said in many interviews that he loves Jakes cooking but Sammy’s burger won with votes from the two other judges.
Photo by Steve Thrasher. Courtesy of Bourbon and Beyond
The sun was beaming down on all of us when we hit the hottest part of the day as we caught a glimpse of Crowded House. We laid out in the sun as “Don’t Dream its Over” swooped us away into relaxation. Eddie Vedder even made an appearance. As the sun began to set we saw a very interesting set by St. Vincent. They were so entertaining and the three backup singers have such incredible voices.
Photo by Nathan Zucker. Courtesy of Bourbon and Beyond.
The night came to an end with Greta Van fleet. My friends and I swayed in unison to “Light My Love” as an old man came up to us and said in a very thick southern accent “I love you bitches and I love that y’all are making such great memories together.”
Photo by Steve Thrasher. Courtesy of Bourbon and Beyond.
One of my biggest goals in life is to make the most of my youth. I want to create memories that will last a lifetime so hearing that warmed my heart. It was unfortunate that we couldn’t stay to see Pearl Jam perform, but I am happy my first music festival was at Bourbon & Beyond. If you are looking to become a festival goer, Bourbon & Beyond is a good starter festival because it’s not too big but still has all the good vibes!
Bourbon & Beyond returns September 14-17, 2023. Check it out here.
SHOW REVIEW: Mac Saturn Brings Rock N Roll to Arkansas
When I found out that Mac Saturn was throwing on their Chelsea boots and coming down to Arkansas, I knew I had to buy a ticket.
I was fortunate enough to get barricade on guitarist Nick Barone’s side, with a front row view of the old school rock and roll that Mac Saturn brought to the stage.
The band started with their hit single “Diamonds,” with Nick and lead guitarist Mike Moody bringing a powerful opening riff. Drummer Angelo Coppola and bassist Jive Moses built up the perfect rhythm for lead vocalist Carson Macc to make an explosive entry.
The band led the crowd smoothly through “Diamonds” and right into “Persian Rugs,” which is my personal favorite. “Persian Rugs” boasts powerful vocals, a killer guitar solo by Mike that gave me chills, and a drum solo by Angelo that was nothing but pure rock and roll.
The Detroit rockers owned the stage, and I remember thinking “wow, these guys were meant to perform.” Carson’s stage presence can be described as nothing less than electric. He interacted with the crowd the entire show, making every member of the crowd feel seen and heard.
And yes, he did make eye contact with me. And yes, I got butterflies.
About halfway through their setlist, the band teased what could possibly be a new single. Angelo and Jive slowed down the beat from hard hitting rock and roll to a smooth R&B sound that had the crowd swaying. Carson mentioned the song was titled “Five Long Minutes” and was something the band was “just trying out.”
During this song was when Carson truly displayed his abilities as a front man. As his band members jammed out with a smooth rhythm and bluesy riffs, Carson took the time to personally introduce each member one by one, describing Nick’s guitar as a “guillotine” and pretending to pray to him as he churned out riff by powerful riff.
The band kept the smooth R&B feel with “Plain Clothes Gentleman,” their closing song.
As the band left the stage, Nick and Mike gave out their picks, and I was fortunate enough to snag Nick’s as he flashed me a smile.
After the band left the stage, I made my way out to the merch booth where I was fortunate enough to meet Carson. On stage he is explosive, but in person he is the kindest, gentlest person you will ever meet.
After a warm hug and a sweet conversation, I snapped a quick picture with him before leaving for the night with nothing but memories that will last a lifetime.
Be on the lookout for Mac Saturn in your area, and if you get the chance, strap on your Chelsea boots and your denim vest and head out to see them.
SHOW REVIEW: Hannah Wicklund Ends On Ethereal Note In St. Louis
Rock guitarist and frontwoman of Hannah Wicklund & The Steppin’ Stones has been performing live gigs since she was nine years old. Putting a band together when she was eight, everything about rock ‘n roll always felt normal to Hannah. “It felt completely normal. I had essentially already been doing it. I was playing out every night after school, so when I got out on the road it just felt more fun.” Over the course of sixteen years, she’s played well over 3,000 shows with no plans to stop any time soon. Inspired by classic rock artists of the past such as Fleetwood Mac, Jimi Hendrix, Tom Petty, etc. Hannah presents herself as a rock ‘n roll goddess of the 21st century.
On September 14, the Old Rockhouse felt a cool breeze as evening fell and night came to play. The stars in the sky were aligned perfectly and the venue was filled as fans gathered to watch a true rock queen bless the space with magical moments. At precisely 8:00 pm, Jenny Teator stormed the stage with guitarist Chandler Eggleston and badass female drummer Sammi Potts. Performing indie power hits and embracing the crowd, Jenny graces everyone with powerhouse vocals and alluring melodies.
A little past 9:00 pm (fashionably late in true rock ‘n roll style, of course) Hannah Wicklund approached the stage with bassist Adam Discipio and drummer Aaron Lawson, along with her signature Tom Anderson Cobra T. Ready to rock n roll, the band hopped into a quick jam session to get everything loose before officially starting the show. “Bomb Through The Breeze” also known as the opener for her self-titled 2018 album kicked the show off as guitar riffs blared throughout the venue. Leading into her hit single “Ghost”, Hannah’s exhilarating vocals echoed as the crowd matched her energy, chanting lyrics back to her.
“Psychobabble” provided catchy acoustics and delightful vocals, it’s almost like a sing-a-long to have fans fully engaged. Blasting through the air next was “Too Close To You” with echoing guitar riffs and screeching vocals. When Hannah asked, “Do you guys want to hear one from the new record?”, the crowd delightfully responded. “Songbird Sing” mellowed out the scene as Hannah redirected her grasp on the crowd into a more calming and soothing environment with swaying acoustics. I escaped my spot of the second row during the track to move back and capture the gaze of fans. Leading into “Shadowboxes and Porcelain Faces”, a song she wrote as a reminder to herself that social media doesn’t tell the whole story, my soul ascended. It’s my favorite Hannah Wicklund track. It shares the message that our imperfections and the ‘inbetween’ are where you truly get to know and learn to love yourself and others. After taking a few photos further back and video, I moved back to my spot, watching in awe as a song I cherish was performed live in front of me.
Traveling into a cover of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s “Ohio”, the heavy guitar riffs echoed through the venue and a jam session was called to order. Closing out the night was “Mama Said” with blazing guitar sounds and exhilarating vocals for one last hurrah before the stage went dark. The repetitive chorus - “Mama said you’d come around baby/Mama said you’d come around baby” - kept the crowd movin’ and dancin’ throughout the rest of the set, making it difficult to retain excitement. When the stage went dark and the house lights came on, I was brought back down to reality. Yet feeling extremely content and grateful to watch a badass rock n roll woman capture the hearts of the entire crowd. I can’t wait to watch Hannah Wicklund grow as an artist and see where the cosmos pull her next!
PREVIEW: Bourbon and Beyond Returns to Louisville Kentucky, Sept 15-18
Louisville’s very own Bourbon and Beyond is back again this year with some incredible artists. Headliners for Thursday are Jack White and Alanis Morissette. Other acts to note on Thursday are Father John Misty and The Revivalist. On Friday, big artists such as Kings of Leon, Brandi Carlile and Houndmouth will be taking center stage. Saturday’s big show includes Pearl Jam, Greta Van Fleet, St. Vincent, Cold War Kids, Elle King, Robert Randolph and many more! Christ Stapleton and The Doobie Brothers wrap up the weekend along with Marcus King and Hannah Wicklund on Sunday. You can find more information about tickets, parking, and the venue map at Bourbon Beyond’s website and their social media accounts.
Photo from Bourbon and Beyond / Danny Wimmer Presents
SHOW REVIEW + PHOTOS: Greta Van Fleet Brings the Heat to Cincinnati with The Velveteers and Rival Sons
“Where there is love, we will live on. Where there is not love, we must provide it. ”
The arena goes dark, my heart starts thumping faster as the drums begin to fill the air with suspense. Silhouettes of Danny, Jake, Josh, and Sam appear through the symbol clad curtain as lights illuminate the stage. Though we can’t see him just yet, Josh’s voice takes over to tell a tale of the celebration of life, love, and freedom.
The curtain falls and the revelry continues!
Bright lights, pyro, a single incense burning on stage, and the sweet sound of rock n roll set the scene for a long awaited euphoric night in Cincinnati. Greta Van Fleet swept us away through a journey of their discography swirling in solos and jam sessions. Through every song, the crowd was enthralled. We chanted, we danced, we sang along, and lit up the arena with our cellphone lights. There was even on single lighter flame.
Though only a 12 song set, the 4-piece wasted no time blessing us with about 2 hours worth of music. Extending many of the songs, we were witnesses to Greta Van Fleet settling into the groove of their own talents. Jake Kiszka's power over the guitar swept the night away with solos that shot goosebumps through my body. I felt satiated yet I yearned for it to never end. Had William Miller been in attendance, I’d like to think he’d call it “incendiary,” because it was.
Greta Van Fleet embarks on the remainder of the Dreams in Gold tour on August 10th and runs until December. If you’re yearning for a life-giving musical experience, GO SEE THIS BAND LIVE.
See dates and get tickets here.
*Click photos to view in full.
With a billing like this, there was no warm up. This show was starting off POWERFUL.
Straight off the bat, The Velveteers let loose every ounce of energy. Only a guitarist and two drummers, the 3-piece used every second of their set to play like it was their last. Demi Demitro took to shredding on the guitar standing on top of drum kits meanwhile Baby Pottersmith took their drum straight to the barricade to play with the crowd. I went home and binge-listened to their latest album. They were THAT good.
Following up, Rival Sons continued to prove that rock is alive and well. Their heavier yet blues tinged sound was just what the night needed to round it all out. Jay Buchanan’s hearty vocals paired with Scott Holiday’s virtuous work on the guitar took us to higher places. Laying down quite the performance, they even took time to address those affected by the floods in Kentucky and those in Ukraine.
THE VELVETEERS
RIVAL SONS
SHOW REVIEW: Roger Waters' This Is Not A Drill Tour
When I was 15, I fully submerged myself into the first classic rock group I had ever been enthralled in: Pink Floyd. I remember shortly after watching The Wall as a freshman in high school, I wanted to listen to everything I possibly could that had Pink Floyd in the credits. Enamored was an understatement. My brain was turned inside out by seemingly legends, but it wasn’t until late 2019, when I was 19 years old, that I realized I could see one of these so-called legends with my very own two eyes, before, certain, I’d never be able to witness them at all.
An old high school friend of mine reached out to me before the pandemic even broke out, igniting my phone with gratuitous messages about Roger Waters performing at the TD Garden in Boston for his This is Not a Drill tour. Immediately, I was invested, no matter where we were sitting, what the price of our seats were, or anything in between; I needed to see this show. We had our tickets in no time, but due to the COVID lockdown in 2020 and more exacerbations in 2021, we, along with everyone else, were forced to wait to come together.
Finally, July 12, the two and a half year anticipation was over. The day was here, the full circle moment was arriving. Getting to our seats and locating the stage “in the round,” or, in the center of the stadium, I was already itching to know what was to come. I knew what I was about to witness was not going to be like any other.
Man oh man, was I f***ing right.
I’ve seen a lot of shows in my life, many different artists. I was the recipient of a Make A Wish and chose to meet a band with that wish, that’s how much music means to me. But I have NEVER seen a show like This is Not a Drill.
As the show began, the intricate T-shaped stage sized flat screens, blanketing over that same shaped stage to keep the set a complete mystery, started to rise above all of us within the stadium, revealing a very specifically designed and epic center-stadium stage. These screens hung from above the stage all evening, displaying animations, real life images of our world, and many political outcries throughout. I felt as if I was in a very personal reprise of the 21st century version of the Wall. At the top of the show, Roger’s introduction to the gig consisted of him informing concert goers if they’re “one of those ‘I love Pink Floyd but I can’t stand Roger’s politics,’ f*** right off to the bar right now.” What I truly love about Roger Waters is that he is a public figure who never stands down when it comes to fighting for what he believes in: human rights.
Equality rights. Refugee rights. Palestinian rights. Trans rights. Reproductive rights. All human rights.
As an ex-theatre student, I value deeply when a musician is not only a musician, but a performer that creates a storyline for their audience to translate and respond to from the audience. And as Roger and his band played music from not only Pink Floyd, but also Roger’s solo work, the audience and Roger too, were filled with such great emotion. We laughed, we cried, we celebrated, yet we were also angry at the injustices happening in our world today. Some people walked out barely halfway through the night, but not I. My breath was taken away from the top to bottom of the show with his powerful and effective method of presenting his beliefs in performance mode. I thought it was brilliant, simply put.
Here’s why I love rock music: it’s progressive. It IS political (for the most part), whether you’d like to believe that or not. It can be sweaty and dirty and sexy, but it can also be powerful enough and loud enough to change masses. I’m always blown away by the demographics of a rock concert, the people of all ages coming together for the very same reason, the music. I felt this way at this show, specifically. Imagine being almost 80 years old and still magnetizing the minds of human beings in their single digits. Talk about powerful! That is a Roger Waters show. Through the music AND the visuals, Roger puts on the most progressively empowering show I have ever laid my eyes on. Not only was it progressive, it was so easily translated through all the imagery and texts he used for the screenplay above him.
Having the privilege to hear Waters reminisce on the history and the rest of the members of Pink Floyd he helped bring together, a large section of the show was immensely dedicated to the triumph the psychedelic rock group brought to the music scene for decades. He paid tribute to his fellow bandmates as he displayed old photographs from the 60s and 70s during an epic rendition of Have A Cigar. Specifically moving, he reminded us all of the special bond he shared with his bandmate, friend, and co-founder of Pink Floyd, Syd Barrett as Roger performed Wish You Were Here to the almost 20,000 people in the stadium. What an absolutely moving part of this show that moved me to tears, and I’m sure most of the venue as well. Some other notable Pink Floyd tracks performed during the show that I was jumping out of my seat for were Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 3, Sheep, Run Like Hell, Money, Us & Them, and Outside the Wall.
What I found to be also extremely special was hearing Water’s writing amidst the lockdown, as he played us some verses from a song he wrote at the beginning of the pandemic, titled The Bar. This was really special because he has not recorded this track for release anywhere, it’s just something he’s been playing for people for the first time on tour this summer. Hearing my first interpretation of The Bar, along with witnessing the eyeopening images Waters had provided on the screens of our real world in current and past times, brought tears to my eyes. I had never envisioned this show to empower and move me so much, but I’m so glad that it did. This is a stance in using your voice that celebrities with any sort of power, all across the board of pop culture should be making. Roger Waters has and continues to make his stance known.
I would also love to credit Roger Water’s fantastic band on this tour with him, because I’m sure all the attendees know as much as we all love Roger, these shows would not be possible with only him alone. This outstanding show could not have been performed without guitarists Dave Kilminster and Jonathan Wilson, guitarist/bassist Gus Seyffret, keyboardist/guitarist Jon Carin, organist Robert Walter, drummer Joey Waronker, backup singers Amanda Belair and Shanay Johnson, and saxophonist Seamus Blake. This group of incredibly talented people made this show seem to flow effortlessly and spotless, even down to the little backup singing choreography at the corners of the stage done by Belair and Johnson. The few saxophone solos of the night blew me away, and the core band made so many moments of the show, specifically Money and Us & Them unforgettable. It was clear to see the relationship forming and already formed within this group of people, and I especially loved as they all exited the stage together, Waters called out each band member to the stadium for a round of applause.
Walking away from this show I was in awe from head to toe. If Roger Waters has the ability to perform until he’s 100, he will, and seeing his triumph, tears, humor, connectivity, and power right in front of me all night only proved this idea. Frankly, it was an absolute privilege and honor to witness his talent live. If I get the opportunity to see Roger Waters again, without a doubt I will be back. If you are somebody that enjoys creative expression, sticking it to the man and standing up for what you believe in, while getting the experience of a life long talent right before your eyes, you MUST see Roger Waters live. This show will go down in history as one of my favorites, and that’s a guarantee.
The Living Street Live at the Milvale Music Festival
After eagerly waiting for months, I got to see Pittsburgh’s greatest duo The Living Street at the Milvale Music festival.
Most of their shows are 21+ since they mostly perform at local bars in the Pittsburgh area. Being at the ripe age of 19, I unfortunately cannot go into a bar or I would be at every one of their shows. I was so happy to see they were performing a show for all ages. I had some really good BBQ food from a food truck, and got to catch up with Nick and Edward.
The Living Street were in the middle of their spring east coast tour and excited to be home with their friends and family. They performed my favorite song “Two Dark Hours” which was written on their way home From a crazy trip to Las Vegas. They also performed and unreleased song about their loving and close friendship. Nick and Edward have been friends since they were little. They both grew up in Lower Burrell which is about 45 minutes outside of the city of Pittsburgh. They have been best friends through thick and thin and you hear that through their music, and see how strong their chemistry is on stage. Their set list was short but very special. It warmed my heart seeing everyone dance and clap to songs such as “Jealous Ghosts” and “Home on the Road.” Nick and Edward sounded amazing and fed off of the powerful energy the crowd gave.
As I walked around looking at the art and different food trucks met many cool people who love The Living Street, or even grew up with them. They may not be the biggest musicians in the world but everyone in Pittsburgh loves them and us over at Banded will continue to support them as they are so passionate about music.
PREVIEW: Greta Van Fleet brings Dreams In Gold Tour to Cincinnati at The End of July
After 3 years, Greta Van Fleet will make their valiant return to the Queen City. On July 30th, the Grammy-award winning 4-piece rock band will headline at Heritage Bank Center in Cincinnati with support from Rival Sons and The Velveteers.
After releasing their acclaimed sophomore album The Battle at Garden’s Gate last year and hitting numerous #1 spots, they’re now hitting the road to do what they do best.
If you’ve never experienced Greta Van Fleet live, you are sorely missing out. Whether you grew up in the golden age of rock n’ roll or you’ve been yearning to feel that same experience, a GVF show is EXACTLY what you need. Their live performances transcend anything you could ever imagine from a performance in 2022. Greta Van Fleet shows are a full body experience, transporting you to a time where rock n’ roll was absolutely EVERYTHING.
If you want to experience it for yourself, tickets are still available for the show. Come revel with us and GET TICKETS HERE!
Can’t make Cincinnati? Check out more tour dates HERE.
LOVE GRETA VAN FLEET? SO DO WE! Read more of our coverage HERE.
SHOW REVIEW: Greta Van Fleet Dreams In Gold - Kalamazoo
In Kalamazoo, March brought freezing and below freezing temperatures. Friends, lovers, ex-lovers, future lovers all found themselves in line overnight and early morning for the beginning of Greta Van Fleet’s “Dreams In Gold” tour. The overwhelming sensation was truthful. All was worth it for GVF’s long-awaited Michigan return and start of their first world tour since 2019.
Split between two lines for multiple entry doors, at exactly 5:15 pm, fans were let in as they were about to acquire the experience of a lifetime. A sold out show at Wings Event Center, the crowd grew as time went on. The Velveteers set the vibe for the night as they debuted with two percussionists and a lovely lead singer/guitarist. After the crowd ate up all The Velveteers had to offer, they braced themselves for Rival Sons.
However… By the time Rival Sons went on, some fans became uncomfortable up close to the stage due to the tight squeeze… Including myself. I’ve had the honor of seeing Greta Van Fleet within the first five rows three times. In Kalamazoo, I was about eight rows back on Jake’s side, still a breathtaking view. I fought hard to stay in my place between people shoving themselves in front of me and others knocking into me. I told myself to stay where I was because I’d fought cold temperatures for a few hours, spent nine hours on a train, spent months looking forward to Dreams In Gold. But finally… there was no more holding back tears. I felt unsafe. I felt claustrophobic. I knew how privileged I was to think, “I’ve seen them this close multiple times, I can stand further back.” I let my sister know I was moving back as I proceeded to the back of the arena.
Somewhat filled with disappointment and sadness, my sister found my mom and I before GVF went on. Regaining confidence that this would still be an amazing experience, “Reasons For Waiting” by Jethro Tull blasted over the speakers (as it also did at Strange Horizons) and I knew all would be well. After the calmness of the track played, the arena went pitch black. It was haunting. The room was filled with love, joy, excitement and screaming fans. The sound of pounding drums fled the arena. A piano-filled track greeted us all as it echoed, along with familiar acoustic guitar riffs, followed by a speaking voice we know all too well. Josh Kiszka’s speech echoed the arena as friends, families, fans were reunited with GVF, people seeing GVF for the first time.
“The only fun that must be had is too much. People need people. Enjoy all of it always. And remember that all you have is special.”
As the speech came to a close, the lights behind the curtain lit up as those familiar organ notes of “Heat Above” began. Danny’s silhouette shining, Jake’s beginning guitar riff playing, everything was worth it. But when the curtain falls… You’re no longer in pain. For the next 60-90 minutes, you would be at peace. You find yourself jumping so high and using energy you never knew you had. Your voice is louder than you ever knew it could be. You suddenly didn’t care what others around you thought. “I think people around us think we’re drunk.” Mission accomplished. Even when Josh’s mic went out for half of the opening track, the Peaceful Army carried the song as if nothing was wrong. The energy was immaculate and hearts were filled.
The most shocking part? There was fire. The band who’s always striving to outdo themselves had fire during one of their, what we like to call “softest” songs. I had the perfect view of Jake and Danny (who sings his heart out) and kept maneuvering myself so I could see Sam. It’s like seeing old friends. You just pick yourself back up with them. Throughout “Safari Song” and “Black Smoke Rising”, the arena echoed with fans who were losing their minds and experiencing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “Caravel” began the headbanging, purple aesthetic and our clav king on piano, Sam shining. As Jake played romantically to his girlfriend in the crowd, “Age Of Machine” roared and set the scene.
Keeping romanticism alive, all Sam had to do was play the first few notes of “Light My Love” and the crowd fell to their knees. The romanticized sways of the audience, the entire venue singing along with Josh, screaming as loud as we could. Reveling all together for the band we fell in love with. Screaming the lyrics, “Hate bound by fear will unwind.” The ballad to lift you off your heels. Traveling into the existential crisis part of the show, also known as “The Weight Of Dreams”, the real experience began. Fire. Smoke. Jake covered in smoke. “Jake you must’ve done a lot of shit over there.”, his twin insisted. But what is “The Weight Of Dreams” known for? THAT. SOLO. As Jake shred through his solo as always, he played “with” the crowd as well. Between the energy of the audience and energy of the four members, it was enough to be the most magical part of the night. Dancing, yes dancing through the entire guitar solo is the most fun I’ve ever had at a concert. To watch your favorite guitarist, someone who’s taught you so much about music and about guitar, in real life is indescribable.
After our out-of-body experience, “Watching Over” was performed as Jake danced with his guitar during his solo. “When The Curtain Falls” closed out the night as I pointed to Sam during the lyrics, “You could use a little work. Well, at your age.” The stage went black as they had “left”. Not even five minutes of making us wait for an encore, Sam came out and hopped on his mellotron. I had it correct in my mind they had played the exact same setlist as they did for Strange Horizons in Nashville, which would essentially include “Age Of Man” in their encore. As Sam lit his incense (as he always does) and set the scene, he teased with beautiful sounds from his mellotron to serenade us. Danny hopped on his drums to add some chimes. Jake chimed in with his infamous red SG to play familiar notes. As brothers they stand, Josh walked out to greet his people so we could all come together as one. The stage fell silent as Josh stated, “You asked for it”, as Sam played the intro to “Anthem Of The Peaceful Army”. Tears were falling. People were hugging each other. Fire was burning in the pits in front of the stage. The scene was set. The lyrics “And we came into the clear” possessed perspective yet again.
The intro to “Highway Tune” was played (which was the way GVF started almost every show in 2018-2019) as they began Josh’s “favorite song.” The song that got them to where they are now. With the energy of the four members coming together and jammin’ for about ten minutes during “Highway Tune”, the stage was still electric as the band prepared for their last track of the night. “If I could just get out of here, it’d be my way soon.”, Josh stated as the infamous “My Way, Soon” riffs played. The end of the night held loud guitar solos, heavy bass lines and screaming vocals… As did the entire show. Tons of white roses (which GVF at one point claimed as their aesthetic) were thrown out to the crowd as Sam held one in his mouth and threw it into existence. The night officially ended with Josh’s infamous phrases, “It’s not too late to get into a lot of trouble.”
“And in the end we will spend the weight of dreams in gold.”
SHOW REVIEW: Houndmouth at Tuffy’s Music Box in Sanford, FL
Indiana folk rock band Houndmouth hit the road for the next leg of their Good For You Tour before they join Greta Van Fleet for twelve shows on the Dreams in Gold Tour this fall. In November of 2021, the band released their newest album, Good For You, as well as a 5 month long headlining tour in support of the album. A few weeks ago, they brought the show to Florida. Accompanied by Sam Filiatreau pulling doubles as both the opening act and the bass player for the band, Houndmouth made magic in the intimate and lively venues in Sanford, St. Petersburg, and Ponte Vedra.
I was lucky enough to attend all three of Houndmouth’s Florida shows earlier this month and had some of the most fun I’ve ever had at a concert. To start, Sam Filiatreau was a pleasant surprise. He played with just an acoustic guitar and a voice so soft yet soulful that caught my attention from the very first word. His poetic storytelling and lyrics make you want to grow old with the one you love in the Kentucky countryside stuck with me as I realized I just found one of my new favorite artists. He writes the kind of music that leaves you with a yearning in your heart for a feeling that you cannot describe.
Towards the end of his set, he played a song called “Fine By Me”. The song recounts a lifetime of love shared between two people and won the hearts of everyone in the crowd that night. He confessed he does not normally play that song but I’m grateful he decided to that night in Sanford because it was a pleasure to hear. To everyone’s surprise, the other members of Houndmouth joined him on stage for his last two songs. There was something so indescribably mesmerizing about his voice that pulled you in and held on to you even after the song was done. He was both grateful and humble, and thanked everyone after every song he played and even thanked the crowd for not talking over his set. For me, it was hard to imagine doing that. Something about his music was so easy to listen to and become completely wrapped up in.
After a quick set change, Houndmouth took the stage with an explosive energy. They opened with “Las Vegas”, a single from their newest album, and set the energy for the rest of the show. The crowd fed off the band’s energy and vice versa. The set list was a perfect mix of hits from Good For You and fan favorites from their previous albums, Little Neon Limelight and From the Hills Below the City, as well as an unreleased track, “Sun in the Valley”. The band had an undeniable chemistry. I’ve been to more shows than I can count at this point and I have never seen a band have more fun playing than Houndmouth. You can tell the band does not take themselves too seriously and that created a sort of care free and fun energy from start to finish. Singer Matt Myers and drummer Shane Cody cracked jokes and shared personal stories about some of their songs and it gave them a new meaning to me. As far as I knew, “Palmyra” was a song about a girl he was hung up on, not, as Myers put it, “a shithole in Indiana”. Towards the middle of the show, they played “Goodbye” and “Honey Slider, personal favorites of mine, and you could feel the raw emotion behind the songs from both Matt and Shane. Caleb Hickman, (or “Fishbone” when he’s in Florida according to Shane) played in a way that added so much emotion to each song, particularly during “Goodbye”. My favorite part of the show was how they shared instruments and each member got an opportunity to spotlight their talents. Matt played drums while Shane played bass, Sam moved over to the guitar, and they all took turns singing. They closed out the initial set with “Darlin” that was almost drowned out by how enthusiastic the crowd was.
Matt Myers returned to the stage by himself for the first of a three song encore and gave us a beautiful performance of “For No One”. The venue was quiet and his vocals echoed beautifully around the room. To close out the show, they played the highly anticipated “Sedona”. The entire show was amazing, but this moment in particular held some kind of indescribable importance to me. The amount of times I have screamed every word to this song in the car by myself, and then to finally be able to scream “so bright and pink” with the band themselves. It felt like a dream and it was a moment I will never forget.
I could not have asked for a better show. The chemistry between the four guys was incredible and Sam was a perfect fit, blending seamlessly into the band. It felt like watching a group of longtime friends turned brothers do exactly what they were meant to do. It was truly a pleasure to see them play and I cannot recommend it enough that you go to one of their shows if you get the opportunity.
Make sure to catch Houndmouth as they continue their tour up the east coast in the coming weeks and with Greta Van Fleet this fall! Details HERE.