Due to life being life, I missed most of the opening offer at Red Gate from a brand new band making their first-ever offering, the quartet SEEING GREY.
The few songs I caught gave me an emo/noise vibe, and I liked what I saw. The lead singer was confident and energized, giving it all an upbeat vibe. I’m definitely stoked to catch a complete set from them soon.
Next was a repeat offering from the quartet SPECTRA, who have undergone a significant lineup change with only the lead singer remaining, and wouldn’t you know it, this newest edition fucking slayed.
A much thicker, heavier sound with the new direction geared more onto that end. Screeching guitar and groovy and playful bass, this was a blast to flail around to.
I have always enjoyed this band and am stoked to hear more from this new lineup.
Following were the city’s premier stoner/psych bands, and one I have loved for years since I saw them open for EARTHLESS, the quartet CHARLES MANSION.
Murderous bass riffs aplenty, so much God damn groove, easily one of my favorite bassists. They weave around their songs with such skill, always playing something interesting.
So fucking tight, clearly the work of a longtime band who has their sound down. They touch on every aspect of the genre with buildups, stoner grooves, and big headbanging sounds and nail it every time.
The engaging and quirky lead singer/frontman busted out a wicked scream in one epic song. Fucking love this band.
Finally, it was the second offering from the band formerly known as SPVCE, the newly dubbed ORDINARY BIRDS, dosing out some rock with all sorts of dreamy/ethereal vibes.
Being taken on journeys through their shifting landscape was a treat. Sometimes, big and smashy or delay effects give a trippy sound. Clean vocals came through beautifully.
The entire band dressed as the Bluth family from one of the funniest TV shows ever, Arrested Development, including the bassist who blue themself as Tobias in one of their most ridiculous moments.
He was delighted by tonight’s offering.