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Next Big Nashville Blog, Sept. 10-14 — Michael Campbell WEDNESDAY NIGHT, SEPT. 10, 2008
Derek Webb and Sandra McCracken, 12th & Porter
Derek and Sandra are a duet of sorts that seem to blend the indie singer/songwriter feel with country music. Their show consisted of them both playing guitar and singing. I would have to say that if you're into country and soft music, you would probably really love these guys. I, on the other hand, like something a little bit more upbeat and the closest I get to country is Cash.
Kyler England, 12th & Porter
Kyler England actually had an extremely similar sound to Derek and Sandra. So ditto on much of what was said above. However, England's sound is more of the twangy pop side of country music. I struggled through both of these first two shows at 12th and Porter and I think it's mostly because I strongly dislike most country music.
Matthew Ryan, 12th & Porter
Once these guys went on I was greatly relieved to see a full band with drums and the whole package including a violin player, which is usually a good sign in my mind. From start to finish, Ryan rocked the place. The standout song in the set was "American Dirt", which can be heard on their myspace profile. The music itself sounds a bit like Ryan Adams. Overall, it was a great show and changed the mood of the night to a more upbeat one. It was also amusing to see Ryan arguing with the sound man about one of the speakers.
My Tyger, 12th & Porter
This was an exciting show for a couple of reasons. My Tyger is a band that used to play together probably nearly a decade ago and has just recently gotten back together. The band's frontman is Sam Ashworth who has already established a strong solo career in Nashville's local music scene. If you are familiar with Ashworth's music then the best way to describe My Tyger is Sam's music sped up and more energized. The show at 12th and Porter was great, and it was good to see these guys back and playing together again. My Tyger is definitely a band worth seeing in Nashville. THURSDAY NIGHT, SEPT. 11, 2008
Levi Weaver, Douglas Corner Cafe
Douglas corner is an extremely intimate environment and was perfect for Levi Weaver's solo act. Although few people actually attended the show, Weaver did not disappoint. He uses track loops to create a full band feel and then plays over the loops that he creates. This show was impressive to say the least and if you haven't seen this guy play, you should. He did a cover of Radiohead's Idioteque that was simply amazing. He accomplished this by creating a drum track using his guitar, looping it, and then adding other tracks including a violin bow on guitar track. Finally, he sang over the created tracks to create a version of idioteque that, although covering Radiohead is like trying to cover The Beatles, was near perfect. Once again, if you haven't seen this guy, you need to.
Eastern Block, The Rutledge
Playing to a decent sized crowd at the Rutledge, Eastern Block put on a good show. Their sound is similar to bands like Franz Ferdinand and The Killers, but with a slightly heavier, and sometimes ambient sound. After seeing a lot of bands in a row, it's sometimes hard to tell if a band really stands out. For me, this band was good and put on a good show, but didn't really stand out amongst some of the other artists that have already played at NBN. Maybe given a different setting, results would be different.
And the Relatives, The Rutledge
These guys came out intense from the start. They play fast paced songs and tend to dance around the stage some. In between songs, each of the band members has a funny and slightly awkward stage presence. They cut up and tell jokes amongst themselves and with the crowd, which makes for an entertaining show. As far as the music is concerned, I have to say that i've heard better, but that doesn't take away from the show itself being a fun one to experience.
Ascent of Everest, The Anchor
This is one of those shows that I was looking forward to from the beginning of seeing the lineup of NBN. However, it was slightly disappointing when the band before them took up half of their time slot, and they didn't go on until 11:30 instead of 11. By the time they went on, few people were left in the audience to experience this incredible band. I was only able to see a few songs because I wanted to make it to the next show in time, but the few songs they did were breathtaking. The band consists of two guitar players, a cello player, a violin player, keyboard, and drums. They have a screen behind them that displays different images while they play, and the music itself is reminiscent of Mogwai and God Speed. These guys know what they are doing and the music can send you into a trance. I would like to see them play sometime when they are given a solid time slot of their own and a more intimate venue. This is another one of those bands that I think is a must see in Nashville.
The Protomen, Exit/In
I don't even know where to start with this band. I think from the beginning, it is clear that The Protomen are more about the show they put on then the actual music they play which, in this case, isn't a bad thing. They all dress up in interesting gear and paint their faces silver. The lead singer at one point puts on some kind of bike helmet and sings through the helmet. They must be doing something right though because the show was packed more than I have seen at Exit/In in a long time. Their music is most easily described as rock opera and is definitely overdramatic but on purpose. I think these guys certainly have a sense of humor about their own music, as does the audience that enjoys them. If you haven't seen The Protomen, it's worth going out to at least once. However, in larger doses I think one could eventually lose interest. FRIDAY NIGHT, SEPT. 12, 2008
Tallest Trees, The Rutledge
Tallest Trees is a very percussion-based band, which brings a lot to their sound. The crowd was a decent sized one when they went on and everyone was enjoying what they had to offer. The two drummers wore masks at the beginning of the show and at some point ripped them off for effect. The music was hard to peg but they seemed to blend styles of The Dodos, Modest Mouse, and even a hint of Pink Floyd—but with a little more funk to it. Overall, they put on a pretty good show.
Magic Wand, Cannery Ballroom
I hope that these guys have a sense of humor about themselves, because if they don't, there is no redeeming quality to their music. I came to this show on accident because I arrived to the Paper Route show early. It felt like being at a talent show contest in the 80s, but without the talent. The "band" consists of two people, dressed like they walked out of the 80s, that play along with a cd track. Wasn't much to it, Wasn't very good.
Paper Route, Cannery Ballroom
I know this band is a Nashville favorite, and I honestly do like their new record. However, the live show was extremely too overdone and flashy. The live versions of the songs didn't match up with their studio quality. Regardless, I think most of Nashville was at that show—because it was packed. Maybe if they had dropped the fog machines and the sappy drum effects, the show would've been better. But I was anxiously waiting to go back to The Rutledge to see Heypenny and Umbrella Tree.
Heypenny, The Rutledge
Heypenny could possibly be one of the most exciting, energetic, and visually stimulating shows that I've seen in Nashville—and the music is great. I've never seen the Rutledge as packed as it was this night, and for good reason. If Andy Kauffman had a band, it would be Heypenny, and I mean this with the utmost respect. If anyone has seen the video of Andy Kauffman playing the bongos and crying then you'll understand what I mean. They constantly bounce around and make ridiculous facial expressions that keep the audience more than entertained. This is another one of those bands that if you haven't seen, you should.
Umbrella Tree, Exit/In
Umbrella Tree band continued in a similar fashion to what Heypenny had started. There was lots of jumping around and weird facial expressions going on with good music to go along. The show seemed much more like a musical than an actual concert. I generally dislike musicals, but I think Umbrella Tree could make me change my mind. The crowd was still packed from before and no one seemed interested in leaving. The lead singer seemed to love to throw things that he no longer wanted in his hand, and at the end of the show when the crowd was screaming for an encore, he snuck into the crowd and joined them which was hilarious. The pairing of Heypenny and Umbrella Tree made for a great evening, I will try and see both these bands again any chance I get—you should too. |
