Hot off the heels of two weeks off, which itself was hot off the heels of the last gig in Gardiner, we were pretty pumped for tonight. Last show had such a good vibe to it that we hoped to duplicate the atmosphere tonight. All the bands arrived early, which was a very first for our ericrock shows. Another first was that we actually had a pretty decent crowd in the house before the first band even started playing.
That first band in question was none other than Nineteen 75 from Gardiner, featuring members of No Friendo. Basically it's the same band, only Brian plays guitar now, and Jimmy (who joined NF right before they split) is on the other guitar. They gots a new bassist too. All new songs. Considering that this was their first show, it was pretty decent. I wasn't sure what to expect or to think of them when they started, but after a few songs, i started getting into it. By the time they stopped, i thought they should keep going, as i jived the last few cuts they ripped.
Next up was Who Is Spain out of Waterville. I'd never even heard of these guys before i booked them. I think they're a pretty new band, but they've got some potential. I'm gonna keep my eye on them as they play out more. The only part i really disliked about these guys was when our floor monitor got crushed under foot!
Next up was MIDRIFF. I've been talking with these guys ever since our Coheed and Cambria show, and i've heard some pretty sweet demos, but i'm truly fascinated by them now. They're where it's at apparently. They brought a really substantial crowd up to see them from down south, and they had a decent performance too. We'll play with these guys lots.
Next came Two Girls Later. For a group of young guys, they have a pretty polished sound. Unfortunately, that alone wasn't enough to keep the exodus of Midriff fans from looking like a reflection on them. I know from experience that it's kind of hard to put on a decent show when it seems like nobody is paying attention, so i kind of felt for the boys at this point.
We were up next. Best set in a while, i thought. We had some big problems at the start, as a result of some missing extension cords/power strips as well as PA cables. After setting up most of my stuff, and learning that there was no possible way i would be able to plug in, it looked like this was going to be another Softer gig sans-keys. I started breaking down my gear, and suddenly the boys on the other end of the stage managed to produce a power strip for my use. Then i plugged in and un-broke down enough to play. This was kind of another first, as i sacrificed the use of my CZ1000 for the sake of time (we had already taken like 15 or 20 minutes trying to set up). The set had a lot more energy than last show, although the equipment troubles and late start affected the atmosphere a little. Setlist this time was again pretty standard, but we talked about it, and they're going to practice some old ones before next time so we'll be able to throw some variety in the mix.
After us came Animal Suit Driveby. Again, another band that i'd never heard, only talked to. Basically, all i knew about them was that they weren't ska, even though they had horns. They were right though -- it was a cool mix of indierock/hardcore with some horns. I personally don't know how well the horns will work as they grow as a band, but they're currently one of the better bands in the state. Good vocals. They will play with us again.
Overall i'd have to say it was one of the better shows in a while, and our personal showing was one of the better ones since last fall. Much thanks to all the people who actually stayed and watched till the end of the show, as their presence helped keep the energy up a little bit. Next stop in Gardiner should be a blast, judging solely on the bands on the bill. If our show keeps coming back up to snuff, it's looking to be a blast for us as well.
caleb.
SETLIST
Calico
1913
Stopping Sound
Ardent Heart
Tourniquets and Treachery
It Always Snows...
