local music

Review: Azrael, From Ashes to New, Offbeat Hooligans, & Almost Kings @ Wild Bill’s

May 6, 2014 — Leave a comment

On Saturday, May 3rd, Atlanta natives Almost Kings played their hometown for the first time in roughly nine months. In celebration of this hometown event/Cinco de Mayo bash, the band gave away free tickets to all who requested them prior to the show. Three opening acts–Azrael, From Ashes to New, and Offbeat Hooligans–were booked, and anticipation built by the day.

Doors opened at 7:30 that night. Rockers Azrael were the first to hit the stage, going on around 8:30. The best way to describe them is a mix of Creed and Seether. Their originals were great, and their versions of Bush’s “Come Down” and Alex Clare’s “Too Close” really sparked the crowd’s enthusiasm. It was the perfect way to kick off the night. Before the energy could fade even one iota, it was time for From Ashes to New.

Hailing from Lancaster, PA, From Ashes to New is reminiscent of Hollywood Undead, only much heavier. They had Wild Bill’s jumping by the end of their first song. They were energetic and interactive, vocalist Matt Brandyberry hopped down into the cluster of people gathered in front of the stage more than once, singing and shaking hands and creating more of a sense of camaraderie between fans and band. The atmosphere was electric at the end of their set and it remained that way throughout the entirety of Offbeat Hooligans‘ performance.

The best way to describe Offbeat Hooligans is “funky.” The members are extremely talented. Bassist Ben Rickard, in particular, tore it up. Akin to 311 and Authority Zero, they left the room with a positive vibe. Finally, right after 11, it was the moment we’d all been waiting for–Almost Kings. Drummer Kevin Compton, guitarist Ryan Yunker, bassist Danny Helms, and front man Bryan Bozeman walked out to a packed house. A roar rose from the audience as the band ripped straight into “Shakin’ ‘Em Up.”

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I can’t even find the words to explain their performance. It was non-stop enthusiasm, the guys bouncing all over the expansive stage and Bozeman repeatedly encouraging the audience to help him out, something that every person in that building was more than willing to do. AK played all of their most popular tracks, including “Bounce,” “Five Foot Hurricane,” “Shadows,” and “Hold On Me,” while also breaking out a few songs that aren’t usual on their set lists, such as “Lose Control” and “Never Quite the Same.” A few covers were slipped in: the medley that includes a portion of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s “Baby Got Back,” Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby,” and House of Pain’s “Jump Around,” as well as their always popular version of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself.” Throughout their set, Almost Kings was joined onstage by multiple guests, other musicians who they have collaborated with over the years.

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The night was truly an unforgettable one. Without a doubt, Almost Kings gave their all and made their hometown incredibly proud.

Bands You Should Know: Within Reason

April 12, 2014 — 2 Comments

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Band: Within Reason

Genre: Rock

Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama

Sounds like: A mix of Linkin Park, Daughtry, and Breaking Benjamin

Discography: Bloodshot Life (2009) and After the Crawl (2012)

Suggested Tracks: “We’ll Have It All,” “Here Comes the Light,” “Favorite Sin,” and “Instigator”

I saw Within Reason for the first time in October of 2008 and immediately fell in love. Perhaps the best thing about their performance was how apparent it was that they enjoyed each other, as well as the crowd. It always makes me happy when I have the chance to witness that camaraderie between members of a band, that certain something that shows that they don’t view this as only a job. This is their passion. These guys live for their music.

Within Reason’s music is something else. “Unique,” “astounding,” “addictive”…all of these words can be used to describe it. I have compared them to Linkin Park, Daughtry, and Breaking Benjamin, but that isn’t quite right, it’s just the closest I could get. Vocalist Chris Dow, bassist David Koonce, guitarist Chase Davidson, and drummer Griffin Zarbough create a sound that isn’t exactly like any other band. Therefore, I asked my friends for help describing their music. Here is what I was given:

“Their music is honest, pure, and just all-around great to listen to on any occasion, no matter what mood you’re in…”

“[Our songs] are songs by everyday people, just like you and me, about everyday issues.”

“They are one of the best bands I’ve ever been introduced to. The vocals are captivating, the lyrics amazing, and the music perfect.”

“[Within Reason] has a variety of music to listen to. None of their songs sound the same, and there’s a song to fit any mood.”

“[Within Reason’s music] is something a little different that will hook you and pull you in because you will identify with the lyrics.”

All of these descriptions are accurate. Within Reason writes about real aspects of day-to-day life, things that everyone can understand. Two great examples of this are “We’ll Have It All,” a track that deals with personal loss, yet is also an anthem of hope and encouragement, and “Don’t Walk Away,” written for a soldier who served in Iraq. While the band is undoubtedly not afraid to touch on serious issues, they do occasionally break away for some fun. Their cover of 50 Cent and Justin Timberlake’s “Ayo Technology” is absolutely fantastic and will give you a whole new love for the song, whether you cared for the original or not. (At live shows, Within Reason breaks out some of the most random covers, such as “Bleed It Out” by Linkin Park, “Boom” by POD, and “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley.)

Last, but certainly not least, is the fact that the guys themselves are amazing. All four of them are humble and down-to-Earth. They are always willing to take time out of their day to talk to a fan, sign an autograph, pose for a picture. I have never had a bad experience when in their presence, and that serves to add to my love for the band. This loyalty they inspire won them the Garage to Grammy contest in early 2013.

Relatable, fun, and entertaining, Within Reason is another band that I believe should hold a place in your music library. So give ’em a listen. They will not disappoint.

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My Musings: Local Music

March 20, 2014 — Leave a comment

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I wrote this a while back, inspired by some of the most wonderful nights of my life with Lynam, The Velcro Pygmies, Within Reason, Almost Kings, and Rearview Ghost. I wrote down all that occurred to me, then reworded it to make it sound better. (I’m a writer; it’s what we do.) This is the final product.

There is something undeniably beautiful about local musicians. Their craft is shaped by the love of music, not just a love of money. Every note, every chord, every lyric, every performance is guided by emotion and unmarked by the ugliness of greed. Local musicians still have a certain purity about them. This is only emphasized by their ability to actually see themselves touching lives. They can watch an audience in a way that is lost with too much success. From the stage, they witness the smiles, the laughter, the tears, the words to their songs being sung. But even more importantly, after the show they can meet these individuals, exchange words and hugs, learn something about the person before them, forging a connection, however slight.

There is a level where all of this is lost. And as much as we all want success for the bands/artists we love so much, it is an unfortunate side effect that a lot of what made them beautiful will fade in the glare of the limelight. They still touch lives, still make people laugh and smile. However, it is no longer a major part of the job…and they begin to lose the personal side of things, working only for a bunch of nameless and faceless fans that become nothing more than sources of money.

Local musicians are the true celebrities. They are the ones who deserve respect, praise, awe, and love. We should all devote as much to their cause as they do. I personally would be lost without the local musicians that I am lucky enough to call friends.

(Let me add that I do not begrudge those who succeed. I have no issue whatsoever with those who worked their way to the top. On the other hand, I do have problems with these created artists who never do anything to earn fame but get shoved down everyone’s throats. For every one of those “artists” that exists, the dreams of a legitimate and deserving artist are being crushed.)

Bands You Should Know: Almost Kings

February 20, 2014 — 2 Comments

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Band: Almost Kings
Genre: Rap/Rock
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Sounds like: Rage Against the Machine meets the Beastie Boys, with Eminem as the singer
Discography: Filthy Nice (2009), Club Rock EP (2011), Hear Me Out (2013)
Suggested Tracks: “Bounce,” “On Like That,” “Unstoppable,” “Cheers,” “Hold On Me,” and “Lose Control”
The best way to describe Almost Kings is with the clichéd “they are not like anything you’ve ever experienced before.” Only in this case, it’s true. There is no way to fully convey what listening to Almost Kings–or seeing one of their performances–is like.
I was first introduced to the band in July 2012, when a friend urged me to come to a show in Florence, Alabama. I was told that they were rap/rock and was given comparisons to everyone from Linkin Park to Hollywood Undead. Honestly, it left me with no idea of what to expect…and not a lot of hope for what I was about to witness. But I soon discovered that my friend had not done Almost Kings justice. At all.
The show was amazing! Vocalist Bryan Bozeman, guitarist Ryan Yunker, bassist Daniel Helms, and drummer Kevin Compton went non-stop. There was never a dull moment, and the guys didn’t slow down until it was over. They were energetic and interactive, and they gave 100% to every aspect of their performance. I have since found out that this is true at every show. (And it doesn’t hurt that they are four of the nicest guys you will ever meet.)
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While the live shows are nothing short of spectacular, they wouldn’t be what they are if the music itself wasn’t up to par. I asked the band to describe their music in a single word, and Kevin said “diverse,” which summed it up pretty accurately. I have defined them as rap/rock, but they actually span multiple genres. There are so many things about each album, each track, that are appealing, and my interest was held by the fact that no two tracks sounded exactly the same. The only problem with that is it makes it extremely difficult to recommend just one song to a person unfamiliar with the band. It all depends on tastes. Want rap? Listen to “Bounce.” Want rock? Check out “Hold On Me” or “Shadows.” Want something with a touch of funk? Crank up “Lose Control.” Want something fun with a catchy chorus? “Cheers,” “On Like That,” and/or “Unstoppable” should fit the bill nicely.
I have to acknowledge that the first thing that caught my attention was the skill of Bozeman. His rapping is just mind-blowing, and he integrates it in with a full band so seamlessly. I can’t think of anyone else who combines rap and rock as well as Almost Kings.
While Bozeman’s vocals are the most easily discerned part of their sound, when one gets down to it, there is a depth to the music. Almost Kings is one of the few bands that has earned what is perhaps the biggest compliment I can pay a band: they are multi-faceted. They are not stuck emphasizing one member over and over again, because all four of them are very talented. This makes it possible for them to highlight a different element in each song.
Putting it simply, Almost Kings is the most fun you will ever have listening to music, and one of  the most entertaining live shows you will ever witness. Easily enjoyed by anyone, but with the talent to satisfy fellow musicians and music connoisseurs alike, this is a band that should definitely have a place in your music library. Do yourself a favor and check them out. Now!