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| Nicos Gun
Wednesday night brought three very different yet seamlessly connected bands to the LaGrange in Deep Ellum. The last few times I've ventured down the tattooed streets of the once bustling local music scene, a little bit of hope is restored for music in Dallas. The LaGrange is a quaint and hip music spot perfect enough to fill a herd of music lovers into its sophisticated ambiance. It's been serving up local tunes and Tex-Mex for a few years now but to me, I've found a new spot to check out the hungry and talented (musically speaking of course).
Wednesday's event was sponsored by the fabulous peeps at Blackbox Presents and GoodBAMMSho. Opening the night was philly foursome Nicos Gun. Permeating the dark streets with their electro infused beats it made for a grand entrance into the club. The crowd was small but it didn't prevent them from putting on a hell of a good set.
Today's music terminology borders on ridiculous when it comes to identifying the players in the realm of Independent music. So I'll keep it simple, Nicos Gun is a blend of indie pop, sugar coated with electronic goodness and topped off with a zest of funky soul. These boys can jam. Playing tunes off their latest release, Plush, I wasn't sure if I was being transported back to bell bottoms and disco balls or the era of over-synthed anthems and Purple Rain. Whatever genre(s) influenced these lads the most is neither here nor there, it's catchy, groovy, and totally fun!
Taking the stage next was local band The Roomsounds. Talk about a total leap in sound from the previous band. The setting went from electronic indie pop to Texas rockabilly within a few guitar licks. The hometown boys win the award for drawing the biggest crowd of the night. Their fans definitely came out to support them, and for good reason.
Decked out in Kings of Leonesque locks and 70's inspired denim these boys looked like they belonged on the cover of "Youth and Young Manhood". Comparisons aside these guys brought a completely different vibe to the night and a sound that only progressed as the set hit its stride. Surviving a technical issue with the lead singers guitar with utter professionalism and class you can tell the group aren't strangers to the stage.
Well written songs and pitch perfect notes can be completely overlooked if the audience is left feeling unconnected. Frontman Ryan Michael not only connected with the audience, but you felt the progression in the set through his dynamic vocals and serious guitar skills. The Roomsounds were infectious and fun and I'll definitely be checking them out again soon.
Ahhh the smoke machine. Does it ever get old? There's nothing like sitting in a small bar, listening to music, when all of a sudden light beams and smoke start filling the air. Music gold! Kentucky natives, Morning Teleportation, topped off a successful night of music with an entree of tunes that left me puzzled, curious, and completely satisfied.
The psychedelic rock/jam band is Phish meets Flaming Lips meets Modest Mouse - with a sh*t load of smoke. The influence in lead singer "Tiger's" vocals reflects similar qualities from mentor Isaac Brock. But what amazed me the most were the unexpected transitions and explosion of sound coming from the group of four. Right when I thought I was having festival flashbacks with quick guitar licks and sick piano playing, they would slow it down, reset the mood and of course...disappear in a giant cloud of smoke. Where am I?
I'm not sure listening to their latest record will do the band total justice, but by all means, take a listen or 10. They are a must see live and a happy accident on a Wednesday night in Texas!
Until next time!
Happy Listening!
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Nicos Gun, The Roomsounds, Morning Teleportation & a Whole Lotta Smoke [Review]
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