A variety of spectacular concerts start off the month of May

As the days grow longer and the nights get warmer, the calendar becomes completely booked with concerts, sometimes with several great shows going on the same night. On hot nights in Lawrence there's no question that there's something to do. The only real question is, which show, bar, party or festival would you prefer? The first weekend of May is just the start.

Friday, April 30th,

Split Lip Rayfield will be playing their punk style of country bluegrass, rocking hard at the Bottleneck, starting at 9 p.m. According to Lawrence.com it will cost $13. Split Lip Rayfield is one of the greatest bluegrass bands to play in these parts, and can also be seen this summer at Festy Fest, May 22nd, at 11 p.m. The show will start with Red Eye Gravy and The Palpitaters opening.

For more frugal party-goers, the Cosmopolitics will be playing at the Jazzhaus for just $4, jamming out with funky prog-rock that is fun to dance to at an intimate venue where the crowd always gets down. The funk starts at 10 p.m.

And at the very same time The Schwag will be playing the Granada, for just $8-10 according to Lawrence.com. At this price, this show has to be the best deal Friday night, and anyone from the most hardcore Deadheads to a fan of Grateful Dead style jam bands must not miss it! Doors open at 10 p.m.

Saturday, May 1st,

The Spook Lights will be playing a live, recorded show at the record store Love Garden, downtown FOR FREE! The epic, wickedly talented rockabilly, surf rock gods are celebrating the release of their new 7-inch, "Teenage Maniac." They'll be playing from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This should promise to be a terrific performance, since the band is planning to record, and it will be intimate in the record store, so anyone looking for good music for free must be here!

After The Spook Lights are finished, music-lovers will have just enough time to get down to the Jazzhaus in time to catch Majestics Rhythm Revue play funky, poppy rock at 10 p.m. for $4. This local band combines beautiful vocals, saxophone, violin and rock guitars to range its musical style from jazz and blues to funk and pop.

Sunday, May 2nd,

The Bootheel is playing as well as Tyler Gregory at The Replay Lounge from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for just $3! Tyler Gregory's spectacular voice and great one-man-act is an acoustic, folk show that impresses everyone.

Later, 1349, SkeletonWitch, and Lecherous Nocturn will open a hardcore show for the famous metal band Cannibal Corpse. Anyone who is a fan of metal, or has any interest in a band that has influenced a whole generation of the genre, should be there, at least later, for Cannibal Corpse's set. This show is supposed to cost between $17 and $19. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

This is just the first weekend of a new, warm month, with tons of great shows yet to come. Stay tuned for more previews, reviews and more.

3 Son Green, Dirtfoot and Mountain Sprout shake up the Bottleneck

Saturday night promised to be full of excitement when a crowd of eager fans was gathered for the opener, 3 Son Green. The young band of four plays with a talent beyond their years - some still appeared to have X's on their hands - filling the venue with a strong jam of funky, jazzy tunes that got the dance floor shaking. Playing cover songs as well as their own music, 3 Son Green started the night off right, and impressed audience members who came with high expectations for the veterans of Dirtfoot and Mountain Sprout.

It was an odd transition from the poppy, rocking jams of 3 Son Green to the jazzy, folk rock of Dirtfoot, but the crowd went with it with ease, as Dirtfoot got interactive, asking the audience to shout out words to follow the chorus' of different songs. Cans of beans are handed out at every Dirtfoot show, so fans and add their own rhythm to the songs, making everyone feel more involved with the music. As written in past reviews, Dirtfoot puts on an incredible live show, with talent and energy that cannot be beat.

Mountain Sprout came on shortly after Dirtfoot finished, taking up the crowd's energy and rolling it even higher, as they always do. The four bluegrass masters have added a girl with a saw to their band, who gives a haunting extra sound to some of the songs. For a few songs the washboard player from Dirtfoot joined too. Mountain Sprout plays with a passion that only the most hardcore party animals could have. Also written about in past reviews, Mountain Sprout is one of the best bluegrass acts out there, and it's a stroke of great luck that they come all the way from Arkansas to play for us in Lawrence and Kansas City.

It's ridiculous that 3 bands of such great talent can play at a venue like the Bottleneck for just $7. Only in a musical paradise like Lawrence. If only this show had been advertised more, I would have previewed it!

Don't miss them at Festy Fest here in Lawrence; they are scheduled to play the second night, Saturday, May 22nd, at 9:15 p.m. They will also be playing at Wakarusa this summer, along with Dirtfoot - and 3 Son Green, I believe!

That 1 Guy performs magic with music at the Bottleneck

Friday night Lawrence was treated to one of the most spectacular one-man-acts to ever take the stage. The Bottleneck was filled to the brim with fans, jamming the dance floor and packing the bleachers. Everyone was entranced by the bizarre musical styling and actual magic tricks performed by Mike Silverman, a.k.a. That 1 Guy.

The headliner took the stage around 11 p.m., unveiling his 7-foot-tall, home-made musical instrument, the Magic Pipe. All alone, That 1 Guy plays one his strange contraption, rocking out funky, dance-able tunes that range in style from heavy metal to prog rock to jazz. The beats are provided by a foot-pedal-drum That 1 Guy beats as he keeps a fast, intricate rhythm and melody on his other instruments. Among the artists' inventions are the Magic Saw and the Magic Flute, which give different songs completely unique sounds you can't hear anywhere else.

Any normal musician would struggle to handle the Bottleneck alone, but That 1 Guy took on a full house without a moment of hesitation. Musical energy channeled out over the crowd from this single man, filling the bar with sound. Between songs, That 1 Guy performed magic tricks with cards, lights and other tools, breaking up the dances with some laughs.

The crowd was a mix of folks who filled the dance floor so there was barely room to get down to the funky tunes. Aside from a few happy campers most everyone was just staring at That 1 Guy, entranced, for the entirety of the show. Ultimately the audience barely showed That 1 Guy the appreciation he deserved for his work.

As the sole source of entertainment for a packed venue, That 1 Guy played non-stop until 1:15. A slightly early night, but completely understandable considering that it was literally that one guy.

That 1 Guy will be playing at Summer Camp Music Festival and Wakarusa this summer. Check him out any chance you get!

Shpongle raves on a Tuesday night like Europe on a Friday + previews

Everyone in Lawrence looking for something fun to do out on the town on 4/20 was sure to have some fun, since Downtown Lawrence itself was full of fun-lovers partying like it was a Friday. But the best show usually costs the most money, and it's not always worth it, and that was true last night, as Shpongle played at the Granada for $20, a hefty price, for a weeknight DJ show.

The opener Prometheus was mediocre at best. A mix of good quality techno, and terrible, repetitive, juvenile electronica is not what one expects to endure for $20. Not every DJ is a prodigy and even good DJs have bad moments, but Prometheus went on forever, teasing the crowd with gems buried in crap.

According to Shpongle fans, there is usually a whole band, with guitarists, drummers and keyboardists mixing together the pieces of their songs to make each show unique. Apparently most of the band stays in Europe, where the band is most popular. Last night was just a single DJ working the table on the massive stage.

Without anyone allowed to dance or party on stage, it felt like a relatively empty, inactive space for everyone to be facing as they danced. However, Shpongle goes heavy on the ambient side of electronic, and so the performance included visuals projected on a screen above the stage, which the crowd was expected to stare at as they listened to the trippy melodies. Sadly these visuals were far from compelling. Shpongle still uses the same psychedelic native-mask image it's had for years. That same picture mixed with a small handful of other pictures, which flash and blink, turn and kaleidoscope across the screen in simplistic, repetitive motions, is the entirety of the visual entertainment for the hours of techno. Overall the visuals were unoriginal and obnoxious. It's possible that the most inebriated fans could find something entertaining about the static images, but for anyone remotely close to sober, it was just awful. For good visuals in a similar musical setting, try Bassnectar.

When it came to music, Shpongle was the perfect rave DJ. Songs ranged in style from bass-thumping grinders to airy, psychedelic jams. Shpongle's brand of techno includes a great deal of world-music influence. Some songs seem to be borne from a Spanish Flamenco dance or a British anthem.

The crowd danced its heart out, filling the Granada to the brink with writhing, ecstatic bodies. People came out for the show in full rave gear, others completely unprepared. Girls were hula hooping in the alcoves and people on the dance floor swung glowsticks to the rhythms. Unfortunately security was tight, so people could not celebrate the holiday to their heart's content, but it was still a good time for anyone who had pre-partied.

Ultimately, the opening act, and setting were not perfect for a 4/20 celebration, but the music was good, and people had fun, so the show was certainly a success. The one-man act of Shpongle was making his first appearance in Lawrence, but hopefully not his last.


Now for previews:

Friday, April 23rd, That 1 Guy will be playing the Bottleneck for $8. That 1 Guy, Mike Silverman's latest album, "Packs a Wallop!" exemplifies his wicked skill and wide variety of styles based heavily around funk and jam. Songs carry a dance-able beat while sounding reminiscent of Frank Zappa's quirky pieces or Rush's prog rock. His ridiculous one-man-performance promises to be even more impressive in person than on your computer. That 1 Guy uses instruments such as the Magic Pipe, which is a series of tubes, bass strings and electric buttons put together to make a bizarre, original instrument. This is a must-see show. It starts at 9 p.m.

Saturday, April 24th, The Spook Lights will be playing the Replay Lounge for a mere $2! The local psychedelic, surf, rockabilly gods always play a fantastic, energizing show that's too exciting to miss. See past reviews of The Spook Lights. They will be playing along with Bandit Teeth, and Psychedelic Horseshit. The show starts at 10 p.m.

Sunday, April 25th, Pretty Lights is playing Liberty Hall. The show costs about $21, but promises to be a funky, electronic dance party of the highest caliber. Pretty Lights plays at such epic music festivals as Wakarusa and Summer Camp Music Festival. Anyone who likes to get down and boogie, even on a Sunday night, should be there. Doors open at 8 p.m.

L Town Throwdown floods the streets with great bluegrass pouring out of the Granada ALL DAY

Saturday, April 10th the block outside the Granada was drowned in music as over 20 bands performed bluegrass for a mere $10.

How could so many bands play at a single venue? Well it's easy when different bands can play in separate places at the same time, for example, a band was playing outside the Granada, while another played in the entrance lobby. Still more would play in the main chamber of the venue, either on the main stage, in the right alcove next to the bar, or up on the balcony. With so many stages set up, bands could play one after another, without breaks in the music.

But even so, over 20 bands? How much time could any of them play, half a song? Not when the event began at 3 p.m., with bands playing continuously until the headliners, local bluegrass masters Deadman Flats, and national music wizards, Cornmeal, finished the show at 2 p.m.

With separate bracelets for entrance and drinking, audience members could come and go as they pleased. The Throwdown was a family-friendly affair that attracted a huge, diverse crowd of Lawrencians enjoying the gorgeous weather we've had lately.

Among the fantastic acts playing during the day were the up-and-coming sensations of Potbilly, who played on the mainstage around 3:15 for an audience that quickly grew as their music progressed. Josh Inman plays a stirring bass line, and deft jamming skills, while singing with soul. Chris Franzke adds to the vocals to give even more brilliant harmony to their tunes, while melting your brain with his wickedly fast rocking riffs and sharp, skilled bluesy melodies on the guitar and mandolin. Tom Clutter adds to the blend of intricate bluegrass sounds with a banjo, when he isn't giving the songs a heavier dancing beat on the drums. Together the three young artists play a variety of covers and their own work with a slick style and natural talent that is refreshing and fun. Among the dancing, smiling listeners were pretty girls with hula-hoops and the band's growing following of fans.

Later Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy were up on the balcony, playing country americana with a trombone giving their bluegrass instruments a bluesy feel that makes this band especially distinctive. The band played for an increasingly excited crowd, as this all-day-event led to some extreme energy for the early hours of the evening. Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy have a fun, care-free attitude that's exciting to behold.

Finally, to begin the epic end of a long, and wild day, Deadman Flats came on the main stage for a full Granada, playing a fantastic set of classic Deadman hits, rocking out lengthy solos, and shining with a huge stage presence that brought the huge venue together like never before. Experienced Deadman fans gathered together to fill the dance floor with shaking, twisting laughing bodies. Girls filled the back alcoves with hula-hooping. Everything seemed perfect.
And just when it felt like a day full of brilliant bluegrass was over, Cornmeal picked up where Deadman Flats left off.

Cornmeal is one of the best bluegrass bands on the scene today. The band is under-rated compared to their competition, but still widely appreciated for their skill, and unmatched style, however Lawrence has a large and experienced enough base of bluegrass enthusiasts that the town showed the band love like only the best crowd can. The band gives bluegrass a broader, deeper meaning that you've ever imagined before hearing them. With the combined power of a guitar, banjo, upright bass, fiddle and drums, the band creates an ambrosia for the ears like angels playing bluegrass. The sound is so intense, so rolling, changing, moving, it's reminiscent of brilliant metal musicians like early Metallica...only with bluegrass. The band's progressive jams have a quality of growing strength, and relentless energy that sets every listener's heart pounding.
Friends with dozens of Granada shows under their belt declared this show the best show at the Granada before Cornmeal's set was through. The fast, harmonic groove of every song flows unfettered, until just when you think they're finished, then it goes faster and louder. Like the Energizer Bunny, the band just keeps going and going. Every song burns bright, and long like an immortal shooting star. After over 10 years band, the Chicago-based musicians tour constantly, and will be found at Summer Camp Music Festival this May 28-30.

Sonic Sutra dominates the Granada then Mouth busts out at the Jazzhaus

This review is late because it's been such a busy weekend for music in Lawrence. Anyone familiar with the wide range of epic concerts playing the last few nights will understand.

Friday night Sonic Sutra opened for California Voodoo at the Granda, starting the night early, around 9:30 p.m. Sonic Sutra is a local jam band that uses a variety of instruments to put together songs that stream smoothly from one style to another. Every song has a way of moving and progressing like a jazzy, funky, rock jam, taking your ears for a roller-coaster ride. As mentioned in a previous review, the band includes a guitarist, second vocalist adding percussion, keyboard player, bassist, and drummer that combine their skills in their respective sounds to create a strong, explosive harmony. Although Sonic Sutra always promises to be a fun time, this show was something else, like a new level of professional performing had been reached. This was the best Sonic Sutra show this reviewer has seen yet.

The band played an impressive set, going on over an hour, with nonstop jamming. Their songs are so well practiced, intricate, and rhythmic, it's exciting just to feel the progression of each piece, while dancing to the beat.

Sonic Sutra always get the crowd going with their energy and enthusiasm. Every venue, no matter how large, this band always fills the space with a contagious fun vibe that's impossible to ignore. Even in the wide space of the Granada, everyone gathered to the dance floor, people staring in awe from the rails, or getting funky up in front.

With every song, you could feel the crowd getting more excited, strutting their stuff to every funky song, rocking out to every jam, swinging to the jazzy beats. Aside from their own brilliant songs, Sonic Sutra plays fantastic covers. The finale for their set was The Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer", at which point the audience finally lost control, getting down like it was a summer festival.

Having seen what this reviewer came to see, the night was still young when Sonic Sutra finished, and Mouth was already playing at the Jazzhaus.

Although it was a tough act to follow, Mouth met the challenge admirably. The local funky, jazzy, jam band is like a force of musical nature. Mouths has a distinct sound, and a hip, clever quality that's hard to come by whether you're looking at concerts, or on the radio.

Every show is a party, because the drum beats are so fun, the guitar riffs are so groovy and the bass lines are so slick. The band has a list of memorable tunes they play with creativity that makes every show different, but familiar in a good way. With Evan Leitnaker on a second set of percussion instruments, the band had a stronger rhythm, complex, heart-racing beats, and another layer of brilliant talent to give the band even more power.

The show was already in full swing by 11, with the dance floor completely packed, chairs full, and the bar unreachable. Everyone seemed to have a smile on their face, like it was all one grand party of friends. Mouth was opening for Funkotronic, but the night out that starts early sometimes ends early, and this was one of those nights. After waiting to make sure Mouth was really finished with their set, it was time to rest weary legs from a night of funky, jazzy, jamming dance parties at the best shows in town.

VNV Nation plays an early show for dark-souled but loving fans + previews

This review is a little late, because it's been a busy week, but Wednesday the 7th VNV Nation played the Granada for $16. Although the weather wasn't cooperating that day, and it was a Wednesday night, a small, but dedicated crowd of fans came out to show the goth industrial band their appreciation.

The show started early, with the opening band coming on around 8 p.m. Going to a show a little late to avoid waiting for the band to set up is usually a good idea, but not when the headliner actually comes on before 10. VNV Nation was already on by the time this reviewer and friends arrived, but they saved some of their best songs for last.

Ronan Harris sings with a rich, resounding voice that makes VNV Nation so remarkable. Behind him drummer Mark Jackson plays measured, rhythmic beats that give every song its pulse. Between the poetic goth ballads, airy electronic melodies, and rhythmic industrial beats, VNV Nation puts on a show that is different and exciting for loyal fans and newcomers alike.

Popular favorites like Chrome got the crowd dancing a little. But one can't expect too much movement from a goth crowd. Not all VNV Nation songs are good to dance to, at least not most entire songs. A lot of pieces like Beloved have slow, spacey, vocal parts, brought to life by the flashing, dancing light show the band has set up behind them. But Harris got the crowd riled up with Nemesis, leading the audience to sing the chorus with him.

Harris is notorious for hassling the crowd for the slightest sign of disrespect or disinterest in him and whatever he's talking about between songs or singing. It's mostly hilarious, but sometimes incredibly annoying, considering everyone paid money to have a good time, and it's a concert, not a classroom, so people can talk, text or do whatever they want.

The Granada was only about half-full, which is surprisingly small for a VNV Nation show, or any show at the large venue. Goth and Industrial shows are hard to come by in Lawrence, and in Kansas in general, so it's exciting to have an opportunity to see a big name like VNV Nation up close, without fighting for space in a huge, packed crowd. The crowd was mostly made up of goth kids, who know the words to the songs, but still don't know how to dance much. Nonetheless the fans screamed and cheered for more whenever the band stopped. The first encore wasn't hard to earn.

Almost immediately after heading backstage the band re-emerged. The second encore was a little harder to get, but through perseverance, chanting, and cheering the crowd got what they wanted. Harris and Jackson came out to play a song together before being joined by the other two guys playing on keys and synthesizers.

Even with two encores the band was finished at about 11:30, leaving the crowd satisfied, but surprised at the hours left in the night. VNV Nation put on a lengthy, exciting show, despite the timing and small crowd, and showed an admirable dedication to their art.

Now for previews:

Tonight, Friday, April 9th, Sonic Sutra is opening up for California Voodoo - who will be playing a tribute to Widespread Panic. This show at the Granada should provide plenty of rock for anyone trying to party on the town. Sonic Sutra plays a funky, lyrical rock that is too fun to miss. California Voodoo is a southern rock jam band, perfectly suited to play a tribute to Widespread Panic, which is great music to drink and dance to. The show starts around 9 p.m., and if you can't get your hands on a free ticket, the show will be $5.

Also tonight, Mouth and Funkotronic will be playing the Jazzhaus, jamming out some funky party tunes to get down to. As written in previous reviews, Mouth is a rising star in Lawrence's music scene, guaranteeing a fantastic show, especially at the Jazzhaus. Funkotronic is from Rhode Island, but reviews say the band plays a mean mix of jazz-fusion, Latin music, Afrobeat and psychedelic funk. The music starts at 10 p.m., and it's just $4!

Tomorrow, Saturday, April 10th, Cornmeal and Deadman Flats will be headlining an all day bluegrass show called the "L Town Throwdown", including 20-some other bands, starting at 3 p.m. Cornmeal is one of the best bluegrass bands around, playing regularly at most of the big music festivals of the summer, including Wakarusa. Deadman Flats is the greatest local bluegrass band in Lawrence, and always rocks out hard with fun, boot-stomping bluegrass jams. This whole evening will be epic for anyone interested in bluegrass. The show at the Granada will cost $10 according to Lawrence.com.

Cosmopolitics and Family Groove Company fuse prog rock, jazz and funk at the Bottleneck

Sometimes the best shows are the ones you aren't even planning to go to. Driving downtown to catch a show at the Bottleneck, the hip-hop beats of a DJ at The Replay Lounge carried over the bar's outdoor patio walls, while Tyler Gregory's minstrel vocals echoed down from where he was busking near a street corner. Both were tempting, but ultimately the Bottleneck won, and as always it was a fantastic night out with friends.

The Cosmopolitics opened up with a long set, playing songs ranging from progressive rock to fusion jazz, with a bit of funk too. The band's progressive rock songs ringing of Frank Zappa, one song sounded reminiscent of John the Fisherman by Primus; there was definitely a strong Metal tone to some of the songs. Other tunes took a fusion-jazz groove that was both rockin' and smooth. But every song has a little of everything including a touch of funk that makes you wish you could jump up and dance. However, the band's complex rhythms and melodies are not to be trifled with.

The small crowd at the Bottleneck didn't dare try to find a beat to swing to even after The Cosmopolitics had been on stage for an hour. The band demonstrated a great understanding of unconventional beats and rhythms that are impressive, but heavy on the ears. Frank Zappa fans may have been excited to spasm and head-bang to the songs, but most of the crowd couldn't really get into it. Maybe if the audience were larger and more excited the band would have gotten a better reception. Perhaps it was because it was night before Easter Sunday and many students had gone home for the night - before waking to the creeping grumbles of Zombie Jesus - but the Bottleneck was surprisingly empty until quite late - for a Friday night. It was unfortunate how little energy the crowd had, but The Cosmopolitics were coming on very strong.

Aside from the band's intense skill and intricate styling, they had the energy of experienced musicians, giving the crowd its money's worth and then some. According to friends who had been at the Bottleneck from the start, the band began playing at 10, and they rocked on continuously until 11:30. The local band gave the Bottleneck a grade A performance, worthy of headlining a show with a more energetic crowd.

After a short break, Family Groove Company took the stage and immediately collected an even bigger crowd, filling the open gaps on the dance floor. In terms of skill Family Groove Company picked up right were the Cosmopolitics left off, rocking out with a practiced repertoire. Some songs leaped from one jamming beat and rhythm to something completely different, but equally brilliant so suddenly, yet smoothly, the crowd would hoot and cheer in appreciation before finding the new groove to dance to. The band's set was accompanied by a light show, using fog-machines, colorful, flashing, rotating lights and twisting, psychedelic kaleidoscope images, giving the venue a little more ambiance than the average show.

Family Groove Company's blend of jam, funk and jazz gripped the audience's attention from the start, drawing people out of their shells to dance. The band's guitarist, keyboardist, bassist and drummer all contributed integral parts to every song with both instruments and vocals that seemed to evoke a fire in the spirit of every audience member getting down on the dance floor.

From strong funk beats to smooth jazz jams, Family Groove Company kept up a fast paced, upbeat vibe that made the show a party. Cool folks already energized by The Cosmopolitics danced together front and center with tardy-party people who came ready to rage it, making the dance floor a funky hot-spot under the fog and lights. From 11:45 to 1:45 Family Groove Company played their hearts out, a show that was as awesomely fun as it was impressive.

Hailing from Chicago, Family Groove Company has a long list of shows scheduled across the Midwest. Most friends at the show said they came because they saw the band at Wakarusa in Lawrence a few years ago, or a show in town some time ago. One can only hope they will be back again soon!

The Spook Lights get frisky at The Replay Lounge

The Spook Lights are one of the most talented, hardcore rock-n-roll bands to ever play a show, leading Lawrence in it's brilliant local music scene. The band always gathers an appreciative crowd, and plays every set with a heart-pounding energy and intricate skill that is amazing to behold.

April Fool's Day, The Spook Lights played to a relatively packed - but not uncomfortably jammed- crowd at The Replay Lounge at midnight, for $3 (Lawrence.com isn't always 100% accurate, but it was definitely worth the extra buck). While a DJ was putting on dancing tunes in the outdoor part of the venue, the band played indoors, gathering a crowd as soon as they started their sound check.

A friend came along to the show to get her first Spook Lights experience. She immediately loved the surf guitarist, Curvacia Vavoom's signature pouf - or beehive hairdo, "It's way better than Snooki's!" and the lead singer, Scary Manilow's drag-queen outfit. Accompanying the four band members was a man wearing only black leather pants, white leather boots, and a high-cut fishnet shirt, dancing wildly at the corner of the stage. The comically disturbing dancing man led the crowd to shake and swing to the punk-surfer rock tunes, but really, it was the band's passion and wicked style that fed the crowd the energy to rock out.

As a fan of the punk and rockabilly music scene in her hometown of Washington D.C., Lydia was excited to see so many pierced and tattooed punk-rockers in the crowd. At one point she said something to the effect of "I didn't know there were so many punks in Lawrence." Indeed, the badass fans of The Spook Lights were out in full force to support the band. The crowd was a grateful bunch, but the audience wasn't lively enough for how exciting and fun the band was.

Playing favorite songs like Teenage Maniac and Scarum Harum, The Spook Lights made a rockabilly punk party out of The Replay Lounge. The guitarists' harmonic melodies intertwine to the fast, dancing drum beats, giving the vocals room to twist and shout, creating something exotic and hypnotic. The Spook Lights happily played, filling the bar with a psychedelic, surreal vibe only dreamed of in the movies. There's something about that surf-rock/horror-punk blend that is so clever and pleasing to the ear that The Spook Lights are virtually addictive, because they have no substitute and nothing compares.