Electric Theory charges up the Bottleneck, Afrobreakbeats throws down, then Mouth gets loud and funky + Previews

It was a fantastic Friday night, with show three bands playing long sets for a crowd that was ready to party. The Bottleneck was alive early on, but kept filling up, the energy in the air charging like a battery. Girls swung hula hoops to the sides of the dance floor, and the bar was always crowded. Between sets folks played pool while eagerly awaiting the next band. The crowd of young party people were excited about the first Friday night of the new school year, and the bands kicked the year off just right.

Electric Theory came on at 9 p.m. and didn't stop until after 10. Trevor Stout jammed out alongside Stephen Gunn, the drummer from Mouth. The two skilled musicians played in perfect harmony creating fantastic electronic dance music. Mark Hill of The Floozies also joined them on guitar, creating a dynamic sound that can only come from three wicked talents that are practiced and passionate. This may have been one of Electric Theory's best sets yet, and is a sign of great things to come. Afrobreakbeats had a tough act to follow.

There was some confusion on Lawrence.com over the third band playing with Electric Theory and Mouth. At one point it was listed as Afrobreakbeats, then Zoogma, then someone else, but ultimately it was the first, Afrobreakbeats, featuring Leonard DStroy and Brandon Draper. The energetic drummer carried the set with fantastic solos and pumping beats. The synthesizer added some cool, heavy rhythms, creating a Drum and Bass sound that was reasonably good, but not great. Following Electric Theory's intricate set, Afrobreakbeats' songs felt a little lacking. There were pauses, empty silences, and long, long drum solos. Granted things got a little better when a rapper came on stage to sing some rhymes, but the band may need another instrument to fill in the gaps.

Finally Mouth took the stage to a fully packed Bottleneck. The 3-piece band had Gravy, the expert saxophonist who plays with other fantastic bands such as Future Shock and The Floozies, to add a jazz sound to the band's funky electric jam. Mouth has developed a following of loyal fans who crowded the dance floor and the rest of the venue too. Every hit song of theirs was received with an explosion of cheers from the audience. With the jammed dance floor, girls hula hooping on the sides of the dance floor and other ladies dancing on stage behind the band, it became apparent that Mouth might be ready to fill a bigger venue. The set included most of the band's best, but even after an encore, the crowd was screaming for more. Hopefully they will be back on stage before long!

Now for Previews:

Friday, Billy the Squirrel is playing with Sonic Sutra at the Bottleneck at 9 p.m. This should be one of the best jam shows of the season!

Then Saturday VibeSquaD, The EZ Brothers and Nick Arcade will be playing at the Granada at 9 p.m. This electronic show will be a thumping Dub and Bass rave of epic proportions. Over 200 people are attending the Facebook event. This show will be the place to rage it on Saturday night, so be there!