Drab brought a set of fuzzed-out, ’90s-inspired indie rock to The Middle East Downstairs. They opened the release party for D-Tension’s Secret Project.
Mellow Bravo @ The Middle East Downstairs 1.31.2014
As I was editing these photos I got word that Mellow Bravo guitarist Jeffery Fultz is moving to Boise, Idaho. We wish him the best, but this is a huge bummer for ‘Bravo fans. Sad face. The band will soldier on, of course, but we’ll miss Jeffrey’s riffs and showmanship. At least we’ve got some great memories of his time with the band, like Mellow Bravo’s set closing out last month’s big Indie Rock Ranger show at The Middle East Downstairs…
Sidewalk Driver @ The Middle East Downstairs 1.31.2014
Happy Chinese New Year from Sidewalk Driver…
Goddamn Draculas @ The Middle East Downstairs 1.31.2014
Even being aware of the band’s penchant for killer harmonies after seeing them open for Imperial State Electric, I was still taken aback by the way Goddamn Draculas can blend a vocal smoothie. Toss in some big guitars and you’ve got a recipe for… ugh, this is so silly. Forget I said any of that. Wait, don’t forget the part about the killer harmonies. That part was important. Anyway, here are some pics of Goddamn Draculas at The Middle East Downstairs…
The Silks @ The Middle East Downstairs 1.31.2014
Have you folks seen The Silks before? Wow. These guys came up from the South* and showed the crowd at The Middle East how to rock, roll, snarl, smolder and twang. Goodness gracious, what a show.
* Err… Providence.
Watts @ The Middle East Downstairs 1.31.2014
Watts are a really good band. You know that, right? The big guitars are just the right size, drawing from Nielsen, Petty and The Brothers Young. The songs are equally at home over the radio or PA. Oh, and these guys know how to put on a show. It had been far too long since I had last seen Watts. Thankfully, Richard Bouchard came through with a stellar bill. Watts kicked off the night at The Middle East Downstairs.
Freezepop @ The Middle East Downstairs 12.14.2013
With snow coming down heavily before the show and expectations of conditions worsening, there was legitimate concern before Indie Rock Ranger’s Holiday Spectacular that people wouldn’t be able to make it out to the show. Thankfully, this one played out like a cheesy Christmas movie. People did come out. Harris Hawk, Animal Talk, Parks and Sidewalk Driver all played amazing sets to a festive and growing audience. Then, Freezepop came out and put a giant electronic cherry on top of this delicious frozen treat. It was a wonderful show, Mr. Bouchard.
Sidewalk Driver @ The Middle East Downstairs 12.14.2013
No snowstorm was going to keep me from seeing Sidewalk Driver at Indie Rock Ranger’s Holiday Spectacular. After all, Glamta comes but once a year…
Parks @ The Middle East Downstairs 12.14.2013
During a snowstorm… At The Middle East Downstairs… As part of Indie Rock Ranger’s Holiday Spectacular… Parks turned “Holiday Road” into a holiday classic.
Animal Talk @ The Middle East Downstairs 12.14.2013
If Steven Kilgore’s smokin’ jacket doesn’t get you in the holiday spirit, perhaps Animal Talk covering “Last Christmas” will. These guys always put on a good show, and this set at Indie Rock Ranger’s Holiday Spectacular is no exception. Let it snow. We’re having a good time downstairs at The Middle East.