eLeCTRIC PENCILS

I realized last night I say that phrase a lot. I’m surprised someone hasn’t turned it into a drinking game.

But I digress…

Last night, I headed down to San Antonio for the Riff House Review show at Sam’s Burger Joint. Just some background info, Riff House Concerts is run by my good pal Tim Slusher and his lovely wife, Candyce. They host house shows and all the money goes to the artists. This concert was a review of bands who have played their shows. There are only a handful of people whose musical tastes I trust without question. Tim is one of those people. And here’s why:

I didn’t get off work until 7pm, so It was about 8:20 when I got to the venue. Chris Taylor was already playing, and I’m a little bummed I missed most of him, because it was a really nice set. I’ll definitely be checking him out.

The first full set I saw was The Rosedale Highs. Very fun and catchy rock band with a throwback sound. My first thought was “Sounds like Barenaked Ladies when Barenaked Ladies aren’t trying so hard to be cute.” I picked up their EP and talked to a couple of the guys. Definitely a band to keep your eye on. Really nice set.

Next up was The Canvas Waiting. I enjoyed them a lot. I was pretty drunk by this point, but I recall standing there thinking “It’s nice to just hear a really good rock band.” Very tight musically. I talked with the bass player afterwards and told him…”Really nice set.”

Then…you ever find yourself in a moment and just want to soak it all up and never let it go? Yeah, that was the set by Mobley. One of the most invigorating performances I’ve seen. Anthony Watkins II is the epitome of showmanship. I wish I could put it in to words, but you just have to go to a show and experience it. My only doubts was that it wouldn’t translate to recorded media, but I listened to the album on the drive home today, and you know what, yeah, it’s still really fucking good.

The only band on the bill that I had any prior knowledge of was Little Brave. I’ve seen them a few times since I moved to Austin and they never disappoint. Not to sound like a sexist dick, but I sometimes have trouble getting into female singers. This is not one of those times. Great songs. Great performances. And just between you and me, I fall in love with Stephanie a little every time I see her. Shh. That’s a secret.

The last band of the night was Pop Pistol. They weren’t bad, but by that time, I’d had like 6 beers and 5 Jack and Cokes and I was exhausted, so I was mostly zoned out. Sorry guys. I’m sure I’ll catch you again.