Last night was a notable showcase for a couple of local bands that made the most of a high-profile gig on the best stage in town. Royal Bangs absolutely killed in their opening slot for Athens, Ga., power trio the Whigs. In fact, during the bangs set, I thought that the Whigs would have a hard time following--I'd have wanted more than three guys in my band to match the Bangs' energy--and they were; they're a good band (with a seriously hotshit drummer), but their rootsy, '90s-style slacker rock fell flat in comparison to the Bangs' neon-colored, synth-powered power pop. This was one of the best bands in town on the top of their game, playing to an enthusiastic crowd (maybe small by Bijou standards, but a big one for Royal Bangs) in one of the best rooms anybody could ever hope to play in. It was kind of a watershed night for the band.
They brought Will Fist and his Three Man Band as the openers, too, and their thrashy garage psych was bare-bones but powerful--and loud.
They brought Will Fist and his Three Man Band as the openers, too, and their thrashy garage psych was bare-bones but powerful--and loud.
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