I got a last minute invite from Jason, the manager of Dynamite Walls, to check out the Sparta, Straylight Run and Lovedrug show since Dynamite Walls was a late add to the bill. I gladly accepted. I thought the show was a mainstage show, but people just watched me as I walked the wrong way to the locked doors before realizing they were playing in the sidestage area. I got there early and Dynamite Walls was already onstage but had just started their 5 song set. I was actually hoping to see how they handled the big stage, but this one is small so there was no major deviation from the regular shows I've seen them play. They sounded great and the very young crowd was enthusiastic, though they were finished before 8 so a lot of people missed them. I definitely look forward to the June Beauty Bar residency. Dynamite Walls, Soma 5/30/07, photo by Rosey
Dynamite Walls, Soma 5/30/07, photo by Rosey
Dynamite Walls, Soma 5/30/07, photo by Rosey
Dynamite Walls, Soma 5/30/07, photo by Rosey
Lovedrug was second to hit the stage and overall I liked their sound, but there was something that kept me from loving them. He did this thing with his lips when he sang that seemed like he was doing it to alter his vocals to create a fake accent, if that makes any sense at all. The more I watched, the more I saw him do it. And maybe I'm wrong, maybe it's natural, but it didn't feel organic enough for me. Still, when not obsessing over something so trivial, the band sounded good and the crowd seemed to really like them.
Lovedrug, Soma 5/30/07, photo by Rosey
Lovedrug, Soma 5/30/07, photo by Rosey
Lovedrug, Soma 5/30/07, photo by Rosey
I have to admit, I assumed the show would be a lot shorter, but after the first two bands I checked the set times and saw that Sparta would play until 11. I had other tentative plans for after the show, but I'll get to that part of the story on post 2...