beaches and bye-bye....

...if you're ready to kick off summer the right way, head down to Oregon Express tonight where the kids will be having a Beach Party and bands. Headlining the night is The Goody Two Shoes, who have really hit a stride as of late. Up from Cincinnati, you've got the consummate songwriting/musicianship of The Turnbull ACs. Opening the night will be the surf rock stylings of Brian and the All-Nighters...



...over at South Park Tavern tonight, The Story Changes kicks off an extended tour that will take them deep into the west over the next few weeks. Take a look at their dates and let anyone you know out there to go check them out. Also on the bill tonight are After the Accident and Models. Big rock party...

Captain of Industry/Male Models/Baby Teeth/Toads and Mice @ Gilly's 12.31.07

...as we said goodbye to 2007 and welcomed in 2008, we had an amazing evening of music to enjoy. Heading down on this blustery evening to Gilly's, we were excited for the musical treats we had in store...

...opening the evening was one of our favorite bands, Toads and Mice. With their impeccable execution on this evening, we were delighted to see this band in such a setting. While the tracks from their debut disc, Toads and Mice, landed in every way, the band's inexperience in such a setting revealed to us that a little more in the way of stage presence and banter could serve to improve the band's ability to further connect with their audience...




...in from Chicago, Baby Teeth's funk-inflected indie pop largely fell on indifference from the audience. Although we were somewhat bemused initally, by the end of their set, Baby Teeth had won us over, leaving us hopeful that they may return to the Gem City in 2008...



...with two Dayton ex-patriates in the band, we were excited to see Male Models from St. Louis. Despite our high expectations, we were largely disappointed in the band on this night. While some of the material held promise, the execution of the material came across as incomplete and shoddy. The enthusiasm, however, helped to hold our attention and gave us hope that with further refinement Male Models may evolve into an interesting outfit...



...just after the stroke of midnight, Captain of Industry hit the stage with their patented frentic, angular indie rock sound. On this particular night, the band seemed to be in full command of their oevure, slashing across the core melodies with muscular abandon. The appearance of the Pixies "Where Is My Mind?" was a welcome treat for the audience, as everyone fell into singalong mode, and we were well on our way into 2008...