Thursday, October 3, 2013

San Antonio Music Awards Showcase @Boneshakers


             On Saturday 28th seven venues across San Antonio took part in the San Antonio Music Awards, with various genres of local artists performing at bars and joints all over town. With everything from ska and punk to electronic hip-hop, it was hard to choose just one venue. However it was difficult to pass up Boneshakers, hosting a collection of indie rock and alternative bands. Boneshakers, located just north of downtown, is a cozy yet lively bar and pizzeria located between various closed down businesses and difficult to spot besides the crowds hanging around outside smoking. Upon arriving at around 9 p.m. I found a couple empty chairs around the bar, navigating through a fairly crowded room. The venue was relatively small but possessed a vibrant yet calm energy to it. After some drinks and pizza, Bright Like the Sun emerged from the crowd, having been chatting at the bar with everyone else. Upon tuning and sorting out their instruments, they began to play, their sound reverberating and echoing off the walls of the small establishment. Their ambient rock started slowly building to crashing crescendos and settling into the seams of the crowd. At moments the air was crisp and calm with the members swaying and easing into the music, before bursting into life with guitarists Christian Miranda and Rob Mochen drawing out the energy of the crowd and really performing a fantastic show. Following their departure the crowd dissipated, but only momentarily for the night had just begun.
The rest of the night consisted of the other bands, including The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, Crown, and Lonely Horse. Upon taking the stage, Lonely Horse brought out the volume, bringing the crowd to its feet, with every seat emptied to rock out with the self-proclaimed “dark folk rock” duo. While Bright Like the Sun swept and swayed through the night, flowing with a calm energy, Lonely Horse’s Nick Long kept the crowd on their toes, with strong guitar chords and a captivating voice with Travis Hild at his side. The room crackled with their bluesy riffs, and their dense and intense songs shook the whole venue, Long’s voice switching from painful anger to tender empathy. The duo put on an amazing show, with paralleled passion and intensity, evident in the crowd’s cheers and body language.
Although I missed The Grasshopper Lies Heavy and Crown (much to my disappointment), being that I have seen the former, I can only imagine the show itself. Always ready to rock out at any venue Grasshopper is a show on itself. Their off the wall sound and heavy shredding levels can be intimidated at first, but upon diving in you experience one crazy ride. Emotive and passionate at times and obnoxiously loud and unforgiving at others, they demand all your senses and attention. I’m sure Saturday was no less of a thrill ride. Alongside The Grasshopper Lies Heavy, was Crown, somewhat of the “newcomer” of the four groups. Heralded as a bluesy psychedelic rock trio, this local outfit is definitely one to keep your eyes on.
Although unable to see some of the bands, Boneshakers, and all the artists, certainly did not let down. The atmosphere was friendly and cozy but full of immense energy and spirit. From start to finish the shows drew you in, eager to rock out and get down with the local musicians. I highly recommend everyone check them all for a thrilling and captivating ride.

-Luke Wise, Student DJ


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