The store is small, but not without its charms. A promotional poster or two grace the walls with several paintings which, according to the San Antonio Current, are the works of several local artists. In addition, there are maybe six homemade shelves/cases that hold merchandise—everything from compact discs to vinyl, as well as DVDs(Minor Threat, Death Cab for Cutie, etc). The store also sells shirts, buttons—what you would expect to find in a usual music store. 180 Grams specializes in those hard-to-find alternative, electronica, and jazz albums, so if you’re into John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Death Cab for Cutie, American Analog Set, etc. you’ll really feel at home. When I was there before set-up began, storeowner Jesse Garcia attended to the customers in a courteous and friendly matter and was more than willing to talk music or make recommendations to anyone who asked.
It is now past 9 pm, and the store is ready for tonight’s performances. The floor has been cleared of merchandise and cases to make way for the music equipment. Members of Attractive and Popular are in the back rooms (the store has several) getting ready. A PA system has been set up (vocals only) and is playing music from someone’s iPod. Tonight’s admission was more of an afterthought and a homemade sign taped outside mentions the price—$3 a person or $5 a pair. Jesse told me that the last in-store about two weeks ago pulled in about 70 people, and I believe that tonight’s number is more or less the same.
Attractive And Popular
Attractive and Popular walk up to begin their set, and I’m not sure what to think. Dressed in matching black outfits, with gold dollar signs pasted(?) on their sleeveless shirts, this Louisiana quartet feature the usual guitar, bass, drums, keys, and singer setup. I had never heard of them before and have absolutely no idea what they sound like. Even after the first song or two I still din't know what to think. The songs were short, brash, with lots of keyboard-laden weirdness and a lot of punk attitude. But then a funny thing happens: the more I listen, the more I begin to like them. Although I had dismissed them early on as a noise/spazz rock-type band, I am now digging the band’s kinetic mix of punk, dance music, and straight-up rock and roll.
Bobby Missile of A&P
Attractive and Popular now have the audience in the palm of their hands. The singer and the keyboard player, Zak and Blake respectively, are not at all shy about using the music as a means to dance and leap and twist and shake into, within, and throughout the audience and with the rest of the band. As the set continues, the audience and band seem to feed of each of other’s energy. And with the dance/rock/disco assault of “Romancer,” the band absolutely tears down any defenses you might have brought with you against dancing and having a good time.
Time for a break. More music from the iPod, and more time to meet and mingle.
Reader (Miranda: voc; David: bass; Joe: drums; Mario: guitar; Joseph: keyboards/sax/guitar) have a lot going for them right now. In addition to a loyal and dedicated fan base, they have also released their first CD, the beat box 5’’ ep. And the EP sounds and looks fantastic. Listening to the disc, I noted that the band plays a blend of alternative dance rock, with a touch of art-rock weirdness (maybe if Karen O sang for Sparta?). In addition, the packaging is first-rate; a cardboard sleeve opens up to reveal a pocket with a sticker, a glossy business card, and a folded lyric sheet. The kicker: put the CD into your computer and there’s also a multimedia section that includes remixes, lyrics, web links, and even a full-length video for “Pledge.” Awesome.
Miranda and David of Reader
Kicking things off with non-EP track “Scene Patrol,” Reader make short work of overwhelming the audience with a lush wall of sound (although I must admit, I had a hard time hearing Miranda over everything). As mentioned earlier, the EP does have elements of dance, rock, and alternative. But not only does the band display these strengths in a live setting, they also have a hint of trance/electronica music influence as well. As you might imagine, there is plenty of bobbing heads and dancing. Even those who stand with their arms crossed sway and move to the beat.
Joseph of Reader
There are many highlights. New song, “Killer” is not only a dance rock song, but a hard dance rock song. In addition, my personal favorite from the EP "Pledge" is also played. With Joseph’s saxophone(and later, organ) adding the perfect touch of melancholy to the jingly, mod 60s theme of the music, Miranda sings of the loss and longing only a jilted lover can know. Near the end of the set, Reader takes off on another one of their jam/dance/trance tangents, and I must admit it’s like nothing I’ve ever heard before. With bass and drums laying the foundation, guitar, keyboard blips and church organ chop and whirl above and around the listener, catching us (band and audience) in the moment and not letting go before a climatic ending.
Reader with family & friends
By the end of the night, I feel spent but happy. The most fun I’ve ever had as a music fan is when I just get out to the local clubs, in-stores, whatever, and just take a chance on a band I’ve never seen. Granted, you’re not always going to strike gold. But as I leave the parking lot, a night of great music, as well as the people working together to make this show happen has me feeling better about myself and life in general.
Everyone's keeping busy at the moment. 180 Grams wants to present an in-store every two weeks. Check their link for more info. Attractive and Popular just started a national tour and will be playing everywhere. The next Austin show is scheduled for early January, but keep an eye on their site for details. Reader will be playing December 9th at the Wiggle Room and plan on working on their next EP