I first caught over a year ago on the same bill at Ruta Maya. And although stylistically different, both bands were similar in their search for sounds and songs away from the typical rock pantheon. The fantastic Fin del Mar was actually mentioned (it was more like a blurb) on the first review I ever did for this blog almost two years ago(!) and I was impressed then as I am now by their devotion to putting technique and ego aside for the benefit of creating some truly inspiring instrumental rock. New to the scene was Eye of the Mourning, a new/old band with several San Antonio music scene veterans who play it loud and loose but never lets the heaviness of the music get in the way of writing songs with great hooks and melodies. Anyhow, all this and a bag of chips went on at the Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar as I decided to get the review done and take some pictures.
First off, major props have to go out to the Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar for their efforts to make this a competitively viable San Antonio music club. Not that there was anything wrong with the place when it was formerly known as the Lounge at Avenue B; However, credit must be given to the people who have really put some time and investment towards improving the place. One major difference would have to be the new and larger stage taking up the south end of the club on the elevated floor with a massive speaker and PA system with improved lighting. Another room has also been opened up with pool tables leading to an outside/inside fenced-in area allowing for more breathing room and elbow space.
Transfers
Transfers, the first band of the evening, got things off to a fantastic start with their ethereal and combustive style of indie rock. Vocalist Brad has to be one of the best local guitarists around but in a way you may not imagine. You see, he doesn’t play dive bomb solos or blaze through scales at lightning speed. Rather, though the use of open chords, sometimes with a capo, Brad uses light distortion and effects with an aggressive, almost percussive, strumming style that results in almost keyboard-like effect that literally washes the listener with sound. Not that the other members are slouches, as they, the rhythm section, rooted everything with a punk rock urgency that keep things propelling forward. This unique and exhilarating combination could be best heard on their new track "Rotations" which had everyone in the room agape at the song's angularity and precision with vocals being shared by both Brad and bassist Naomi.
Transfers
Ledaswan
Ledaswan was next and played a set that displayed their unique style of alternative rock with true rock and roll bombast added for flavor. Led by singer/guitarist Erica, the band reminded me of the big guitar hooks and intelligent lyrics of the 90s alternative nation—bands such as the Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, and Collective Soul, among others. However, the band does have more influences than what you would find on the Singles soundtrack and, with the help of guitarist Jaime and drummer Delrick, also adds a bit of rock and roll crunch to the sound. Erica and bassist Amanda, who I actually thought were sisters, occasionally share vocals and complement each other very well, especially on a song like "Discover." And despite what images the title may conjure up, the song "Stupid Person" was the perfect marriage between the band's rock and alternative styles and was, I think, the best representation of what the band had to offer. Gentle and shimmering, this song steps off the accelerator and allows this near-ballad room to breathe and give Erica's vocals as well as everyone's musicianship a chance to shine.
Ledaswan
Fin Del Mar
And speaking of teamwork, Fin del Mar was the perfect example of how four talented musicians can work together to lift the music—in this case instrumental rock—to a higher level of aural experience. Utilizing the typical rock combo, is this case two guitars, bass and drums, the group strays from the conventional rock song format; The songs could been seen as suites or chapters with each song is less than an exercise in verse each having their own characteristic or thematic exploration. Of course, it all boils down to the songs and the band was mindful enough to keep this in mind as the most important thing. Although they were all fantastic musicians with professional equipment (check out that beautiful Gretsch drum set!) there were no real soloists in this band. Additionally, time changes and odd meters were not purposely thrown in for the heck of impressing (or disorienting) the listener. Fin del Mar's strength lies in the ability to let their instrumentals naturally and urgently fold and unfold within the listener’s mind, leaving you to conjure up whatever thoughts you wish to toss into the stream of music floating throughout the room.
Fin Del Mar
Eye of the Mourning
Although it was their first-ever show, Eye of the Mourning closed the evening to a captive and supportive audience. This new band definitely has something new and exciting to offer the local hard rock music scene with their up tempo punk-influenced songs and bass-heavy grooves. Eye of the Mourning plays hard rock and roll with a guitar tone that was heavy, but not abrasive, and tore through their set like seasoned professionals; the songs, simple and straight-to-the-point, were easily memorable and relied on melody as well as heaviness. Thankfully, lead singer Holly refrained from singing in a growling heavier vocal style to match the aggression of the music and instead sang in a more natural voice—the added melody and her charisma definitely gives this band a unique style that definitely shines on a song like "Immortal," which I understand was written by way of tribute to the memory and music of Forever Is Never singer Jason. Pretty cool. With a stop for drinks (it was the bassist’s 21st birthday, after all), a Sparta cover and a few more songs, Eye of the Mourning finished their set proving that for a new band, they were more than willing and more than able to deliver the goods live.
Eye of the Mourning
Shows and Links
Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar
Transfers
No shows currently listed
Ledaswan
Jun 1, 2007 10pm Bonds 007
Jun 5, 2007 9pm Atomix
Jun 23, 2007 9pm Rock Bottom Tattoo Bar
Fin del Mar
No shows currently listed
Eye of the Mourning
Jun 5, 2007 9pm Atomix