Computer Club Records Showcase #2 -- .nik.flagstar, Welcome to Brookhollow, The Getaway Vehicle, Last Flight In, Taken From You, Agnostia --
Proving once again to be a true pioneer of the musical scene in Northwest Florida, Jake Brown put on yet another excellent showcase of the bands from his independent label, Computer Club Records. Six of the labels best bands performed, only ONE REMAINED STANDING...well, that didn't happen. But it was still really good. Here's the break down of each band.
Tonight was my first time seeing NIK FLAGSTAR, or even hearing his stuff. And, I must say that it was pretty good. He did a solo act with his guitar, and one song on the piano. The chord progressions were pretty simplistic, but fit in well. I think I would have enjoyed it more just sitting down and listening, but it was still good for what it was then.
Another band that I saw for the first time, and played second was WELCOME TO BROOKHOLLOW. At first, their sound was really amazing, and I enjoyed it very much. It eventually got kind of tired, as their style didn't change up through their set, but it was still a fairly solid sound. Also, there wasn't a lot of energy from most of them, but, I'll let it slide since their guitarist looked a lot like a Canadian friend of mine...
When THE GETAWAY VEHICLE played, I was kinda tired and sat down for most of the set, but from what I did hear and see, I was really impressed. They had a tremendous amount of energy, and even though the vocals were hard to hear, it was still damn good, I thought. Thumbs up, according to me.
During LAST FLIGHT IN, I was in the back selling merchendise. I could still get a general idea of the what they were doing, but from what I did hear, they were musically sound, but not much my style. Maybe there was too much emo going on or something, but next time I see them I'll be sure to listen a little more carefully.
After that, getting close to the end, a band full of a few good friends played, good ol' TAKEN FROM YOU. They, of course, played their old favorites like 6/8, but also threw in some new songs that were really great. They also debuted their first CD, "Dying For Change", which I bought, and I currently listen to a lot in my car. I suggest that everyone get it. And that's not just a shameless plug either. I really do think you should get it! These guys work hard, and do their best at shows. And, if that isn't enough, Jarrod Burris even got funky and gyrated his hips like I've never seen before. Two thumbs up.
And then, as the night was closing, horror-death band AGNOSTIA mounted the stage and, as usual, rocked the house down. In my opinion, they're one of the best local bands around. Though some people have expressed that they're starting to get a little tired of the sound, I like them more each time I see 'em, and always make it a point to be at the very front, pushing around and jumping with the same people who are always up there, like Leather Pants Guy and Josh Williams. I don't remember any new songs being played, but all of the old favorites, some of which were missing at the last show, got played. Songs like Curse, Disease, I Never Thought, and Tonite. I personally just can't say enough good things about Agnostia. Not only are they really good musically, everyone in the band is really nice, and they have a positive message, regardless of whatever religion you are. And, at the end, Nik threw his body threw the drumset. It looked really painful, but it was spectacular.
Shows for a while have been getting pretty stale, but this one breathed a new life into the music scene. Of course, there are still very few venues to play, but with more quality shows like this, I think things will be okay for a while. I was a tad-bit disappointed at the lack of notorious evil band METAL SPIKE showing up, as many members were present, but I guess you can't have everything. All in all, a damned fine show.
And as far as shameless plugs go, on JULY 31st, Mike McCraw and myself are putting on a show, with COOL HAND LUKE, SIMPLETON, MATT'S TWO CENTS, TAKEN FROM YOU, and more! The venue is yet undecided, but keep an eye on it please and support your local music scene!
Written by David M. Heath ... 6/23/2001