Table of Contents:
Back to the River, Back to the Forest
Farewell Republic
Farewell Republic opened up their set strong with a large progressive rock song that had exciting break downs and changes, but I was disappointed that their other songs didn’t wield the same element of intensity as their first. The band ended their set strong and was a good opening act for Back to the River, Back to the Forest. Farewell Republic is from Ann Arbor, MI and is reminiscent of progressive and indie rock combined together.
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Back to the River, Back to the Forest
Back to the River, Back to the Forest set my standards for local acts on a high pedestal. There is no other band quite like BTTR, BTTF and probably never will be. Their visual performance is one of the strongest I’ve ever seen live- ever. And I’ve probably seen over a 1,000 + artists perform live. Their music corresponds perfectly with visual aides. There were lamps on stage that must have been ran through circuits; because the lamps turned on and off exactly when notes were struck on lead guitar. Arrangements of videos were projected in the background to set an atmosphere that became utterly breath taking. There was also fine arts created on stage and then integrated with their video performance. The background electronic was created by John Katona.
Back to the River, Back to the Forest embrace Michigan with their progressive rock heavily influenced by all different genres of music. BTTR, BTTF are the magicians of their trade whose live performance is the only way you can truly understand the band. The show was so mesmerizing I didn’t even dance- and I always dance. Please support this band and do yourself a favor and see them live. Recommended if you like dredg, Coheed and Cambria and other bands who create atmosphere and story with their music.
Manna and Quail
Manna and Quail were quirky, fun and enjoyable to watch live. Their performance was like a short film right out of Mystery Science Theatre 2000 and kept a smile on my face the entire time. There is a really clever and delightful appeal about their songs making Manna and Quail more than another “comedic” band. Check out their Myspace page too, they use really cool flash design within their banners and contact bar. And remember to always fear the RoPHots…
I wasn’t able to stay for the Great Fiction, which was really disappointing. I hope to catch them at the Magic Stick on December 11th.