Dayton music you should listen to: HoliDayton edition
By Vivienne Machi and Libby Ballengee
Happy holidays, everyone!
It's hard to believe that 2015 is already winding to a close. But before we ring in the new year, do yourself a favor and drag yourself out of the house for the HoliDayton Music Showcase on Dec. 26 at Blind Bob's Bar. For 13 years now, the showcase has celebrated the best of the year's local music, from the established favorites to the emerging artists. And this year's lineup of 10 local bands promises a night of dancing, moshing, and singing our hearts out across two stages at the Oregon District bar.
We've already established our fondness for participants Moira, Manray, the New Old Fashioned and the Motel Beds (members PJ Paslosky and Tommy Cooper will perform a special set) in our DMAFF edition, so this time, we're checking out the bands we were less familiar with. And let us tell you: These bands are fierce, fresh, and are already on our must-see lists for 2016.
So don't roll into Bob's around 11:30 p.m. thinking you'll just catch the bigger acts: come early, stay late, and revel in the great local scene for possibly the last time in 2015.
Don’t miss out on your weekend shows: Check in with the Dayton Music Insider.
The Story Changes: "Politics Behind It"
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When you’re first introduced to The Story Changes, it’s hard to imagine you’re listening to just two people: Mark McMillon (Vocalist, Guitarist) and Christopher "Poppy" Lee (Drums, Percussion, Sequencing). These two talented veterans of the Dayton music scene are the real deal. Performing and touring for over 10 years now, they’ve also had a prolific recording career.
On their 2014 EP Never in Daydream, released this time last year, I kept going back to the first track, “Politics Behind It.” The song starts with a very clean, polished pop feel, then seamlessly switches to powerful guitar riffs that produce the strong dynamics I long for in rock music. This is a truly excellent example of McMillon and Poppy’s well-honed song-crafting abilities! -LB
Jetty Bones
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The ladies of Springfield-based Jetty Bones don't have any recordings up online yet, but thanks to Dayton's #1 music fan Richard Brown, we've got this video performance from Canal Public House. The simple and melodic guitar lines and raw drums from Brenna Myers combined with lead singer/songwriter Kelsie Galluzzo's instantly relatable lyrics remind me of early Waxahatchee and Fear of Men. By that I mean, heartstrings are being pulled and chests are tightening from excitement. Yes, just from this video. I don't even know the names of the songs, but they're already stuck in my head. -VM
The 1984 Draft: "Capo"
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Sports fans will love the name reference of The 1984 Draft, a local indie rock quartet. Music fans will love that despite being formed just over three years ago, this band has a lot of recordings under their belts, and they're just getting started! Last month, they released a six-track EP entitled Heisman Trophy Winner.
The opening track, “Capo” starts off with simple strumming and vocals by the band’s primary singer and songwriter Joe Ander. The rest of the band subtly joins in, and proceeds to rock out! The clever lyrics and rhythm of this song are immediately catchy, and leave your head bobbing along. The song leaves you in a straightforward rock’n’roll crescendo that’s sweet to the very last drop. -LBGoodnight Goodnight: "Plan on Playing"
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From the first piano notes and twinkling bells of Goodnight Goodnight's "Plan on Playing," you think you're being lulled into a luxurious sleep. Which is why once the warping, My Bloody Valentine-esque guitars and hypnotic drum kit burst on the scene, you're pulled into a slightly eerie, but utterly mesmerizing dream. This five-piece's dreamy music, including 2015's Don't Fade Out EP, is tied together by Amanda Thompson's haunting vocals, and if their set Saturday includes "Plan on Playing," get ready to sway, then dance, then break down, then return to reality. -VM
Bribing Senators: "Worst Enemy"
Facebook | Bandcamp
Although Bribing Senators does not have an official EP released, they do have four tracks posted for your listening pleasure on Bandcamp. “Worst Enemy” kicks right into the driving rhythm from the first note. The energetic instrumentals are well balanced with the vocals, demonstrating this punk band’s pop sensibilities. If you are a fan of Green Day and other like-minded three-piece punk bands, you’ll really enjoy this homegrown version! -LB
Tombstone Tremblers: "Hell Is Not Real"
Facebook | Reverb Nation
Ah, yes, when you want your good ol' rock n' roll mayhem started, it's time to blast this tune. From the chugging, powerful guitar riff to the instantly chant-worthy title, this song would be a hell raiser, if, you know, hell were real. Tombstone Trembler's set is bound to raise the energy to a whole new level on Saturday night, and I can't think of a better way to raise a giant middle finger to all of the negative parts of 2015 and face a brand new year than by raising a riot to this song. - VM
Want to go?
WHAT: The 13th annual HoliDayton Music Showcase
WHEN: Dec. 26, 8 p.m.
WHERE: Blind Bob's Bar, 430 E. Fifth St.
COST: $7
INFO: Facebook | Ages 21+
Let us know what you’re listening to! Tweet us: @DaytonVivi and @LibbyBallengee
Whenever possible, we highly encourage checking your local music/record store for Dayton musicians’ releases. Support your bands, support your businesses. Call Omega Music, Toxic Beauty Records and Poster Gallery, Play It Again Music, Game Swap Kettering, and Disc Exchange to see what they have in stock.
Want more local music suggestions? Check out our past Guided By Noises columns.