For Those of You Who Missed It

The Haochi Waves threw their EP release party last night at Churchills Pub, along with HW; the lineup included both local flavor and some acts from our neighbors up north, offering not only cool sounds, and free EPs.

Lille from Atlanta opened the set on the main stage with a mix of groovy and distorted ukulele and vocals. An odd opener in contrast with the rest of last night’s acts; Lillie’s soothing sounds tantalized the early birds and received deserved applause.

Following her heels on the floor stage in front of the projection screen, Dear Darling gave the crowd a harder vibe with a sound all their own. With a bellowing bass, classic guitar with tight leads and metronomic drums; they worked up the crowd for the adrenaline build that elevated with each new act.

In the stage tag-team mode that continued, Mask Era began right after Dear Darling and offered a different kind of power. The lead singer echoed instead of sang, the lyrics gliding from her mouth into everyone’s ears, with the band carrying them throughout the bar.

After that, The Astrokats played on the floor with a classic sound, reminiscent of the early 80s punk scene, but with a modern edge of angst underlying the trio’s tight pack. Flowing from song to song; it was hard to see them sign off.

The Talking Dogs rushed through their set with a speed that could not be measured, fast, aggressive, and possibly a bit insane; The Talking Dogs did not fail in throwing the audience into frenzy.

On the trail, The Cost jammed rather than played, but not with malaise or apathy, but with a confidence that they carried both on and off the stage. The instruments captured on-lookers and pulled them into a trance, from there, the lead singer began to chant melodic verses and lure the crowd into their spell.

Orlando couple duo Hot HANDS brought down an unheard sound in Miami, a combination of blues and garage rock that kept heads nodding, the two-piece set represented their city proudly and effectively, with nothing but respect and admiration given from the crowd.

Local Miami favorites The Jellyfish Brothers played with pre-start applause that came with the end of every song. Hard thumping, rocking and full of Miami sound, the Jellyfish Brothers gave the crowd the proper introduction to the Haochi Waves before they walked onto the main stage.

Haochi Waves brought both old and new tracks with them when they played, but chronology did not matter to the fans, they were happy to have even more music. The Waves rocked strong and concise, entertaining also the regulars at the bar and the pool tables. Afterwards they stayed behind to pass out their EP and talk with fans.

What happened after Haochi Waves, no one could have expected. The Dyslexic Postcards were odd, powerful and deeply charismatic. None of which were substitutions for a lack of availability, the Postcards thrashed and almost hit a few of the audience members (sometimes during the same song), but no one complained and even returned the aggression with playful moshing.

The Carnivores from Atlanta breezed through their set with grace and solidity, exerting passion and intensity for their music.

Honey Train, the second to last act, kept the sporadic, moshing mentality going. Alternating within the same song from chill vibes to pure aggression.

The last band, Blackout Anima, ended the night on a rush of rage without a soft finish; so much so that no one believed the show ended. Still full of energy, it took more than one bartender to get the wide-awake fans outside. Needless to say, last night was “it.”