The Local Sounds

Louisville KY, a music Mecca?

There was an article circulating in 1998 that Louisville, KY was striving to be the next Seattle. In the city known for horse races, baseball bats and Muhammad Ali there is quite a buzz in 2008 about an up and coming music scene. Louisville has most recently conceived acts like Days of the New and My morning Jacket. Currently there is a whole new crop of young rock bands making a national hum. Bands like Cabin and Wax Fang have gained national recognition recently for Louisville so I was on hand February 29th to witness a whole new croup of names. I had been in Louisville once before to see the underground legends Supafuzz. Ironically enough about 10 years later I am at the same club watching this new crop of Louisville bands. The venue is a multilayer club with an utterly cool vibe and an eccentric mix of concert goers. Legend has it the Gun’s and Roses song “Paradise City” which states “the grass is green and girls are pretty,” is about the city of Louisville. The girls are certainly pretty and these bands certainly bring them out in herds. So after a few jager shots and plenty of scenery I’m ready for some music. The first band to pound the oddly shaped stage is called Subrosa. Their music is the same emo/rock every band is emulating these days. I was impressed with the musicianship but their singer left me wanting more. There were some excellent music pieces but zero creativity in their melodies. Without an impressive image and not a single catchy tune I was left wishing I was once again in Louisville to see Supafuzz. This was supposed to be a crop of National contenders’ right? So ok I need to keep in mind these are local acts not seasoned vets. However, next up a pop driven band named Chamberflow. The music was reminiscing of a guitar driven Gavin Degraw. This is a band that knows how to write melodies and even though it’s hard to sniff out hits when you’re hearing songs for the first time shattering through a sub par PA. Chamberflow surely posses some great songs. Chamberflow lacks a bit in the energy department certainly knows their way around good song writing. I can positively see Chamberflow creating a legitimate national following. The next band was the feature act of the night. Krowe records recording artist Heaven Hill. It was pretty obvious the bulk of the sold out 900 plus concert goers were there to see them. I soon found out why. Heaven Hill is a band that hits the trifecta. Hit songs, power filled live show, and a great image. The front man is an absolute super star. I'd make an argument for Heaven Hill’s Front man as the model of what a superstar front man should be. The guy just commanded every eye in the house to be focused on him. That's the kind of amazing display of personality and flair that always draws people in. The front man aptly named “Chuck” had a few mishaps with some key changes and lyrics but his presence pulled him through. Heaven Hill found a role for backing tracks that they incorporated throughout songs and in between songs to alleviate dead space. With these tracks Heaven Hill added a clean artistic twist to an otherwise mainstream rock band. Their songs were well crafted backed with a great stage show carried by their charismatic rhythm section. Their music style is a fresh twist of the arena rock Hinder and Buckcherry are presently making popular. “Wait For Me”, a slow, balladic song, highlighted Chucks voice perfectly. He has a unique style, which is often interrupted with moments of power that reminded me of Scott Stapp. Chuck never strayed into screeching territory, however, and the tender, emotional lyrics still resonated with the crowd. I feel Krowe records have themselves a real derby contender here, that is if they can keep their blinders on during their music industry race. Next up was a band called In The Clear. This band was straight forward hard rock. A five piece band, tight, and with good stage chemistry. They encompass high-quality concrete song writing and musicianship. My only fear is in this every so competitive industry they may lack the “it” factor that is exceptionally important. Last and I do mean least the only remaining band certainly required a few more jager shots. On top of a uniquely bad singer this band seemed unprofessional and unprepared and as a former musician this drives me nuts.. Now I normally don’t throw a band totally under the bus but it irks me because there was a nice crowd available to see this contemptible band totally tank. It’s a shame that a few of the bands which played in a small but quaint space to the side of the main room dubbed the tap room were not featured more. One of these bands called Embertide reminded me of a rocked up Weezer. The little I saw I was graced by good songs with strong melodies. They will fight some image issues but their songs will win them some fans. The conclusion of the band I will fail to mention also ended my Louisville music scene experience. I met some great people, made some new friends and heard some fine music. When all's said and done Louisville seems to be in the race for a home run. I mean after all Louisville is the home of the champ.

Stacey Anderson

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