Catch the behind the scenes video interview with HOH here
We have a dynamo working at HM right now. Her name is Bianca and she has spearheaded the most concerted concert schedule in HM’s history. At least it feels that way. We’ve gone to more shows before, but there’s a bunch and we’re planning ahead like never before. I came back from Cornerstone Festival this past Sunday night and met up with the interns and was reminded that our House of Heroes (and on-camera video interview with band) was Wednesday. I found out a day or so later that Seabird was on the same bill. I thought, ‘Bonus!’ I love Seabird and I had to miss them at Cornerstone this year, because they were opposite August Burns Red on the mainstage. I also found out yesterday before the show that a local band was added to the bill. I kinda hate it when that happens, but sometimes that turns out to be a good thing, like last night.
The opening band was called Romeria Lights. This immediately sparked an interest, because I used to live on Romeria Drive back in the late ’80s. For four years that was the apartment address where I ran HM Magazine. It’s just North of FM 2222 in Austin and in the same neighborhood as Hope Chapel (one of Austin’s greatest churches). As I began to enjoy their melodic sounds and pick up some profound lyrics (see below), I asked someone nearby what the band’s name was, so I could tweet about them. I was informed that the band included the former singer from Wide Awake. If you pay close attention to the Austin music scene, you’d know that Wide Awake was a band of believers that had lit up Austin with rave reviews and packed crowds, taking home a ton of awards a couple years in a row in the Austin Chronicle Readers’ Poll for “Favorite Rock Band” and other local categories.
We need a lot of love,
but don’t know how to show itWe’re all broken
and everybody knows it
Turns out the bass player for Romeria Lights is none other than JJ Placencio (former Sixpence None the Richer). Most of their songs were about real-life stories. Singer shared his heart a few times about the daily grind. Like any good opener, he also talked up House of Heroes and Seabird.
After a short set change House of Heroes casually took the small stage. Their second tune was a brand new one – “God Save the Foolish Kings.” It’s very dynamic. After a couple of songs I found myself wishing I could harmonize like these guys. Such great vocals. Sad thing is I’ll never get close to being able to hit a note like that. ha ha ha
Frontman Tim Skipper moved around a lot on stage and seemed to act as if certain guitar riffs touched his musical soul. Guitarist Jared Rigsby broke a string on the first strum of his instrument first song and suffered another string break later on, but dude moved around a lot, too.
Once Seabird set up their massive piano, that comes in two major pieces that’s held together with hinges, it became apparent that this was not a dream – we’d be enjoying a Seabird concert this night. That’s always a treat. While there were only 25 or so people in the small downstairs venue at Stubb’s BBQ, they were all treated to spirited and energetic performances by all three bands. The newer members of Seabird (drummer and bass, I believe) are fitting in seamlessly. Hearing Aaron Morgan roar is always impressive. If the vocals don’t grab you, seeing his mouth wide open and all that goes into singing at full volume (you know how the skin bunches up around the mouth and jaw to let that orifice get fully open) visually is enough to bring the point home. The dude puts out. The times when he and his brother on guitar are both standing up and banging out chords is infectious.
I was glad our good friend Tornado got to hear their two best songs – “Rescue” and “Don’t You Know You’re Beautiful.” I just wish our newly converted Seabird fan, former intern Daniel Garcia could’ve been there for the coolness. I’m sure Bianca got some killer photos, which will no doubt appear on this site somewhere soon. Here are a couple of lame ones I took with my phone.
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