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Buster’s: Goldenrod
Not only is Buster’s back, but they got off to a great start with a weekend choke full of shows featuring great local and national bands. I was able to make it out on the second night to see the local show with Some Other Meanness, Idaho Alaska, and Goldenrod. The minute I went through the doors I was blown back by the size of the ‘backroom.’ This is EXACTLY the size of venue that Lexington needs! It can accommodate small intimate shows, but is large enough to handle a big crowd and attract national acts routing through the area.
I got there a bit early, grabbed a drink from the bar, and explored the front room which has a really nice bar and a bunch of pool tables. The bar acts as a sound breaker between the pool room and the music hall. It’s a very simple design that works really well. Drink finished and camera in hand, I migrated to the stage as the opener, Some Other Meanness, took the stage.
Some Other Meanness played a great set and warmed up the early arrivals with some solid rock riffs. I would best describe them as a blend of southern and alternative rock. They showed off their skill with some very technical solos and heavy beats. They were a nice lead-in to the next band, Idaho Alaska, which had the same drummer, and was fronted by their bassist from IA.
Idaho Alaska was much harder rock than it’s predecessor. The two guitarists would both drift off into very powerful and heavy solos. You could tell they were putting a lot into it and were enjoying themselves. I liked the harsher sound and heavier melody that Some Other Meanness lacked. No matter how different I make the first two bands out to be, Goldenrod really set themselves apart with a funky psychedelic sound which was nothing like SOM and IA.
Goldenrod was quite the change of pace and definitely the most original band of the night. Their keyboardist was stationed front and center, while their singer was off to the side and clad in the some 70s clothes. Their bassist incorporated an upright bass as well as a bass guitar which each added their own unique taste to the mixture. By this time of the night, the crowd had arrived and the place was packed with people enjoying the music. I really enjoyed each band, but all for different reasons. It was a great mixture of local talent that put on an awesome show. If you haven’t had a chance to stop by the new Buster’s Billiards & Backroom then you are missing out. Don’t fret though, there are PLENTY of great acts lined up on the horizon.
More Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/paulmhooper/collections/72157622275095265/
Email: paulmhooper [at] gmail [dot] com