UNCG bands at the Blind Tiger

Tightly fit between Fish Bones and BestWay is Walker Avenue’s humble pub and performance space, The Blind Tiger. The babble of band mates and admirers mixed in with the clatter of instruments and cases being arranged on stage, as bands Emminent Smith, Addison Prophet, and The Old One Two geared up Tuesday for an evening of entertainment.

If only this tiger could see, it’d know the space was blanketed in and amber glow, popping with spotlights of gold, blue, green and red. A foundation of hardwood floors and antiqued walls made it seem as if you were walking into a hunting lodge usurped by the summer of love.

Starting off was the newly formed band Emminent Smith with their single “Torch.” A small crowd formed at the foot of the stage, heads bopping and feet tapping to the bands eclectic variety of soft rock, pop undertones and brief experiment with screaming. The local group announced a night of firsts both playing at The Blind Tiger and as a new set, made obvious by their use of lyrics on stage for their song “Fair-Weather Friend.” Bouncing with the overwhelming bass of their newest member, they found themselves encompassed in their own world of fist pumping, drum solos, and a cover of “I Will Survive.” With the daring question of “You like what you’re hearing?” came a positive reaction, keeping them playing until the introduction of Addison Prophet.

Though the crowd of people dwindled down to local students, the enthusiasm for the next group’s performance remained. Chatter and shock ensued when the sound check was mistaken for the start of the show, leaving the crowd yearning for more. “Thank you so much for coming out tonight. We all love you.” Rushton Loring, the lead vocalist, made sure to express his gratitude on behalf of the rest of his band mates. Instead of leaving space between the speakers and their ears, the floor clung to the edge of the stage with a love of their own. In an attempt to keep the energy flowing, drummer Matt Privette started a seemingly impromptu solo that at first was ragged on by his mates as a mess, only to become their transition into “The Appeal.” Along with Christian based lyrics and an alternative rock feel, a cover of 3 Doors Down’s “Superman” and B.O.B.’s hit “Airplanes” were performed, to which Loring apologized for his “white boy rapping.” An apology was far from necessary as the audience was continuously amused, especially with a surprise switch to strictly percussion instruments, followed by Loring and Privette switching positions without breaking the melody.

With morning classes looming, the crowd dimmed down, but the promise of talent continued. The simplicity of a guitarist, Nathan Myers, drummer, Chaddlo Myers, and vocalist, Hawke Kelly, proved to pack a punch. The Old One Two channeled an influence of blues dominated by a swift kick of rock, heavy on the manipulation of the electric guitar and voice via a bullet mike, making it seem like Kelly was singing through a radio. Akin to a musical poetry reading, their thought provoking lyrics and frequent change of guitars, including a Jimmy Hendrix move of playing on the floor of the stage executed by Myers, provided a unique experience. An encore brought the evening to a close, providing a variety of tastes everyone could appreciate.