Basshound w/ The Wayback Inn
February 2nd, 2008
The 8x10 Club
On this Saturday evening in Federal Hill all of the freaks were out. Walking into the 8x10, I witnessed the second half of the opening band, the Wayback Inn. After a beautiful rendition of Midnight, Moonlight the quintet followed up with many more cover tunes. After a slowed down version of the Beach Boys classic Don’t Worry Baby, the band busted into an energetic bluegrass jam, before launching into a lively cover of Johnny Cash’s Cocaine. During the entire set, the interaction between the crowd and the Wayback Inn was dynamic, which created a comfort zone for both sides.The Wayback Innproceeded to play a cover of Warren Zevon’s Carmelita, which featured some nice harmonies. The band closed things out with a few more covers, plus some tasty originals featuring guests on the drums and banjo to close out the set. The Wayback Inn provided a nice relaxing start to the evening, setting the stage for a monstrous Basshound show. Look for the Wayback Inn to return to the 8x10 on March 7th.
Basshound
During the break between the bands, the crew at the 8x10 attempted to fix a set of lights that went out just over the stage. This provided a nice opportunity to meet some of the employees as well as the fans of Basshound. The 8x10 is a perfect example of great people running a great venue. From the staff to the sound to the beers, everything at the 8x10 creates a unique experience each and every time. After finding a cozy spot to watch the set, I bumped into someone close to the band, who told me that Basshound had a monumental set list for the evening. Having never heard any of their music, I was blown away by what people were saying about this band. From the level of funk they bring, to the electronic soundscapes they create, I was curious about what the night would bring.
The band started things off with a dance floor friendly tune, which showed off the skills of Bradley Richmond on the bass, which are amplified in the bass friendly 8x10. Next, the band decided to bring the funk, with a tune which featured the line “Gotta get on board with that funk”, which had the whole place dancing. Keyboardist Blake Mobley took over during the tune, which also featured him on vocals. Mobley seemed to make an immediate connection with the entire crowd, exuberating great stage presence. During the next tune we got a glimpse of the 8x10 security at work, as they quickly broke up a fight that began on the spring loaded dance floor. I was amazed at how fast and quietly the event actually was, as it was perfectly handled by the staff. The band played a crowd pleasing version of Til I Hit the Ground, which was followed by a bass and drum jam, which showed off the rhythm section of Bradley Richmond on bass and Nathan Graham on drums. After another electronic jam, the band dove back into the funk before ending the set with a crowd pleasing version of Red Shoes. During the first set, Basshound proved to many that they are no generic jamband. With the infectious dance grooves to the power of the funk, Basshound proved that they have a style all of their own.
During the set break, one could not help from wandering the crowd meeting all types of people. From dreadlocks to Mohawks to a lady wearing a cape, Basshound brought all types of people out to Federal Hill on this Saturday evening. After talking to many of the fans, one thing confused me: only a few months after losing their front man, how did this band seem to be right on queue. This was not only evident in their jams, but also lyrically. Many electronic jam bands stray away from good songwriting, but these guys had great songs to go with their electro-funk sound.
After taking a backseat to Mobley and Richmond in the first set, guitarist Greg Maly decided to shine during the second set. Starting things off with a spacey tune, Maly led the group through this powerful jam. The band followed with a funk induced tune, which featured heavy pedal use by Maly on the guitar. During this tune, Richmond decided to break down the 8x10, with powerful rhythms on the bass. I noticed that many left the venue during the set break, which left plenty of room for the dance party that would ensue. The connection these four guys made with the crowd was tremendous and showed by the loud ovation after every song. After some heady originals, the guys from Basshound jumped into a bluegrass type dance jam. The bass and use of the snare drum created an infectious dance groove, which Mobley pointed out was perfect for the spring loaded floor inside of the 8x10. Up next the band decided to close out the set with dance friendly tune, which sent everyone home happy.
At the end of the night, one could not help from being impressed by the music of Basshound. With the entire group being under 25 years of age, this band seems to be on the right track. Once again Walther Productions has found another great young talent, which it can use to help catapult its live music in Baltimore. Look for Basshound to grace the stage at this years 12th annual All Good Music Festival presented by Walther Productions. Until next time, take care music lovers.
~Mike Stokes
99.7 WVYC |
