INTHEWHALES album release at The Aggie Live Review
I love the community at alt shows like this, it is the crowd that creates the most anticipation in myself for the show to come. Something about a crowd like the one that was present for INTHEWHALE’s album release at The Aggie promises an energy to compliment the band onstage, and they didn’t disappoint. Perhaps I give the crowd too much credit, as the bands all seemed to snap into place for the night and performed with a graceful ease and passion to their sets that really heightened the show.
INTHEWHALE
INTHEWHALE delivered a genuine and passionate performance, their desire to see people enjoy themselves translates especially when they are on stage. The level of dynamics and stage presence was nothing short of spectacular, creating a riotous atmosphere that resonated with every beat of the drum and strum of the guitar.
As they tore through 20+ songs, the experience never once felt drawn out or oversaturated. The anticipation for them reached a fever pitch when they finally came on stage, the audience full of really genuine fans who eagerly embraced the sonic onslaught. They invited multiple guests to add to their set, and the addition of the single soft song on the album added a nice gasp for air to the otherwise vibrating set.
The skill they had on display, both vocally and instrumentally, was nothing short of impressive. The clean and stable vocals from both performers resonated with a depth that captured the frenetic energy of the performance. The guitar playing was simply a showcase of proficiency and the drums were heads above the usual standard, driving the relentless rhythm that fueled the entire night. At the end of the night, INTHEWHALE didn’t just have an album release show with us, it was a visceral expression of passion. They captured something raw and showed that when such passion meets exceptional skill, the result is a thunderous show.
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In the Limelight: The Aggie explores alt-rock x punk
The cusp of alt-rock and punk is a soundscape that more and more people are beginning to explore, with their similar themes of independence and gritty guitar tones. I have my eye on three local bands in a lineup to play at the Aggie on February 24th, as all three of these bands are producing…
Señorita Sometimes
Señorita Sometimes embodied a sense of 90s glam pop punk, with their guitarist deep in the stereotypical pop punk lunge. It set a tone for the set that effortlessly blended the rebellious edge of punk with the infectious pop melodies. With the cherry red and leopard print, high heels and hair gel, they have found their sonic and visual aesthetic and it works for this band. The authenticity and whole-heartedness of their performance read through to the audience.
Sweet like maraschino cherries, but with the restraint of artisanal sodas, the three guitars deliver a wide and yearning sound. The stage presence alone could’ve driven their entire set forward, the interaction between band members added to the overall camaraderie. The combination of alt-rock and pop-punk they linger upon creates a sound that is both punchy and anthemic, the perfect backdrop for their catchier melodies and driving guitar riffs. What set Señorita Sometimes for me was their unapologetic happiness. The energy infected the venue and invited the audience to join in their enthusiasm.
Soviet Mothers
The first opener of the night, the crowd was already thick as Soviet Mothers went onto the stage. Their set ranged from gritty rebellion to melancholic introspection. They lean towards blues-infused rock licks and an airy complexion to their songs. The band seamlessly transitioned from one song to another, creating a cohesive and immersive experience.
The drummer, consistently keeping the energy high, shows the progress and confidence their lead singer told me about in our interview. They have had a recent transition from slower songs to a heavier, faster performance and I feel it sits well with the entire band. The bassist’s headbanging, not merely a display of tricks but a testament to his skill, added to the performance as well. Throughout the show, there were moments of abandon, where the musicians seemed to lose themselves in the music.