A Night with Lizard

On January 18th, I had the pleasure of seeing Lizard at Horus Hall in Fort Worth. Hailing from Denton, this rock band features Braven on lead guitar and vocals, Jake on rhythm guitar and vocals, Jaedon on drums, and Zack on bass. The evening unfolded with invigorating music, engaging conversations, and a palpable enthusiasm for the local music scene, serving as an exciting launch into a year brimming with live performances.

As the second act of the night, Lizard instantly captivated the audience with their vibrant energy. Their sound is a delightful blend of strong melodies and playful rhythms, punctuated by danceable riffs—perfect for conjuring up the spirit of revelry on the beach. Attending a Lizard show is an exhilarating experience that ignites a sense of thrill from start to finish.

It’s immediately clear when an artist possesses a true passion for their craft, and with Lizard, their love for performance is unmistakable. Watching them take the stage is a testament to their calling as entertainers. The infectious energy they pour into their music reverberates through the crowd, leaving everyone buzzing.

Lizard’s commitment to the music community shines not just through their performance but also in how they uplift fellow artists. They demonstrate this camaraderie by inciting mosh pits during other bands' sets and playfully inviting their peers on stage for a cheeky moment mid-performance. After engaging with the band members, their genuine warmth and amiability became even more apparent.

With a night filled with remarkable talent and a contagious celebration of the local music scene, Saturday’s show at Horus Hall marked the ideal kickoff to the year’s musical journey. Heartfelt thanks to Lizard, Rosa Monte Rosa, and Rats of Mars for such an unforgettable evening.

Boyscott at Andy’s Bar

I’ve been a listener of the band Boyscott ever since I first experienced “Nova Scotia 500” in 2020. So, when I discovered that they were playing in my town, attending was a foregone conclusion.  On Thursday, November 14, Andy’s Bar opened their doors for the indie rock band from the East Coast. 

I arrived at the venue just before Small Crush began their set, and though I was searching for windows between people to view the band, my inability to see did not diminish my enjoyment of their performance.  The band began softly, luring the audience into a gentle flow of indie sweetness. As their performance progressed, the energy intensified. Small crush…. I think I have a small crush on you. 

I had nearly made my way to the front of the stage when Boyscott began their show.  The sound of nautical whimsy enveloped the venue. Refreshing melodies pulled the audience into a trance of admiration and tranquility, mesmerized by the tide of their enchantment.  

Boyscott, composed of Scott Hermo, Emma Willer, Thomas Bora, Noah Dardaris, and Davey Alaimo played beloved tracks like “Killer Whale”, and new releases such as “Arthur Kill”. There was also a  Happy Birthday interlude for their bassist, Davey, sung in a minor key by Scott and Emma.  Happy Birthday, Davey! 

The Radiating Warmth of Pique

Last Wednesday, I was blessed enough to see Pique at Three Links. Their honey-soaked, sonorous music filled the room on a warm July night with the sound of sunshine. I found keeping my focus on taking photos of the band rather challenging as their set reeled me in in a mesmerizing awe. 

Imagine the sound of orange soda—that's Pique. Their warm and inviting stage presence perfectly mirrors the band members' souls. It's a golden energy that could charm even the summer itself, making their performance a must-see experience. Since the first time I heard "Terra Firma", I've considered myself a fan of Pique's music. Their live performance of this song, as expected, was even more transcendent.

If you’re looking for the opportunity to say that you followed a band from the early stages of their stardom, you would be a fool not to support Pique in their journey. They have been remarkable since their inception. Listen to “Terra Firma” and “Overtones” on streaming services now!

Dust Mothers’ Forseeable Farewell

On July 14, 2024, the occupants of Rubber Gloves were met with a night of psychedelicousness for Dust Mothers’ farewell show. The venue was transformed into a kaleidoscope of sound and color, with the band's unique blend of psychedelic rock and experimental sounds. The band’s last performance was the first and only that I have attended. Despite my limited exposure to their live shows, I could undeniably sense the overwhelming admiration for the band as musicians and the love for the guys as friends among the crowd.

Hazelwart opened the night with a burst of powerful energy that set the standards rather high. Their bold sound not only drew the attention of everyone within earshot but also ignited a sense of excitement and anticipation for the night ahead, filling the air with a palpable thrill.

With their heavy psych, Strays took the stage next, followed by Godot, known for their sweet sludge. They both managed to carry the crowd in a magnetic hold with the strength of their stage presence and the fuzz of their sweet riffs. 

As the night unfolded and the excitement reached its peak, Dust Mothers took the stage for their final foreseeable show. Their hour-long set, featuring a mix of new and old songs, held their friends and fans in a spell. The weight of my regret for not experiencing their shows sooner was a constant companion throughout the set, a testament to the transformative power of their performance. The energy, the passion, and the sense of community that filled the venue made me realize what I had been missing. 

It's evenings like this past Sunday that deepen my appreciation for local shows. When you attend a smaller show, it's about more than the performance. You become part of a vibrant community, sharing the love for music and the joy of live performances. The intimacy and connection in such settings are truly unique and enriching, underscoring the value of more intimate shows and making you feel like a part of something bigger.

With many loving supporters and a new album in the works, it is clear that although Dust Mothers’ live performances have ended, their music is alive and breathing. I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their musical journey.

Quarters of Change at Club Dada

Ben Roter

From flaming rifts that can heat up a venue of any size to profound lyrics that captivate the hearts of anyone listening, Quarters of Change is a band I have been privileged enough to see four times now.  With their debut LP Into the Rift out now and their sophomore LP Portraits releasing January 26th, this band's passion for their artistry seeps through their souls and into the beauty of their creations. Made up of Ben Roter on lead vocals,  Attila Anrather on drums, and both Jasper Harris and Ben Acker on guitar, the energy created at their shows is never short of transcendent. 

Jasper Harris

On September 26th, 2023, QOC headlined their first show in Dallas, a moment I have been eagerly waiting for since hearing ‘Kiwi’ for the first time in the early spring of 2022.  Although the anticipation for this show was held at a high extremity by myself and most other attendees, all expectations were blown out of the water by the talents of the boys from NYC.  While playing beloved favorites like “Sophia”, “T Love”, “Blue Copper”, and “Rift”, as well as new releases such as “What I Wanted”, “Hollywood Baby”, and “Do or Die”, everyone who made an appearance at Club Dada was blessed by the enchantment that is a live performance by Quarters of Change.

Ben Acker

My gratitude for the opportunity to see QOC as many times as I have extends to the plethora of amazing people I have met and friendships I have formed through the connection of admiration for their music and what it means to us.  As soon as I got in line for this particular show, I was welcomed by a group of people who were intent on sharing their excitement through kindness and laughter, making the wait for doors significantly more enjoyable.  Once inside, the energy and celebration continued for the rest of the night, creating a community based on our shared appreciation for live music. The general amiableness of the crowd the band attracts is an excellent reflection of the members themselves, who are just as incredible people as they are musicians. 

A little over halfway through their North American tour, QOC is strengthening their rightful grip on the Alternative Rock scene across America. From their mesmerizing stage presence to the wonderful people they draw in, please do yourself a favor and see Quarters of Change if given the opportunity. It will be worthwhile after a night of exceptional sound and new friends. 

From left to right: Ben Acker, Jasper Harris, Ben Roter (bottom center), Jolea Bradshaw (me), Attila Anrather