I need to get out more.
As a full-time journalist and parent, part-time Internet enthusiast and TV addict, it can be tough to drag myself out long enough to actually experience this place that so many consider to be a highly-entertaining vacation destination.
While I’m no recluse, I do tend to stick with the familiar when I go out. This often means hitting up a local sports bar such as Buffalo Wild Wings, King Street Grille or Dagwood’s to catch some football and grab a brew. However, with the college season behind us and NFL winding down - though not quite over (Go Colts!) - I figure it’s about time to break the oh-so-powerful grasp of the sports season and try something different.
Why not get out and actually experience this local music scene I’ve been writing about for the past few weeks? From what I’ve heard of local bands so far I’m really impressed with the music, but how do these guys sound live? Are the folks friendly or is the scene filled with cooler-than-thou hipsters who think everyone is a poser?
All these questions must be answered if I’m ever going to be able to get a feel for what the Grand Strand music scene is all about.
But before I head out I wanted to do a quick preview of couple of the shows I’m considering attending by checking out the music online. Here’s what I found:
The Basement at Crayz J’s, 819 Main St., 8 p.m., Friday:
Richard Bacchus & the Luckiest girls
This Raleigh, N.C.-based group’s unique qualities are pretty evident right off the bat. They mix the twangy and driving guitars of a rockabilly band with more traditional southern rock sensibilities and Bacchus’ vocals, which can range from soulful and melodic to a melancholy monotone similar to Interpol or She Wants Revenge.
The sound varies from song to song, so you may want to sample a few from their site (myspace.com/richardbacchus) before making a judgment on the band as a whole. Don’t miss: “Terrible Love”
SharkLegs
talked about this band’s great song “Sidewalk Dave” last week, so I won’t get into it again other than to say I’m still listening to it and that they definitely have other songs worth checking out online (myspace.com/thesharklegs).
If you have ever been into Motley Crue or Iron Maiden these guys have that old-school rock god feel nailed. Don’t miss: “Too Young to Die”
Wonder Shakedown
This Myrtle Beach four-piece has the energy of a much bigger band and has a catchy, | accessible sound that seems poised to appeal to a broader audience.
It’s more or less just standard indie pop/rock, but there’s something intangible about their sound that kept me flipping through their many online offerings (myspace.com/wondershakedownband). Not to mention, you’re not going to hear anything negative from this journalist about a band who has an entire song devoted to front page headlines. Don’t miss: “BREAKING NEWS: It’s a Catastrophe!”
Drink!, 503 8th Ave. N., Jess’ Getting’ Gone show at 8 p.m. Friday. It features:
Some Ambulance
Saturday night’s show is in honor of the band’s bass player moving back to Ohio, so this will likely be Some Ambulance’s last show in Myrtle Beach.
It’s actually kind of sad, because their sound is probably the most original, if not the most polished, of all the bands on this list. Still, if you don’t mind the woulda-coulda vibe of checking out a disbanding band, check out their Web site (myspace.com/someambulance) for what they call “Synthy pop goodness with catchy lyrics and awesome hooks.” Don’t miss: “We Drink!”
The IZM
These guys play hard rock with a familiar sound, but an added energy with great tempo and thoughtful lyrics bring an original feel to their stuff.
Their site (myspace.com/theizmband) features three solid rockers and an acoustic track that almost seems out of place until you realize it may be the most well-rounded of their online offerings. Also, it’s a bit silly, but I have to give them props for having ringtones of their songs available for download. Don’t miss: “GOT acoustic”
PonchosFromPeru
I was sold on this Wilmington, N.C., trio before I even heard a track, due to their creative, crayon-drawn Web site (www.ponchosfromperu.com).
From there I downloaded their free CD, “Friendship and Other Mistakes,” and was not at all surprised to find a sort of offbeat sound that’s a bit whimsical, but very crisp and polished, like a toned down version of indie pop darlings Vampire Weekend. Don’t’ miss: “Personification of Light”
Oh, and if you happen to be at one of these shows this weekend and you see a guy with a press pass looking really out of place, please feel free to come say hi. I’m eager to learn more about what’s really going on in local music.
