"Stereo" -Mike Mains and the Branches
Music is the universal language of mankind.
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
It’s amazing how well music brings so many together no matter the genre. On February 4th, 2011 one of the coldest days dentonites claim to have seen, four bands were determined to make their music known regardless of an audience’s presence. Despite the fact that Mother Nature and her snow storm tried to shatter their spirits, all the bands played their hearts out for the sole reason they began playing in the first place: a love and a passion for music.
Sadly, other obligations caused me to miss the kick off band known as Visceral but I don’t doubt their performance was well executed and enjoyable. Possibly one of the most anticipated performances of the night was that of Mike Mains & The Branches. This band from Michigan was the talk of those awaiting the show weeks before. I, myself, had heard of the name but was not introduced to them until the week of the show. I enjoyed what I heard but I had to see for myself just what all the excitement was about for this band from the north and the only one playing that wasn’t local. Needless to say my mind was made up when that first strum of mike’s guitar rang out. Too many words can be used to explain such a wonderful performance. Never have I seen such an enthusiasm and excitement for ones music in a way only those present could try to describe. On top of their outstanding stage presence, the truth and reality behind the lyrics of Mike Main’s music made their performance that much more breathtaking. Such inspiration from a band I barely knew days before seeing them displays the kind of positive impact these four musicians have on their audience and the same influential effect that remains after they step foot off the stage.
After the music of Mike Mains and The Branches came the metal band known as Werewolf Therewolf who brought to the stage their fun attitude of a performance. Though microphone issues caused a slight delay in the beginning, the bands humor brought them back to life. Their show could be thought of as a musical. Now please, don’t take that the wrong way. I mean that in a sense to say the interaction of the bandmates with one another created a sort of comical and playful atmosphere to their songs which made it all the more fun to watch. At one point in the show, a former member of the band gave the singer a break as he took the microphone for himself and screamed out a song as if it was his own. Truly a fun time watching these fellas show what it’s like to have fun on stage.
Though the music of the openers sparked an exciting vibe within the venue, none could have been more ready for the stage than that of the night’s headliner band The Stolen Season. Forgive me if my review on these gifted guys comes off slightly bias, all I know is my friendship with such talented and hardworking musicians is treasured. This wasn’t just another show for the guys to perform. Being the headliner at a popular venue in Denton and having big names prepare the way for their music that night was a bigger deal to them and their fans than Justin Bieber possibly ever reaching manhood. And it goes without saying they were prepared to claim their new name. For the boys of The Stolen Season (formerly known as Hennessey) this was their kick off show for the new year. Though the crowd lessened slightly, that didn’t stop them from putting on a spectacular show. Starting off with the catchy crowd favorite Looking Everywhere, they caught the audience’s attention. A fellow friend at the show even told me that song became his favorite of theirs after hearing it that night. The Stolen Season wasn’t anything shy of amazing as each member became a different person on stage getting lost within their own music. With Jp leading, the band was able to play their audience’s classic favorites along with introducing new songs they’ve perfected that will be released on their new album. And hearing the new songs soon to be released was even more exciting for those of us who haven’t gotten the chance to hear yet. It truly was a treat. Each song played was like a different message all over again. Like I described with Mike Mains and the Branches, the lyrics of The Stolen Season give a ring of truth to whatever you may be experiencing in life currently. It’s bands like these that you enjoy seeing and love supporting all the more when you realize their lyrics seem to explain and express your own thoughts better than you yourself could. And the thought that you are not alone because you see they have gone or are going through similar situations and feelings gives one that sense of hope some give up on. By the end of the show, all exhausted yet overjoyed, The Stolen Season were able to steal away a night already great and make it spectacular.
