Good times, and even better music were flowing for all those who found themselves at the High Dive on Sunday, February 21st. The lineup had a little something for every ear- Gritt for the garage rockers, Susto for the quiet indie-country lovers, and Heartless Bastards for the soulful indie rock fans.
Hailing from our very own Gainesville, Gritt took to the stage with their grungy guitars and grainy vocals. Reminiscent of the earlier garage rock sounds of The Black Keys, Gritt turned the quaint venue into what felt like a private concert. Masterful guitar chords layered perfectly over vocals with a vaguely Southern feel to it, comparable to that of Kings of Leon, White Denim and The White Stripes. The end result culminated in authentic, undiluted rock ‘n’ roll- a breath of fresh air for all of us who swear that good music is dead (and to that one friend who still believes Justin Beiber’s talent is unmatched).
Gritt proved a true local gem to Gainesville’s ever-shaping music scene, providing a taste of the classics and an engaging show that had the crowd moving with the music.
Gritt
Susto followed the act with their more ambient, gentle indie rhythms. Slower vocals were on the forefront of the act, with slightly country-esque instrumentals and muted strumming to compliment. Crowds migrated in and out of the venue, where the music permeated the light-strung, moss-draped patio.
Heartless Bastards took to the stage and with a gesture, invited the crowd to migrate a little closer to the front and engage. The mood quickly changed as lead singer Erika Wennerstrom began to belt out raspy, soulful vocals that have become so definitive to the band’s sound.
Comparable to the likes of Alabama Shakes, both bands tout powerful, hard-hitting female vocals atypical from the sounds of a female frontwoman. The result is a sound almost as difficult to describe as it is to make- a mixture of blues and indie rock. The band played newer material off their album Restless Ones, which saw its release in June of last year. Soulful, polished guitar and percussion compete with but are not lost alongside commanding vocals.
With a sound meant to be blared through your speakers, Heartless Bastards electrified the venue and its crowd. Wennerstrom displayed a command of the audience immediately indicative of the band’s critical successes.
Each band brought to the table an unconventional take on a classic genre, resulting in a lineup that had the crowd head-banging, hip-shaking and soulfully swaying- in some unusual miracle- all at one show.
