Last week, Seattle’s Night Beats came to Atlanta’s 529 in EAV behind the momentum of their latest album, Who Sold My Generation, their third LP and first with Heavenly Recordings. Joining Night Beats were New York based The Mystery Lights, who released their self-titled debut LP on June 24th via Wick Records, Daptone’s brand new rock imprint. Opening the evening were Atlanta based friends, Black Linen. All combined, it was a heavenly evening of rock ‘n’ roll!
On this evening, two of our photographers (Jenny Thomas and Mike Gerry) headed out to East Atlanta to shoot the show together in unison at one of Atlanta’s best and loudest, small intimate rock clubs at 529.
Black Linen. Photo by Jenny Thomas
Black Linen. Photo by Mike Gerry
Black Linen kicked off the evening to the Atlanta crowd that came out early to support the extremely talented locals. The pop band gives an ode to old time rock ‘n’ roll showing influences of 60’s Brittpop and strong Tarantino vibes that could easily be the soundtrack to his next blockbuster, a huge compliment in itself. The crowd danced along as the band rocked out on stage. And to make their set even more special, the band brought out one of Atlanta’s most talented up and coming songstresses, Mattiel, kicking the psychedelics into high gear.
The Mystery Lights. Photo by Jenny Thomas
The Mystery Lights. Photo by Mike Gerry
The Mystery Lights were up next, ready to deliver their own brand of psych/garage rock ‘n’ roll. Deliver they did. The New York band, originally from Salinas, California had an infectious energy as frontman Mike Brandon bounced all over the tight 529 stage. There was no stop in this band, as they slayed Atlanta on this night, making plenty of new fans along the way, and proving to be a fun challenge to our photographers on the dimly lit stage.
The Night Beats. Photo by Mike Gerry
Night Beats. Photo by Jenny Thomas
The Night Beats came up last after two sets that would be seemingly difficult to follow. The experimental R&B band goes heavy on the psychedelics with guitar licks you can lose your mind too. While they might not have the energy that The Mystery Lights brought, whether a slower or more upbeat tune, the band brings it loud and heavy, pulling the listener into an alt-universe. While they reside in Seattle, the band is originally from Texas and embraces the old cowboy culture with heavy influences from psyche-rock originators 13th Floor Elevators.
This was a night of heavy 60’s psych rock influences, another reminder of the revolutionary time that existed decades ago and will forever continue to influence future generations. The only thing missing on this night was that little drop on the tongue….this was a lineup I’d do over and over. /-Mike Gerry
Check out additional photos from the evening by Jenny Thomas:
Check out additional photos from the evening by Mike Gerry:
