04/20/24
Antique Mall of Hays
From Great Bend, Kansas, Harbingers started off the night with a mixture of alternative rock to get the crowd moving. Covering Jimmy Eat World’s “Bleed America” promptly got a reaction from the locals, effortlessly switching into tunes with more mood, but also a hint shoegaze. Their original track, “Instrumental”, reminded me of Explosions in the Sky the way it starts off peacefully and quiet, then slowly building, demanding your attention. Harbingers brought just the right amount of intensity to this set. I think it’s safe to say they will be back!
Island Policy came to play from Topeka, Kansas. They brought hard rock reminiscent of Alice In Chains mixed with Pearl Jam. Grunge with a little metal and gritty vocals. They slammed around the venue to new songs off their upcoming 12 track album. If you like 90’s grunge… this 4 piece is worth checking out on Spotify.
Starslinger, Hays’ alternative rock powerhouse, continue to astound. No matter how many times I’ve seen these guys, I always highly anticipate their set. This diverse trio compliments one another like no other. The music they make is like beautiful chaos that transcends me out of my out head for a few minutes at a time. Their sets always seem to pass by too fast. “Contact!” still sweeps me off my feet.
Tree Kitty is no stranger to the Hays music scene. This alternative psychedelic three-piece always has such radical stage performance you don’t want to look away. Unsure of what’s going to happen next, but knowing you do not want it miss it. Their grungy rock sound pulls me in and keeps me there. “Comatose” always gets my attention no matter how many times I’ve heard it. However, my personal favorite is “In This Room”, a bop with a groovy bass line and drum fills are oh so very crispy. I’ve always had a hard time putting a label on Tree Kitty because they are able to get away with so much and are always a prime live experience.
Until next time!
