04/06/23
The Annex, Wichita, KS
In the heart of West Wichita, there is the coolest little, one-room DIY rock venue called the Annex, or “Annex1” depending on who you ask. It’s positioned in the most unlikely of places: on the property of the Church of the Cross. From the church parking lot, you’ll walk towards the large signage on the wall facing the street that reads “Jesus Christ is Lord,” hang a left, and there you are.
You’ll walk into a long room, lit only by the harsh fluorescents overhead and two orange LED light tubes on either end of the room with decades-old carpet and enough space for you and maybe 50 of your friends. Humble as the setup is, you don’t come to a space like the Annex for flashy production. You come for a welcoming, simple space that offers the essentials: good company and good music.
The night’s first band was a last-minute addition following two late-notice dropouts, a three-piece metal outfit named Flatlining. These kids put on a hell of a show! All heart and all spirit, Flatlining’s energy and presentation made me think of if someone had replaced the Runaways with goth wind-up toys. Being the only band of the night that I haven’t photographed before, they were a pleasant surprise. Their hybrid of rock showmanship and metalcore aggression will make them an exciting new name for fans of Kittie and early Black Veil Brides. Check out their first-ever recorded single entitled “Speed Demon” wherever you stream music.
Next up was popular up-and-comers Delirium. Identifying themselves as falling under any number of genres, including but not limited to Midwest emo, “youthpastorcore” and “weed,” Delirium is always a blast to see live. This was the sixth or seventh time I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them play and they never disappoint. While relatively new to the Wichita music scene, the kids in Delirium have a consistent stable of loyal fans that you can always count on to open a pit up in any venue, no matter how small. With their sing-able hooks and confident stage presence, they generate a lot of high-intensity audience participation, and it shows by just how many Wichita teens know every single word. Fans of emo all-stars Algernon Cadwallader or CLIFFDIVER should check out their EP “Couch” available on all music streaming platforms.
I’m almost disappointed that I used my wind-up toy simile already, because Delirium’s bassist, Niko, is like a walking wind-up toy 90% of the time.
Closing out the night was rock/shoegaze outfit Ferris Wheel Regulars, sporting baseball uniforms and periodically chanting “game day,” possibly hyping themselves up for the show or their upcoming tour or both. (Although, there’s also a distinct possibility that I’m just old and don’t get it.) Ferris Wheel Regular’s sound is as consistent as it gets, led by industrious and gifted brothers Jack and Paul DiGiovanni, they have a comradery and connection on stage that’s difficult to describe without seeing it in person. They are musically ambitious and technical without giving up the secret sauce that makes live music an easygoing, inviting experience. Their mature sound will undoubtedly remind listeners of old-school rock outfits like Deftones and Chevelle. Ferris Wheel Regular’s first full album, “An Ode to Goldenrods and Signals,” can also be found on Spotify and Apple Music.
You can catch Flatlining on April 29th at Monikahouse, opening for New York techno-pop act KOPPS and Wichita legends the Cavves.
Delirium and Ferris Wheel Regulars recently wrapped up in the studio, each completing albums that are expected to release later this year.
If you don’t want to miss out on opportunities to see them in the future, give them a follow on social media and stay up to date.
