I love how random things happen to me, especially when it deals with music and finding out new things. So I was at Wonderroot finishing up a Final Cut Pro session and I heard some music playing in the building. It sounded like a live band was playing, so I asked the lady at the front desk if there was a band performing that night. She said that there actually was one, and after finding out that the music I was hearing was really a speaker up loud, I found out that there was going to be a punk rock night where different bands will come out and play. What made me even more excited about the concert was that it was free for Wonder Root members which I have become a part of. The cover was only $5 and the best thing about it was the alcohol was really cheap: $1 for PBR, $2 for wine and $3 for some other drink. This experience was too sweet to pass up, so I dashed home to change and even called up my friend Andre to join me at the concert.
With a brown bag holding two tall PBR cans inside, Andre and I walked into the back door of Wonderroot where people were already hanging outside taking a smoke break and talking to each other. One thing that I love about Atlanta is how friendly people are (this coming from someone who has been here all his life) and that they will welcome you into their circle as long as you’re cool of course. After going inside to see the band that was playing, Andre and I went back into the cold outside to drink and chat with the people outside. We talked with a few people who were also playing in the concert that night. I met Gus who is the drummer of popular band the North Trolls and we discussed how simple three letter names are the best ones to have. We also met this guy named Sunshine who was really cool and even bought Andre a beer. After chatting it up, we all went inside to enjoy the show.

Earlier, I had met Alec and Matt who were members of punk rock group Small Talk. They told me that their influence was 80’s punk which would be something like The Misfits. Upon hearing this, I was stoked to hear what their music would sound like more than the other bands. Thankfully, they were the aggressive punk rock band that I expected them to be with heavy big muff guitar riffs and fast paced bass lines and drumming. There was even a point where the bassist fell into the drum set from rocking too hard. The band definitely delivered and kept the crowd enthused and moving. A band called Unwelcome Guests performed after Small Talk and although they weren’t as heavy as Small Talk, they did have some pretty good tunes for the audience and kept your head bobbing.

It seemed as though everyone was waiting for the North Trolls to perform so I was definitely looking forward to hearing them play. A couple of people described them as “the Beatles on steroids” and after listening to them I can see why. Their songs are very catchy with a fast paced vibe to it. Towards the end of their set, they had half of the audience swinging from the roof while others wrestled on the couch. In the middle of their set, people even started a mini mosh pit that ended with everyone falling on the couch. It was definitely a cool way to start off the week.

Later Days…