In October when lokal music fans are asked to vote for the annual Choice Awards the question may not be “which CD of 2009 took the prize” but rather “which CD release show of 2009 took the prize.”  Of course the Choice Awards do not present categories for individual shows or events but if we did, some of the nominees would have to be 2009 CD release shows.  As amazing as it is that so many CDs have been released in Augusta this year AND as amazing as each CD has been, so far no band has failed to slather the icing thick on the cake when it comes to having a release show or event  and THAT has made 2009 DOUBLY amazing!  This past Saturday’s Shotgun Opera show for the release of debut Vanity was just as energetic, creative, and amazing as the other kick-ass CD release shows so far in 2009.

Any band could take the easy way out on their big night and hired some wet behind the ears green young band to open their CD release making them sound even better than they are but I gotta say, Augusta bands have a confidence and swagger that obviously prevents them from taking the easy road.  It’s part of the special support system that has become a unique calling card for Augusta bands.  Augusta bands don’t just want to share a stage…they want each and every band to bring it each and every show.  It has nothing to do with competition…we here in Augusta just believe that TOGETHER we are as just as viable and kick-ass a music scene as anywhere else.  But that’s a whole other commentary…

We arrived just in time to check out 3-WAY SWITCH, a new Augusta hard rock trio with a lot of power.  With a sound reminiscent of late nineties nu-metal bands such as Korn, and Slipknot  these guys may not be the most original sounding bunch but they do seem to have good chemistry and onstage vibe that makes it obvious that they enjoy what they do.  Tons of energy and guitarist/singer Stanton Hayden’s loose onstage banter between songs is pretty entertaining.  Music wise you can decide for yourself at http://www.myspace.com/3wayswitchband.  I recommend giving the song “Drip” a good listen ESPECIALLY if you’re into Korn.

Having just come off the road supporting popular touring group Taproot, we figured Atlanta band DEAR ENEMY would either be firing on all cylinders or ready to pull the van into cruise mode and head back home.  Well I gotta say, cruise control was not on the band’s agenda as they ripped Sky City a fresh new one with one of the most intense hard rock sets I have seen in a while.  What is really refreshing about this band (which I found to be the case with most of the bands on this night) is the fact that they have a powerful “singer” despite playing some pretty heavy music.  Very light on the growls and cookie monster screams. If you think I’m trying to blow smoke up your ass about these guys, check out tracks like “Depending on You”  at the DEAR ENEMY MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/dearenemy.

Now I’ve been listening to RockShow Booking’s own Mike Garrett go on and on about Atlanta’s UNCROWNED for what seems like months.  Every time we would talk he would gush on and on about this band.  Well Mike I gotta say, while not my cup of tea, UNCROWNED kicks ass and not just musically.  Maybe our homegrown love for each other is contagious, who knows, but this band which is on the verge of major national attention spent half it’s set acknowledging that it was Shotgun Opera’s big night and pointing out that it was a night of togetherness for all the bands.  Classy and very impressive in my eyes.  The other half of UNCROWN’s set was spent playing some of the best hard rock to come around the pike in some time.  It’s easy to see why these guys are getting big attention.  Great songs, incredible stage show, and total respect for their audience.  Like I said, not necessarily my thing, but I wouldn’t be crying if I had to spend an evening seeing these guys live again.  Check ‘em out for yourselves at http://www.myspace.com/uncrowned.

When SHOTGUN OPERA hit the stage it was obvious that it WAS their night.  Augusta came out in full force to supprt one of their own and the Sky City audience was in a frenzy from the first note to the very last even prompting the band to play two extra unplanned songs.  While not really encores since SHOTGUN OPERA never even had a chance to leave the stage before being blasted with requests for  “one more song”, the crowd definitely wanted additional doses of SHOTGUN OPERA despite being hot, tied, and sweaty after a long night of great hard rock and metal.  Never ones to disappoint, the band soldiered on until the last bit of sweat had been dropped even sidetracking along the way to play an unexpected yet highly charged rocking version of Eric Clapton’s “Wonderful Tonight” for Playground owners Scott and Dee Levine who decided to attend the show to celebrate their thirtieth wedding anniversary.  Now you tell me, does that freaking rock or what?!?!    Listen and buy the new CD at http://www.myspace.com/shotgunoperaband .

2009 continues to be an incredible year for music in the CSRA and the SHOTGUN OPERA show is continued proof of that.  Over a hundred plus pre-sale tickets for this show which is highly impressive for ANY type of show in Augusta.  As soon as you think “it can’t get any better” Augusta steps it up with yet another great show featuring a mix of awesome onstage talent and audience support.  When you look around a room full of people and see smiles from stage to floor you know that something special is happening.  Kudos to Augusta, you’re growing in leaps and bounds and it’s gonna be exciting to see where this whole ball of energy is going.  I know I for one will be watching and listening!

Stoney