I went out last night with very little idea of where to go.  The only thing I needed to do was drop a package at the post office.  While there, I noticed a crowd of young ne’er-do-wells loitering in front of Crosstown Arts.  My inner old lady immediately wanted to shake a cane and tell them to all get haircuts.  After I reeled that instinct back in, I meandered across the street to investigate.

As it happens, they were gathered to hear some music at 430 Cleveland, the white space for Crosstown Arts.  I wandered in, ignoring the aberrant glances at my really awesome shirt.  (LoZ is the best game ever.)  The starkness of the room was jarring.  A mostly empty space with clusters of kids scattered along the walls like art exhibits.  I had to stop and wonder at it all, considering the last time I was in that room was for Nick Canterucci’s mail art exhibit.

Recovering from the sudden shift in perspective, I began to wander about the space, hunting for interesting pictures.  It was hard to be subtle in the austere environment, however my penchant for geometric minimalism was gratified by the equipment and instruments set up against the far wall.  It felt like watching a living sculpture as the band members shifted around their gear striving to place everything exactly where it belonged.

This particular band, The Star Killers, just returned to Memphis from a regional tour, so they fussed over their setup with a practiced purposefulness.  The headliner for the show, Pity Sex, had dropped off the roster due to some unforeseen travel delays, but you couldn’t tell from the crowd that filled the room.  This local foursome kept everyone’s attention as they rocked through their repertoire.  The motionless crowd of budding indie music fans was interrupted by the occasional bobbing head, but mostly everyone just listened intently to the music.

Unfortunately, due to some sound issues, the performance was primarily instrumental as the vocals did not come across on the PA.  I wish they had, as the evident intensity on Julien Baker‘s face evoked the group’s dedication to the music.  The sound I did hear was raw and passionate.  It really took me back to my own teenage days and brought to mind the essence of My Bloody Valentine, if they were covering classic rock ballads.  (Bite me, Mark.  ;-P)  I wasn’t able to get great video, but you can form your own opinion here.  Personally, I’d love to hear what these kids could do in an unplugged session.

The band after that was Greyscale (Gryscl?).  The number one impression I got from this group was “testosterone-fueled”.  Clearly taking their music seriously, the guys in this band played while turned toward their amps in a semi-circle of self-indulgent enthusiasm.  That did not dissuade the eager fans from crowding around and taking part in the show.  The unfettered youthfulness of the band emitted chaotic energy in all directions, which bespoke their I-don’t-give-a-shit enthusiasm.  I suppose I’m getting old because I got exhausted just watching the frenzied display of musical passion.

After that, I decided to exercise the power of my elder status by hopping over to the Hi-Tone lounge for a quick beverage.  One of the best parts of this venue is the chill atmosphere you can find on the rare nights they don’t have a show.  Regulars come hang out with the bartender and watch TV or chat with people who wander in.  It’s what a bar for industry people should be like – low key and friendly.  It was exactly the kind of energy I needed to recharge my battery.

The recharge was well worth it.  I got back just before Solids set up.  A majority of the crowd dissipated before the headliners went on (curfew?),  so the handful of remaining fans were treated to a great set by this French Canadian duo.  With just drums and a guitar, Louis Guillemette and Xavier Germain Poitras are able to create a complete, well-rounded sound.  Undulating rhythms that harken back to the post-rock vibe, circa mid-90s, lull you in but before you get too comfortable they roll out contemporary rock flair.  The vocals, still lost to an unbalanced sound system, were only a minimal part of the experience, so I would love to hear what their studio work sounds like.  Regardless, I would certainly go to their show the next time they venture this far south from Montreal.

All in all, I think the performing space provided by Crosstown Arts is a wonderful place to create a show.  It offers a blank canvas to anyone who just needs space and can be transformed into a wide variety of settings.  From erudite art openings to underage indie rock, there’s no limit to what can be produced there.  I’d be curious to see what some local groups could to with a small decorating budget and some time to get set up before the next show.  I’m now on the Crosstown Arts mailing list, so I’ll be privy to the range of events that happen there regularly.

Have a fun, safe Fourth of July everyone!