Once the power was restored Friday afternoon and I finished catching up on my computer-based work (and play), it was nearly 8PM. I had been looking forward to Friday’s show at the Poplar Lounge all week yet I found myself so exhausted I didn’t even want to get dressed. This is the same feeling you get after working all week, knowing there is fun to be had and there’s only a lack of motivation keeping you from having it. Running on fumes.

Fortunately, this is why caffeine was invented. A quick jolt gets you out the door and once you are out the second wind kicks in. I also had a friend of mine call to provide that little extra push. Keeping up with people who like to do things is another great way to stay active in the face of lethargy.

I’m glad to have such good friends. It would be a shame to miss opportunities like this.

The show was Greedy Kidney and the Poplar Lounge was packed. Despite a lack of air conditioning, everyone there was chill. The opening band was halfway through their set when I checked in for my usual PBR.

Zigadoo Moneyclips, wrapped up shortly after I got settled. I was there long enough to hear their catchy brand of anti-pop and will not worry about showing up too early next time. I have an innate bias against opening bands lingering from my more judgmental youth. I don’t always intentionally skip the first act, but there are times I felt punished for attending a show from the beginning.

There is no danger of punishment from the fourpiece made up of Zak Baker (guitar), Leigh Baker (trumpet), Josh Aguilar (sax), and Adam Brooks (fiddle). From the instrumental lineup alone you can see that this group is a little off the beaten path. The catchy melodies are comfortable and then, without warning, the “zigadoo” happens. For example, the song “Honey” seems fairly typical until you get blindsided by the hip hop soliloquy. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Give “Camera” a listen. It made me laugh out loud.

In the shuffle of setup I got a chance to really take in the atmosphere. This was my first time inside the iconic Lounge. Awash with nostalgia, the stolen-street-sign decor inspired déjà vu that took me back to the Highland Strip of the late 90s/early 2000s. Except this place seems almost family friendly compared to the usual dive bar scene. It is refreshing to find a place I can go for a cheap beer that won’t scare my upper-crust relatives. I don’t know which indiscretions the Poplar Lounge boasts in its past, but I would go there for a low-key night of beer, pool, and music.

Thoroughly pleased with my cold beer and friendly surroundings I came back to the present just as Greedy Kidney came on. Even with technical difficulties, Gina Sposto was impatient to put on a show. They launched straight into the first song while getting some sound issues resolved.

It was a clumsy way to start, but not unpleasant to listen to. “Trial By Fire” was not done any justice by the microphones, but the instruments sounded good.

Soon thereafter, Greedy Kidney’s true form had emerged. Gina (G-nuh) Sposto‘s sultry crooning is punctuated nicely by her approachable work on the guitar. Noah Dowell on bass brings depth to the music and T.J. Elliot keeps the energy flowing on the drums. From the contagious rhythms of “Blue Eyes” and “Noon” to the slinky sound of “River City Blues” (video here), I was amazed at the amount of intensity 21-year old Sposto injects into the music.

I am even more impressed by the studio tracks I found later on the internet. The depth of variety Sposto produces as a singer/songwriter reveals a dynamic well of talent. The wit behind “Unenthusiastic Party Song” embodies the sarcastic wisdom of a hipster and yet there is still joy in her voice. “Eli“, homage to an old friend, is delivered with raw emotion that makes me feel like I knew him myself. Some of her music, such as “Lucy“, has me yearning for an all acoustic set at some point.

The eclectic personal style of the band promotes an almost surreal experience. I imagine this vibe is what would result if Modest Mouse and Lorde had a baby. Fun, soulful, and a bit bizarre. I enjoyed the show as much as the beaming groupies on the first row.

I find it hard to discern which indie rock bands are “good” and which ones have been rejected by the hipster community, so I don’t do much research before I go see a show. I believe first impressions still count for something and that should make me want to know more. The performance of Greedy Kidney last night not only made me look them up when I got home, but I also regret not picking up a CD after the show.

Fortunately, a semi-reliable source indicated that Greedy Kidney will be back at the Poplar Lounge in the near future. Get off the computer and come have some fun. I’ll be the one buying the merch.

Don’t believe me… here’s a rare outtake.

“Gloria”