Two of Nashville's brightest younger acts took the stage in the cozy Back Room at Collectivo for a night of Amerciana foot-stomping action. Blank Range and Banditos shared a double-bill, and for the hundred or so fans that were in attendance, there was a palpable sense of energy and excitement that grew throughout the night. When shows are smaller, acts can chose to play their set and call it a night or give you their very best, recruiting devoted fans in the process. In the case of both Blank Range and Banditos, the rousing reaction they received converted the fans in attendance to faithful listeners who would likely recommend both bands to friends and spread the word next time they came to town. These two bands, featuring musicians in their twenties, brought their A game to the Back Room at Collectivo.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Starting the show was Blank Range a quartet that focused on swampy guitar licks, vibrant vocal harmonies, and tremendous interplay between its four players. Fronted by Jonathan Childers (guitar, vocals), and Grant Gustafson (barritone guitar, vocals) with Taylor Zachry (bass) and Matt Novotny (drums) rounding out the group, Blank Range performed a solid set featuring many cuts from their soon to be released debut LP, "Marooned With The Treasure." Blank Range has the ability to draw the crowd in on more intimate numbers like "Ember in the Ash," as well as rockers like "Seemed Like Word Got Around," a track that made me think of a combination of what music would sound like if Blitzen Trapper joined forces with Neil Young and Crazy Horse in a super group. "Circumstances" off of their 2016 EP "Vista Bent" was another highlight that showed off Childers and Gustafson seamlessly trading off guitar licks. For a final number, Blank Range invited their long-time friends Banditos to the stage for a super-jam rendition of Alan Jackson's classic hit, "Gone Country."
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Banditos were up next, and delivered a raucous set, featuring a boon of material from their recently released acclaimed record 2017's
Visionland. The Birmingham Alabama via Nashville sextet combines elements of blues, gospel, soul, bluegrass, folk and rock 'n roll, to deliver a force of sound. Mary Beth Richardson, is front and center as the front woman for Banditos, but vocal duties are shared by many in the band with Stephen Pierce II playing banjo and taking lead vocal duties on several numbers along with Timothy Stephen Corey Parsons playing acoustic guitar and also singing lead. Banditos's recent single, "Fine, Fine Day," was played early in the set getting the crowd riled up with its thumping bass and guitar lines. "Lonely Boy" showcased the band's classic rock tinged sound and the title track "Visionland," had a slinky, trippy vibe that drew comparisons to late 60's bands like Jefferson Airplane. The honky-tonk groove of "Still Sober After All These Beers" was a juke-joint toe-tapper, played later on in the set, and was recognizable by most in the crowd. By the time the band closed with a cover of Lead Belly's "Midnight Special," which featured Blank Range joining Banditos on stage for the final number, the crowd was fully engaged in the set and greeted Banditos and Blank Range with a thunderous round of applause and long line at the merchandise stand.
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| photo courtesy of Gigshotz by Stephen Bloch |
Rock tinged Americana doesn't get much better than the combination of Blank Range and Banditos. I look forward to seeing where these two young groups go in the future.
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