Smith’s Olde Bar hosted one of Atlanta’s finest concert lineups of the summer on July 25. Nashville’s The Four Kicks started off the night with their blend of radio friendly rock hits with catchy pop hooks. Even though it has been a while since the band played in Atlanta, Kicks’ garnered a respectful sized crowd for an opening band. Their harmonies were spot on and their orchestration impressive live. Performing songs new and old, Kicks’ gave a tantalizing preview to their new album, which is set for release this fall.
Y.O.U., local rock stars known by several aliases, followed Kicks with an impressive set showcasing their mastery of any genre they tackle. Displaying a more laidback sound and style than their fans might be used to seeing, they illustrated that you don’t have to be loud to grab an audience’s attention. Seamlessly vacillating between rock, blues, jazz, and pop, Y.O.U. smoothly moved from one song to the next adding keys, horns and extra percussion on certain tracks and minimizing instruments on others. By the end of their set there was a line of fans ready to purchase their new EP, The Long-Playing EP.
Hightide Blues compounded the room’s elevated energy with their always-entertaining stage show. Going over their original set time, Blues proved that they could continue to perform if the audience was just as into it; they were. The crowd danced and sang along to many of Blues’ original songs as well as paid close attention to their new songs. Although Blues is known for being a band that has and brings a good time, on several tracks they also proved that they have the talent to establish themselves as skilled musicians. Jonathan Pears easily rotated through several instruments and managed to keep a different musical line altogether, when him and Paul McDonald played off of each other for an impressive mix of The Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony” and Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth;” one of the top highlights of the whole night. See photos of all three bands in action.
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