Battle Of Birdy’s 2013: Week 4

It’s quiet, the crowd at this point is modest at best, and after finding a spot on the floor, it’s time to get this battle started. Our first band is introduced and Week 4 is now underway:

Up first, we have a rock duo by the name of Suburban Myths. Being comprised of one electric guitarist and a drummer, they give off a kind of raw, grimey, almost garage rock sound, not unlike what you might find within the Clerks or Scott Pilgrim soundtrack. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, as it takes you back to a time when rock wasn’t overly produced and it was just you, your instruments and what you were able to do with them.

Speaking of which, they handle themselves very well, despite the crowd (or lack-there-of at the moment). They look comfortable, they recover nicely from losing a drumstick and a cymbal temporarily, and more importantly, they look lke they’re having fun. Not a bad way to kick things off.

Last week, Indy was just buzzing with activity, with the Moto GP going on at the IMS, GenCon taking over the Convention Center, and IndyFringe going on all throughout Mass Ave. This week, it’s yet another busy time, what with X-Fest/Uproar going on at Klipsch Music Center, Kammy’s Kause, a showcase at Sam Ash, the first night of high school football, and more. On that note, it kind of reflects on the attendance for tonight, as there is no problem finding a table or taking a few moments to watch the Packers/Seahawks game on TV. Maybe things will pick up. After all, it is still early.

Act #2 has taken the stage, and once again, we are graced by the presence of another duo. This time, it’s an alt-country outfit called the Dead Squirrels. Though unlike our first act, this one has no percussion, relying only on one acoustic guitar, one electric for soloing, and a whole lot of soul behind their music. Though they do have a few sound issues during their performance, they don’t seem fazed by it at all as they continue to do what they do best, which is to perform to the delight of the small crowd they brought to the battle. One of their fans even records the whole thing on her phone.

As they close with their rendition of LMFAO’s “Sexy And I Know It,” it’s time to move on. A few more people start to file in, but it’s still a relatively quiet night here on the North Side. As is the case during breaks, some head towards the patio for a breath of fresh air or a smoke, while others order drinks or converse.

And after quick changeover, it’s time for act #3.

So far, we’ve seen two duos, and for our next performer, we have a solo acoustic act named Dave Vogt, who according to him, was coerced into performing (he also plays with a band).

Though despite his feelings of dread, Vogt handles himself very well, translating said feelings into 25-minutes of manic strumming, enthusiasm and soulful vocals. He even breaks out a nice cover of “Brokedown Palace” to the delight of the few in attendance. All in all, for a guy who seemed nervous about it all, he does alright.

We’re halfway through, and it’s as good a time as any to change things up. So far we’ve had two duos and a solo act. Now it’s time to welcome a trio.

Coup D’Etat is our next band, and unlike some of the others this evening, I’ve actually seen these guys before. As it would turn out, I first saw them in the Battle. So let’s see what they can do this time around.

What impressed me about them initially was their variety. Yes, they’re a rock band, but they manage to blend so many genres into one performance. They have one song that’s straight-up rock, while also throwing in a little alternative, blues, rockabilly and more. Most bands can only talk about how they want every song to sound different. Coup D’Etat actually does that.

As for their performance, it’s high energy, it’s passionate, and it’s the right kick in the teeth this place needs on a fairly mellow night here at “rock n’ roll’s nesting grounds.” It might only last for a short time, but the point is, it was there.

During the previous performance, something catches my eye: it’s a giant inflatable whale with a party hat. I’m a little curious as to what it’s for, but like most things, the answer is coming soon enough.

Benjamin Brashear is the next to take the stage, or to some, “Willie Nelson Mandella,” where the whale is supposed to represent Willie from the popular children’s movie of the 90s. Now I’ve spoken a lot about how eclectic things can get in the battle, and this band is no different.

This time around, we’re treated to a very blues-influenced trio that utilizes one acoustic guitar, one electric and for percussion, they use a conga players rather than the house drum kit. Their chemistry works well, and they’re very in tune with what they’re doing. They even take a few moments towards the end of their set to sit on their whale to crank out a solo. The only real mishap they faced was a broken guitar string, but when you’re as prolific of a player, you don’t let it faze you. Rather, you improvise, and that’s exactly what we see. Passion, energy, and having a good time. I’d say that’s a good combination.

All night long, I’ve been seeing one woman enjoying herself, dancing to some of the performers, talking with others, and just overall having a good time. I wouldn’t find out exactly who this was until the final performance of the night.

This woman would come to be known as Megan Hopkins, a solo artist who doesn’t need things like gimmicks or an elaborate performance. Just a stool, an acoustic guitar, and an audience who would listen.

Okay, so there weren’t many people here this evening, but when you want to play, you want to play. So let’s go back to her performance.

Imagine a very honest, very raw performance that strips everything down and runs purely on bare bones and emotion. This is what this Ms. Hopkins achieves. Actually, the only thing that could’ve made it better is if the setting was a small, more intimate environment. Regardless, it’s a nice, light way of closing the book on Week 4.

Well, almost.

Hopkins packs away her stuff, and it’s now last call for the votes. Though since there aren’t very many people here, counting the votes doesn’t take very long. There’s a general feeling of fatigue in the air, but despite that, it was a solid evening at the Battle of Birdy’s as always.

After a few moments of watching preseason highlights on SportsCenter, it’s time to announce tonight’s winners. Moving on to the second round this week is…

2nd: Dead Squirrels
1st: Coup D’Etat

And on that note, Week 4 is now in the books.

The Battle of Birdy’s will be taking the new few weeks off for Labor Day, and to recuperate from the action we’ve seen thus far. We’re halfway through Round 1, but we’re just getting started. When the battle resumes September 13, six more bands will take stage eager to show that they have what it takes, but who will take the crown when all is said and done is up to you.

So stop by, vote for your favorites, and more importantly, support your local music scene. See you all in a few weeks.