I'll admit, I was at this show for the opener. Elonzo was from a town just down the road from where I grew up, Rock Hill, SC. When I moved from Charleston back to the Rock Hill area, I crossed paths with Elonzo as I was setting up a music showcase at the Sylvia Theatre. The record/production company I was working with, Milk Jug, just so happen to be working with Elonzo. I haven't stopped listening to them since.
Back in Charleston I'd spent enough time poking around the local music scene to be familiar with local favorites, Cary Ann Hearst and Michael Trent. Their 2008 release, Shovels & Rope would later become their namesake — Shovels & Rope.
So, I was excited to see these two bands on the same bill.
Like I said, I was here for Elonzo. Their Americana-tinged alt-country, mixed with indie rock, forms songs about the simple elements of life: love, loss and home — to name a few. While in support of A Letter To A Friend, they continue to included a good mix of tunes off previous recordings. Look out for these guys. As bass player Stephen Narron earns his stripes, the band's sound remains tight and complete.
Check Out Photos From The Elonzo Set
Shovels & Rope were up next. The duo stands out with their simple, gritty and raw performance. Reminiscent of The White Stripes turned Americana-alt-country, they commanded attention. Something different than I remembered. Just an acoustic guitar, snare and kick drum. They ripped through a few songs, threw back some booze and plowed ahead. Their performance was strong and emotional.
Although a bit backwards, I came for the opener, and left wanting to know more about the headliner.
