On the Scene: Springfield MO

by Tamara Styer

     Springfield, Missouri was the place to be Saturday the 11^th, where several of the top bands in the area performed across town.
     Alternative indie rock band Canto 17 opened at Nathan P. Murphy’s with an acoustic set, performing their laid-back, Jack Johnson-style original tunes as well as some Dave Matthews Band covers.

Todd Osbern of Canto 17. Photo courtesy of Canto 17, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved.

     Stylistic pioneers SPiNRaD headlined at Nathan P's throwing down their jazz/rock hybrid sound. Austin Farnam, saxophonist, pulled out all the stops at the end of their musically sophisticated set playing two horns simultaneously, a move made famous by Jeff Coffin of the Dave Matthews Band and Bela Fleck and the Flecktones.

SPiNRaD performing at Nathan P. Murphy's. Photo courtesy of SPiNRaD, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reseved

     Todd Osbern of Canto 17 later commented, “About ten seconds before this photo I stated jokingly, ‘[Farnam] plays a ton of different brass...and sounds crazy-good, but let's see him play two at the same time!’ In my face. Talent overload on that stage.”
     Around the corner, only a block away on the snowy streets of Springfield, four rock bands gathered with nearly two hundred of their fans and friends at the Outland Ballroom.
     Super String Theory opened with their “free range rock fusion”, a progressive instrumental style driven by musical experimentation.

Super String Theory. Photo courtesy of Chet Smith, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved.

     Next came Videovamp, their style a little Nine Inch Nails, a little Smashing Pumpkins, bringing their danceable electronica spin to the rock scene, their skin randomly smeared in black paint.

Videovamp. Photo courtesy of Videovamp, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved.

   Assembly Line Gods stole the show with their energetic stage presence and fan favorites such as “Seveneight” and “New Best Friend”, David Samples holding his microphone out as the crowd belted the words. A tight and seasoned performance, Assembly Line Gods are a definite must-see for rock music fans.

Assembly Line Gods. Photo courtesy of Chet Smith, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved.

    Headliner Troy ended the night with their emotional, driven songs and Cord Bishop’s smooth, arresting vocals.  It was an exciting ending to the night, heating up the freezing streets of Springfield.  

Troy. Photo courtesy of Blake Sellers, Copyright 2010 All Rights Reserved.

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