Dr. Rock's Music Adventures: April 2015

The beloved CD102.5 (previously CD101), the independent alternative radio station in Columbus, Ohio, is celebrating it's 25th anniversary. In Spring, they often put on shows featuring both established alternative and up-n-coming alternative artists. I was fortunate to attend the "Side A" indoor show on March 28, 2015 at the LC Pavilion. Note that George Ezra was originally in the line up but was replaced by Ms Mr as George and band were performing that evening on Saturday Night Live!

VENUE: As said before, I have seen many shows at the LC. This was a sold-out indoor show on a chilly Spring day.

OPENERS: We arrived in time to see Meg Myers set. Fierce and enjoyable! Big Data was next and had a very nice set. Ms Mr was on next and had an upbeat, move your feet set with a good sound. All three were enjoyable additions to the show.

HEADLINER: Bleachers have come on strong since their debut last year. Jack Antonoff, who had previously fronted Steel Train and being part of fun., founded the new group. Their hits "I Wanna Get Better" and "Rollercoaster" have been played on the radio and featured on TV ads. They play catchy, alternative rock with an anthemic sound. Being a huge Bruce Springsteen fan, it was hard not to notice the 1985-era sleeves-cut-off Springsteen-like shirt Mr. Antonoff wore.

I am occasionally disappointed with radio-friendly bands in concert as the material may sound flat compared to the studio versions. This was in no way the case with Bleachers -- their material transitioned well to a live venue.

With just one album under their belts, the band played (I think) all of the album material. They played a lively, up-bear cover of "Go Your Own Way" that leaned more towards Lindsey Buckingham's performances of the song than Fleetwood Macs. Quite an unexpected pleasure!

Highlights included terrific versions of "Shadow", "Wild Heart", and "Like A River Runs". Both "Rollercoaster" and "I Wanna Get Better" had the crowd shouting along and rocking out. A really terrific show. Here's to looking forward to more material from these guys.

My rating is three stars for the openers and four stars for Bleachers. Thanks bands! And thank you CD102.5!