It is a rarity in the Charlotte music scene these days to find a band with good players, catchy songs, and an exciting stage show. Not only does Grown Up Avenger Stuff fit that bill, they are also cool, fun people with more personal integrity than you can shake a stick at. They're such strong supporters of the local scene, they even covered a local band's song! ("In Stereo" by The Stellas) Though the band's sound is clearly unique, it still bears resemblance to the grunge heyday of the mid '90's--the closest comparison would be Patsy Cline meets Weezer with a dash of Nirvana. Deirdre (above) is all smiles and off-the-wall comments before the show and dynamite on stage, running the gamut from soft, velvety ballads to angsty screams of "WHAT HAVE I DONE!?!" It's fantastic. John & Bradley (on guitar & bass, respectively) crank out the grungy rock riffs in perfect harmony and slow it down for the more lyrical numbers with great style. Keeping the steady backbeat is the duty of the mysterious drummer, Mr. Black, who hides behind thick-rimmed glasses and beats the rhythm on the skins with the ferocity of an overly-caffeinated octopus. Such a band deserves a good sound mix, which The Milestone's sound tech certainly delivered (it's great to actually hear the lyrics!).
Great music isn't all that Grown Up Avenger Stuff has to offer; they also have a definite image they portray onstage with exaggerated glasses, trench coats, and trendy outfits (for Deirdre, that is). As the band took the stage, they handed out 3D glasses to members of the audience to enhance the stage show, which whimsically accentuated The Milestone's colourful lighting. The resulting light show brought back the fancy of childhood fun... and then there were bubbles :) With 3D colour, bubbles, spy vs. spy-esque costumes, and fun lyrics like "I think your cocoa pebbles could be superfly," it's like a throwback to better, funner times (yes, I just said "funner"). When you get a chance, GO to a show. Grab a CD. Enjoy :)
Pictures from The Milestone 2-13-2010:
