|
February 15, 2008 @ Exit/In — AutoVaughn AutoVaughn Delivers a Stunning Performance, and Raises the Bar for Nashville's Alternative Rock Scene On Friday night, February 15, to say that AutoVaughn "rocked" merely scratches the surface in describing the high level of energetic, guitar-driven, alternative rock delivered by this talented quartet. To be sure, AutoVaughn's Exit/In performance promises to be one of the best in Nashville for 2008. Indeed, what began as a quirky white-shoes wearing clean-cut indie pop quartet back in 2004 has evolved into a gritty (Brit-sounding) heavy-hitting alternative rock band that has risen to the top of the Nashville heap of possible break-out bands. Those of us who were teenagers during the mid 1980's will recognize AutoVaughn's influences, as they weave together some of the best of 80's era alternative rock, and make it their own with driving guitars and dynamic vocals. Indeed, Darren Edwards' powerful vocals recall the fist-pumping energy of The Alarm's "68 Guns," while his instinct for melody draws from the irresistible hooks of Corey Hart ("Sunglasses at Night"). Add the political awareness of early Bono and the punk edge of Billie Joe Armstrong and you've got Darren Edwards— the vocal force of AutoVaughn (see photo). Guitarist Stephen Wilson is a shredder, and he's taken The Edge's technique and penchant for effects-laden riffs, and turned it up a few notches. Indeed, any guitarist who wraps duct tape around the upper horn of his Strat must be a bad-ass—oh yeah, he is. Wilson's playing is what you might get if The Edge attended a Van Halen rock 'n' roll camp for a week (see photo). His pick speed on the set-ending, ten-minute version of "Hell of a Place" put the audience in a frenzy. Stephen Wilson is my new favorite Nashville guitarist—the man is intense. But it's not just Edwards and Wilson. Each member of AutoVaughn contributes to the glorious whole. Bassist Benjamin Blake (see photo) and drummer Andrew Grooms are a tight, heavy-hitting rhythm section. As a whole, this talented quartet is raising the bar for Nashville's indie alternative rock scene. There are easily a couple hundred outstanding acts in Nashville alone, many of whom I've seen live and reviewed on this site. But AutoVaughn's live show sets them apart from the crowd. If you missed the Exit/In show, the good news is that AutoVaughn's anxiously awaited EP will drop in about 30 days, followed by a slew of concert dates. If you have not seen AutoVaughn live, do not miss your chance in the next few months as they tour in support of the new EP. I'm betting AutoVaughn will become your new favorite band (see photo). —Vincent Wynne
archives
|
