Mike N Molly’s has been known to host some fantastic and eclectic lineups. Last Saturday’s show definitely did not lack in either category. Terminus Victor, local C-U alt-rockers, were joined by the newly formed MegaMaul based out of Chicago, as well as local solo artists Dr. Responsible and Fiona Kimble. In a foray ranging from acoustic guitar to punk influenced hard rock, the energy of this show continued to build, much like the famous Grieg composition “In the Hall of the Mountain King.”
Fiona Kimble
Most hard rock shows don’t begin with acoustic songwriters, but Fiona Kimble’s performance made a fitting beginning for this diverse lineup. A soulful and passionate singer-songwriter, she left the crowd ready for more. Bryce Hays, aka Dr. Responsible, then took the stage. His mix of looping beats and ambient ornamental guitar brought to mind a cosmic buddhist meditation that coalesced into an almost tumultuous fugue state.
Bryce Hays – Dr. Responsible
The aptly named Mega Maul then kicked it up a notch. This Chicago three piece deftly walked the line between groovy and technical hard rock. Though newly formed, their blend of energetic complexity resulted in some killer songwriting.
Mega Maul
Headlining the show was Terminus Victor whose style combines the punk and alternative influences the C-U scene has come to know and love. The grungy hard rock three-piece was all energy, and kept rocking despite breaking a bass guitar strap mid set. Bringing the show full circle, they capped their performance with a vocal cameo from Fiona Kimble.
Mega Maul:
Terminus Victor:
[gallery terminus_victor_at_mike_n_mollys]
Photos courtesy of Tom Chandler/Odd World Photography