Otherwise, Moon Fever, and Above Snakes @ Studio B | 4-30-2023
Review by Havyn Cornell & Scott Cornell | Photos by Scott Cornell
Above Snakes
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On a chilly and blustery Sunday evening in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, the vast majority of hard rock enthusiasts are either at home preparing for another mundane Monday at work or heading towards the Target Center for the highly anticipated Shinedown, Three Days Grace, and From Ashes to New tour. The sheer size and popularity of this tour make it the talk of the town, leaving many unaware of the hidden gem just a stone's throw away.
Nestled a stone’s throw from the Target Center lies Studio B, an intimate and cozy club-style venue that overlooks the vibrant and bustling Hennepin Avenue. The lineup for the night features three up-and-coming bands, Above Snakes, Moon Fever, and Otherwise, each with a unique sound and style that promises to bring a fresh perspective to the rock genre.
The combination of the larger, more well-known tour and the harsh weather conditions have seemingly kept this smaller, lesser-known show under the radar for many. But for those who have discovered the venue, it's an opportunity not to be missed. The intimate setting of Studio B offers a unique and unforgettable concert experience that can't be replicated in a larger, more commercialized venue. As the night wears on and the temperatures drop, fans begin to file into Studio B, eager for a night of high-energy rock music. The cozy and intimate atmosphere of the venue creates an almost familial sense of camaraderie between the band and the audience, something that's often lost in larger stadium shows. The anticipation in the air is palpable as fans eagerly await the start of the show.
The energy in the room at Studio B is palpable as Above Snakes takes the stage to kick off the night. The band wastes no time getting into their high-energy set, opening with their heavy but melodic hard rock sound under a flurry of multi-colored lighting. From the first chord, it's clear that Above Snakes is a force to be reckoned with. Their charismatic frontman, Johnny Skulls, effortlessly commands the attention of the crowd, playing up to the cameras and engaging in lots of crowd interaction. It's not long before he tosses out a t-shirt to a lucky fan in the front row, further igniting the already-frenzied audience.
Despite only having a 30-minute opening set, Above Snakes make the most of their time on stage, filling it with some of their best-known singles like "Down" and "81 (Thallium)." The band's impressive stage presence and undeniable talent leave the audience hungry for more.
The quartet from Boston, Massachusetts has managed to forge their own path to success, shunning the industry process and making their way onto multiple national tours in recent years without an EP or full-length album. It's easy to see why as they take the stage at Studio B, their hooded guitarist Dax Dabs donning tinted shades, drummer Bamm Bamm Lamm and bassist Tom Linnane laying down a solid foundation for Skulls to soar.
Skulls, sporting a black and white fur vest, is a true showman, leaping and dancing across the stage as he belts out each song. The energy he exudes is infectious, and it's impossible not to be swept up in the excitement of the moment.
As Above Snakes wraps up their set, the audience is left breathless and wanting more. The band's fierce and high-energy performance has electrified the crowd, and it's clear that they have a bright future ahead of them. This intimate performance at Studio B is a testament to the power of live music and the magic that can happen when a band is truly in their element.
Moon Fever
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Next up is Moon Fever, a group that infuses classic rock with a modern twist, captivating the audience with their catchy melodies and dynamic stage presence.
Moon Fever takes the stage next and they are a force to be reckoned with. Donning a motorcycle/vintage look complete with leather jackets and skinny jeans, they immediately capture the audience's attention with their hard/fast rhythm and thrash/hardcore-ish riffs. Triston Bracht’s vocals are a mix of screamo and punk, adding to the upbeat and energetic vibe of their performance. It's quite a spectacle to watch them play with such passion and intensity, and it's clear that they love what they do.
Moon Fever from Seattle, Washington, only had a 30-minute set but they made every minute count. Their catchy melodies and dynamic stage presence had the crowd captivated, and their music offered a fresh take on classic rock. Despite being relatively unknown to some in the crowd, they left a lasting impression and gained new fans.
During the Bracht's interaction with the crowd, he spoke to the club's intimacy and how it reminded him of their rehearsals. It was clear that the smaller venue allowed for a more personal connection with the audience, which only added to the overall experience. Guitarist Mitch Micoley ended up playing from the floor of the stage for the remainder of one of their earlier songs in the set eventually joined by Bracht while bassist Dave Gracious and drummer Troy Wageman kept the powerful rhythm in time.
What's more impressive is that the ticket for the show was only $23 for three bands, a much more affordable option than Ticketmaster prices for a stadium show like Shinedown, which was playing across town. The tireless touring schedule didn't stop them from giving their all on stage, which was evident in their performance.
The camaraderie between the bands was also apparent when the Bracht requested water for the band, and Ryan Patrick. the guitarist from Otherwise made quick work of the request. This show was a true showcase of the power of music and the sense of community it can create. Moon Fever's performance was a testament to their talent and passion for their craft, and it was a privilege to witness it firsthand.
OTHERWISE
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The final act of the night is Otherwise, a band with a devoted fan base and an unrelenting passion for their craft. Their hard-hitting and soulful performance leaves the crowd completely captivated, with fans shouting and singing along to their infectious tunes.
The energy in Studio B reaches its peak as Otherwise takes the stage, and the crowd roars with excitement. From the very first notes of their opening song, the band's passion is palpable. The crowd is completely captivated by their hard-hitting and soulful performance, with fans singing and shouting along to every song.
During "Crossfire," guitarist Ryan Patrick jumps off the stage and makes his way into the crowd, playing his guitar inches away from fans. The intimate nature of the show makes this VIP experience feel all the more special. Frontman Adrian Patrick also takes advantage of the small crowd, wandering through the audience during "Soldiers" and inviting everyone to sing along.
Otherwise plays a nine-song set that showcases their best work, including fan favorites, new material, and a couple of surprising covers. The band's versatility shines through as they seamlessly transition from their signature hard rock sound to the iconic guitar riff of "No Rain" by Blind Melon. To close out the night, they even throw in the bridge of "Killing in the Name" by Rage Against the Machine, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
This under-the-radar performance at Studio B provides a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience rock music up close and personal. The intimacy of the venue allows for a unique connection between the band and the audience, making it a night that will be remembered for years to come. The contrast with the larger tour happening down the street highlights the value of smaller shows like this, where fans can truly connect with their favorite artists.
This was the tour's 18th show out of 35 tour dates across the U.S., and their passion and dedication is apparent in every note they play. By the end of the night, the audience is left with a feeling of elation and gratitude for the unique and unforgettable experience they have just had.
