Taking a Dive: A Closer Look Into Drowning Spree
Article Written and Photos by Sage Banks
The streets were not the only thing drowning this week as Las Vegas experienced its annual monsoon season. On September 1st the Valley's very own alternative band, Elevated Undergrounds released their latest album, Drowning Spree, available also on vinyl. The album consists of ten tracks and runs for just over forty-one minutes. Do not be afraid to drown, as we look deeper into Drowning Spree, its release show, and some more of the local bands that played alongside them.
While we may not be strangers to the monsoon season, it definitely is not always our friend. Originally hosted at Ferguson Downtown, the show was graciously relocated to a local favorite down on Main Street, SoulBelly BBQ after the flooding of Fergusons. As they say, the show must go on, and thanks to both Blacksheep Booking and SoulBelly BBQ, it did. As the crowd made their way in filling up the venue, it was clear that no matter where they played the energy would still be electric, from both performers and viewers. Sunday Mourning took the stage first and performed an undeniably captivating set. The rock band's style of performing was nothing short of amazing. One thing you will notice as you watch them play is they rotate around different vocalists depending on the song, each one of them having an amazing, and unique stage presence.
FIND SUNDAY MOURNING ON INSTAGRAM
Following their set was Style Cramps. A band with many different musical influences that come together in a beautiful way.
“Style Cramp’s premiere release contained heavy influences of Synth-Wave, House, and Hip Hop…. Only months later they started to experiment in the realm of Post-Punk, along with surf rock and punk influences.”
They were sure to hold the audience's attention through their whole set. They performed many songs, including their newest single New World Order, which was the one that stuck out the most, lyrically and instrumentally. Beyond the music, they knew how to have fun with the crowd, and kept the energy going all night. They currently have six singles which can all be found on Spotify.
FIND STYLE CRAMPS ON SPOTIFY AND INSTAGRAM
After a short break, Elevated Undergrounds took the stage for the release of their newest album Drowning Spree. Debuting any new songs off of the album including, Numb, and also playing some crowd favorites like, Gimme Love, and even covers, including Toxicity by System of a Down. The album was not the only thing debuting as Spencer Hinton took the stage with them as well, playing guitar and also performing vocally. While moshing was not permitted in the venue fans got creative nonetheless as they felt the music and followed the beat with a unison of headbanging and rocking out in their own ways.
One thing that can be said for every show is Elevated Undergrounds has a way of charming the crowd in a fun new way every time. During You Could’ve Tried, Gabbie Fisher implemented a corded phone mic alongside the mic as she performed, within the performance you can oftentimes catch Gabbi doing backbends during specific parts of the set. The phone mic transformed the audio into something that can only be described as hauntingly beautiful. Basset Alexander Vera descended from the stage and into the crowd to jam out, the audience was able to form a circle around him, creating an unforgettable interaction. Guitarist June, Spencer, and drummer Joe never fail to absolutely shred it every single time, working together in perfect unison to create instrumentals that make you feel as if you're floating when you hear them. The song that was an absolute gold star from this album was Less Than. Running five minutes and fifty-one seconds, it contains a beautifully arranged instrumental. Overall the song is so full of raw emotion and passion, as is the rest of the album. If you are ever in the Vegas area this is one band to put on your list to see.
KEEP UP WITH ELEVATED UNDERGOUNDS ON THEIR WEBSITE, INSTAGRAM AND SPOTIFY
Ending the night off Haphazard performed a short set that was sure to resonate with the crowd as the show was coming to an end leaving the audience with just what they wanted. While still a relatively new band, they are more than worthy of your time if you’re ever able to catch a show.
FIND HAPHAZARD ON INSTAGRAM
After a night of hard work and performing it was easy to say that the night ended with a bang. Even with a last-minute relocation bands and fans alike were able to come together to witness something truly spectacular.
