Atlas Road Crew Rocks their First Headlining Show at 9:30 Club in DC (Concert Review)

Photos by Jeff Myers

Two great bands at one historic venue, both emerging talents, definitely the type of situation you’d like to find yourself in on a Thursday night in the district.

The Southern Belles kicked off the evening at the 9:30 Club with a solid opening performance. The four piece Richmond based southern rock jamband is on track for some exciting travels ahead in the near future. Last year the band performed at the fan favorite Lockn Music Festival last year. Their opening set at 9:30 club earlier this month was a gritty short rock set. Adrian’s vocal passages echoed throughout the 9:30 as he ripped his guitar, Andrew Carper locked in on the pocket well, and honestly Tommy Booker stole away the show with his incredible keyboard work, definitely a highlight of the night. Also, Aaron Zarrow, the most recent addition to the lineup, is adjusting well on drums to the group’s signature sound.

These guys have the factor that can take them well past the 9:30 club, but last night was the beginning of what’s next to come. Uncut southern rock n roll with poignant song writing and a strict rock n roll policy, that’s Atlas Road Crew.

The group certainly will grow terms of songwriting and right now in just their infant stages the band is onto a strong direction. Their first EP which was recorded immediately following college serves as a blueprint for the band, but their sophomore release shows a mature sound from a real band ready for the road and numerous festivals.

Set highlights included a roaring “Voices> Another Brick in The Wall Pt.2*> Black Eye Sunrise” nestled right in the middle of the first set. The band has a stage presence just like any of your favorite classic rock bands, and in a nod to their past influences the band closed with a roaring rendition of Van Morrison’s “Gloria.”

We saw two promising young talents at one of most renowned venues in the country. These are two bands to put on your radar, go see the live in your city, and welcome to the party.

Setlist

Intro >>
Lose Control
Halfway to Hopkins
Morning Eyes
Low Country Blues
Voices>>
Another Brick in The Wall Pt. 2*>>
Black Eye Sunrise
I Want You to Know
Wasted Time
Up in My Mind
Abilene
Sweet Southern Woman
Betty

ENCORE
Gloria**

*(Pink Floyd)
**(Van Morrison)