The crowd was more thinned out when Bearhug went on, but they certainly amplified the energy level of the audience. With song titles like “Get Down On Your Knees and Tell me You Love Me” and “Clenched Fists,” Bearhug presents a macho-rock sensibility. If you’re a fan of Black Flag, or Minor Threat, you’ll appreciate Bearhug’s work. Thick guitar riffs paired with tinny drums, this is the kind of music you listen after a bad day when you just want to break faces.

Mount Righteous packed out the bar, not only with their fans but with themselves! I mentioned in my last post that they’re a nine piece ensemble. Their sound is sensory overload in the best possible way, you don’t know whether you’re at half time during a Big 12 Game, or enjoying a symphony, or even at a dance club. I think its a happy marriage between all those things. They take the best elements of big band/marching band music and incorporate it with indie melodies and harmonizing vocals. It is really a sight to behold. The floor was so crowded, and being vertically challenged myself, I could only see the lead singer, his bass drum, and the top of the white tuba. Still, they created a fabric of sound that’s hard to resist dancing to. My one suggestion to Mount Righteous: next time you come to Tulsa, come to a bigger venue!

Bearhug, who doesn’t have a Myspace yet, or maybe they’re boycotting, is made up of Tulsa music veterans Brian Voris (Crackerwagon), Tony Delesdernier (Congratulations!, Wighead), Jeff Dipesa (Wighead), and Tyler Hall (Wighead). I haven’t heard much about Bearhug yet, but with this group you can expect crazy, energetic live performances and true musicianship. Expect to hear more about Bearhug later.

Mount Righteous is nine piece band with, get ready: Trombone, Electric Guitar, Trumpet, Drums, Bass Drum, Bells, Vocals, Cymbals and Tuba. All nine members sing, as well. Judging from the videos on their myspace, it is going to be really fun to see them live. They remind me some of, I’m From Barcelona. It seems the lead vocalist wears the bass drum, and plays it as he sings. Awesome! You don’t want to miss this!

See you tonight!