Show Review ~ Hidden Relic Harvest Breakdown 2009

Hidden Relic Harvest Breakdown 2009
By Joey Buttram of Hidden Relic Productions

I didn't book The Waldemere Revival because they're always professional. I didn't book them because they're some of the nicest guys around. I booked them simply because they are good. Maybe "good" is an understatement. The Waldemere Revival is PHENOMENAL. Every time I see them perform a show it's always better and different then the last. To me, that shows their true talent. If you haven't got the chance to see TWR play, then you need to check their schedule quick! They're one of the fast growing Indy rock bands around. I've watched TWR as their schedule consistently fills up every month, and to me that means people want this band.

They came to The Earthouse with a new confidence, and they delivered their best show as of yet. I don't know if their boost came from being signed, or from playing together every weekend and gaining that knowledge. However it came doesn't matter. TWR came out strong and willing to show this crowd who they are. Harmonica player Corey Flick sent me into a flashback as he sent psychedelic spaciness through his new equipment. The sounds he created were almost that of an electronica keyboardist. Amazing is simply what it was. Lead singer and acoustic guitar player Steve picked away the night in a way that would make Billy Nershi (String Cheese Incident acoustic guitarist) turn his head to see who was playing that well. When Steve sings, to me it seems as if he's got years of emotion to express through their songs. Full, clear, and strong lyrics that make you think about your own life.

Lead guitarist John Young always puts me in a trance. He is the type of player I could see touring on his own, and making it. He plays in an almost Clapton-like appeal as he ripped into the space that Corey had created with his Harmonica. Although I didn't catch their new bassist's name, I could tell that he was an exact fit for Waldemere. He went through each song as if he'd been playing with them all along. Holding down the other half of the rhythm section drummer Justin Atkins tapped away perfectly. As always, Justin didn't miss a beat, and like always performed a perfect show. All in all, Waldemere never ceases to amaze me. Each and every show I see, they get tighter and tighter. They're becoming something, and they're becoming something quick.