I went back to Winston-Salem this weekend for a few reason, one being to get out of Chapel Hill before the masses flocked in for the first football game of the year. Another reason for going back though, was to catch the Everybodyfields at the Garage in Winston-Salem.
The opening act last night was Caleb Caudle and the Bayonets, an alt-country-rockish group that operates out of Winston-Salem. Caleb has been benefiting from lots of good press in the Camel City as of late, and I went to high school and grew up with the guy back in Walnut Cove and Germanton. Caleb's band would be of interest to anyone who grew up going to indie rock shows in the Piedmont the past few years - his bassist and brother, Kyle, is formerly of Good For You, his guitarist, Daniel, was (and maybe still is?) in Monday in London, and the drummer was from Tori's a Shaker. It was a little odd thinking I'd seen all four guys on stage play dirty little house shows in punk bands five years ago. They've all come a long way.
Caleb being too cool for school.
Caleb Caudle has really matured into a strong songwriter in the past couple years, and his voice is on par with any musical act he shares a sound with. The songs sounded strong and entertaining, and I'm sure they'll improve some more once the band gels (this was only their second time playing together). After his set Caudle told me he had quit his job at the Mellow Mushroom down the road and was on salary to play music full time. So, in the smallest sense, he's kinda made it. Good for him. He recorded a record on his own dime in Johnston City, TN and now a financial backer has started a record label just to let Caleb be a full-time musician and to push the record. If you are a wealthy person and like music, take note - these types of things should happen much more often.
After Caleb Caudle and the Bayonets, the Everybodyfields came on. Last night marked the third time since January I've seen this group in action, and I'll see them again come September 28th in Chapel Hill. Because of the past two shows' amazing quality, I've come to expect a lot from Sam, Jill, & Co. Last night just didn't deliver like I was used to. Sam Quinn, the male half of the Everybodyfields, said he was sick, and it showed. (I think he said Strep throat.) As anyone who has every had Strep will know, singing isn't the first order of business. I can't imagine taking the stage for an hour-plus of sweating when your throat feels horrible, your joints ache, and you are running a fever. The Everybodyfields' slower songs like "Birthday," "Be Miner" and "TVA" really suffered. Most of the slower songs sounded rather weary and unfocused, even with a pedal-steel, electric guitar, and keyboards. A drummer really would have helped tighten the set up, especially the songs off the new record, but no dice. The best parts of the set were by far the "Happy-Time" parts, like "By Your Side" and "Workers' Playtime." However, you could tell that Sam was struggling - his voice was strained throughout and he botched a guitar part on "Workers' Playtime" and an entire verse of "Nubbins."
"Nubbins" was by far the most interesting arrangement of the night - I would almost call it a rock and roll version. The best parts of the song were when the band shifted rhythms from a waltz into a more straight-three like they do with the new song, "Everything is Okay."
So sure, the show was a bit mediocre because the headliners were not on their game, but I'll forgive them this time, if just because they've wowed me so much already. I'll give them a free pass, but only if they bring it hard later this month at the Local 506. Oh, and as long as both Sam and Jill are as beautiful as always. It will be good to see them in Chapel Hill again - I can't believe how dead Winston-Salem is on a Saturday night. Shame on you Wake Forest students.
This week looks to be a good one - The Mountain Goats on Thursday night and the National on Friday. Until then, take care.
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