April 14th, 2015
The Slowdown
Omaha, Nebraska
Omaha natives Coaxed opened tonight show with their unique style of grungy indie rock. The four piece described their sound as PonyPop, but the fans were more interested in the band’s high energy stage show. The band’s six song set was full of crashing guitars and heavy beats. The fans’ best reactions were during the pounding guitar solos. Coaxed was the perfect primer for tonight’s show, and had the crowd bouncing.
Though not a sold out show, there were more people on the stage floor then there were milling around the bar area.
Icky Blossoms took the stage to thunderous cheers and roars. The Omaha natives hit the stage at full speed and kept their energy levels cranked to 11 during their 45 minute set. On the verge of releasing their sophomore album, the band mixed new tracks, most of which very few people in the crowd had heard before, with cuts off of their debut release. Icky Blossoms’ backdrop was a montage of swirling colors and shapes. The band’s visual show fit perfectly with their unique brand of electronic indie rock.
For the band’s second to last song, lead vocalist Sarah Bohling brought her mother on stage to sing with her. “This has always been a dream of mine,” she told the crowd. “To have my mom up here with me.”
Tour mates Reptar joined the band on stage for their last song, finishing their set with a bombastic party.
Soon after Icky Blossoms departed, Reptar took the stage. Graham Ulicny , the band’s lead singer, introduced themselves as “We’re Reptar from Georgia and Omaha.”
Reptar’s light show blazed and flared throughout their entire set. Ulicny took the time to address the crowd several times during their set. “Even though I’ve been to The Slowdown many times before, I’ve never played here.” I can only imagine what it’s like to be performing on the stage that you’ve witnessed your favorite bands play on. Ulicny continued, “It’s really cool. Omaha is a really cool city. I live here.”
At one point during the band’s set, Ulicny jumped off the stage and into the crowd, enticing the fans to sing along.
Reptar’s set was an amalgamation of tracks from their debut album and current release Lurid Glow. The band even played one of Lurid Glow’s b-side tracks. The fans clapped along, and bounced during the entirety of the band’s hour long set, matching the band’s energy.
To close out their set, Icky Blossoms returned the favor and helped close out their set.
Shows like these are what makes Omaha so special. Over the past decade, my adopted city has proven itself over and over again that the midwest knows how to celebrate music, and appreciates each and every band who travels through.
