KRISTOFER HARRIS and MOLLY VANDENBERG
Staff Writer and Special to the Leader
Those who braved the snow this past Wednesday and came down to BJ’s were not disappointed as Buffalo’s Half Animal and Younger Then took the stage.
Half Animal was the first band to play, and every chorus played burst with energy as the band perfectly blended strong pop melodies with a heavy guitar sound.
The arrangement included Brian Miller on guitar and vocals, Adam Schroeder on drums, Alex Mowrey on bass and Aaron Anson on guitar. Half Animal sounded extremely polished and uncompromised, which usually doesn’t happen in small bar venues. Miller’s vocals carried strongly throughout the crowd and, citing Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan as idols, handled himself amazingly on lead.
For several members of the band, this was not their first time playing on the stage and that showed. Everyone looked merry and comfortable while playing, especially drummer Schroder as he took his shirt off near the beginning of the set. The group is definitely befitting of its name, as several times in the set the music felt primal, compelling any listener to jump up and get moving, which can be attributed to the band rhythm section.
Unfortunately, none of the band’s music can be found online as of now. But the group is in the process of recording its first EP, and they strongly encourage fans to buy it once it is released independently. It will be supported by a release show in Buffalo’s Waiting Room on March 19. Younger Then will be playing with Half Animal during the show, along with Dirty Smile, a “rockpopsoul outfit also from Buffalo,” and Fredonia’s own Annasun.
For the band members, playing is a chance to escape from their everyday lives, which relates back to the band name.
“We all have jobs, do our normal thing, but this is the other half of our lives that we love. This is our animal,” said Schroder.
“This is something we all enjoy. More than anything our favorite day of the week is coming together to practice and just jamming,” added Miller.
Younger Then, following Half Animal’s strong set, provided an ambient, but upbeat, atmosphere for the eager Mason Jar-holders.
Some slower songs mixed in with energized dance beats created an interesting balance in the set. During some songs audience members may have found themselves immersed in the more mellow, introspective chords.
The band consists of Zack Dupuis on vocals, Austin Dorr and Michael Wirth on guitar, Corey Allen on bass, and Jeremy Shields on drums. Each member comes from a diverse background and brings something unique to the band. It’s obvious on stage that members are comfortable and work well with each other. Influenced by Cage the Elephant and Kings of Leon, they would describe their music as “ambient alternative rock.”
The band loves playing live shows but also have a deep passion for making and recording music.
“It’s fun hearing a finished product of what you’ve been working on for so long and actually just putting it in the books … but there’s nothing comparable to getting in people’s faces and just doing it how it was written.” said Dupuis.
This passion shines through on stage.
A noteworthy song from the set was a cover by the Pixies, “Where is My Mind?” The song showed off Dorr’s and Wirth’s talent on the guitar. It also suited Younger Then’s musical style perfectly.
The band currently has three singles on Spotify and is working on finishing its new EP. They have a lot of shows booked to promote their new music. Their EP will definitely be worth checking out once it’s released.
The show ended strong with audience members shouting for another song. Facing the cold Wednesday night for a musical escape was worth it.
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