123 Pleasant Street delivers local music

Tonight, local music takes center stage at 123 Pleasant Street as bands Sleepwalker, Pat Pat and Rozwell Kid host a "Back to College Party," and the Frederick, Md., act Old Indian will make its Morgantown debut alongside them.

Billed as the first big local show of the semester, the event offers a chance to see another side of Morgantown’s night life, simultaneously showcasing a good selection of the music Morgantown has to offer.

"If you want to go out and have fun without the usual club atmosphere, this show is a good alternative," said local resident Max Ogle. "Plus, you know, it’s a bunch of good bands."

These bands all supply their own twist on rock music, from haunting guitars to blues, yet Sleepwalker vocalist Tyler Grady insists it makes sense for these groups to contribute to the same show.

"The bands on this bill are all different, but the combination of the four of us makes sense," Grady said. "I would almost guarantee that someone who likes rock ‘n’ roll will be able to hear something they like."

As for more particular descriptions, Grady laid it out.

"Rozwell Kid is very reminiscent of mid-to late ’90s power rock – Weezer or Jimmy Eat World – but with very on-point lyrics that are hilarious at times," Grady said.

"Pat Pat is a band I would describe as driving and also very precise. They are a three-piece that sounds much bigger.

"And Old Indian ... they are kind of a rhythm and blues-rooted rock band with a solid backbone. Cory Springirth’s voice will remind you of Jack White for sure, but these guys are grounded and writing really good songs."

As for Sleepwalker, Grady’s own band, their presentation is all about mood and tone. It’s a band with a slightly post-hardcore edge, yet it also seems wrong to jam them under one generic genre label.

If anything, the band depends on a layered sound. Guitar noise bounces in all directions, and the final result resembles something a little saturated.

Joining Sleepwalker will be Ancient Shores guitarist Brett Carpenter, who is filling in the absence of former guitarist David F. Bello, now in Brooklyn, N.Y. This will add to the band’s trademark guitar orchestration.

Sleepwalker is currently working on a new full-length album and will likely play one of these songs.

"We are also rehearsing a cover that is a secret, so that should be a crowd pleaser," Grady said.

The members of Old Indian list various influences, from Neil Young to "Prince’s guitar solo on ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ in a VH1 George Harrison special," and while not local, they do acknowledge an already present connection to the music scene here.

"We played a show with Sleepwalker at the Blue Moon in Shepherdstown,W.Va., and since then we have kept in touch," the band said. "Tyler (Grady) mentioned that 123 is an awesome venue to play in Morgantown, and he was able to get us a show there."

Old Indian has played for roughly two years in venues throughout Frederick, West Virginia and Baltimore, and they can say they’re equally excited to add Morgantown to their list, saying they "expect to party."

To Pat Pat singer Brian Spragg, though, this show can do a little more than provide a party. For him, it’s a showcase of local music.

"For the people who are new in town itching to hear some local music, this is a fine representation of Morgantown’s music scene," Spragg said. "I think with students just starting classes this week, I would be surprised if 123 doesn’t get a great turnout. Hopefully, if people come and enjoy it, they’ll come to more 123 shows and bring friends."

Spragg isn’t alone. Grady also sees the event as a great way to open eyes.

"I would encourage someone who has never been here before and who likes live music to not miss this show," Grady said.

"The other bands on this bill are very good, and I’m sure mostly anyone could find something to enjoy about them."

Doors open at 8 p.m. You must be 18 to attend and 21 to drink.