Despite a little blood, line up packs 123

A diverse line up packed 123 Pleasant Street Monday night, despite the beginning of a new week full of classes and midterms.

GoodWolf, Ancient Shores, Sleepwalker and Sweet Life each took the stage to present an evening full of a variety of music, energetic beats and strong vocals.

The evening started off with GoodWolf – the more personal, side project of Sleepwalker’s lead vocalist Tyler Grady.

With a chill, grungy vibe, Grady’s strong vocals and instrumental breaks make this side project a mustsee. GoodWolf changes from slow tempo ballads to up-tempo, energetic rock effortlessly.

Grady informed the audience that the show was also being streamed live online, as he waved to his grandma into the camera.

After playing the last song, "This Is the Last Year We Can Act Like This," GoodWolf left the audience on a light note with their well-written lyrics and unique mix of alternative and rock.

"GoodWolf is very much my project," Grady said. "John Miller, my bass player and I work together a lot because it’s obvious I need help, but GoodWolf is a lot of me."

Ancient Shores, a Morgantown favorite, had a unique sound in comparison to the other bands Monday evening. With Greg Zalenski’s unrelenting vocals, it was immediately obvious this band would be intense and full of energy throughout the entire performance.

As the audience and the band began to headbang, things got even more intense when a guitarist accidently hit Zalenski in the head with his guitar, leaving an open, bleeding gash at the top of the lead vocalist’s head.

As blood began to run down Zalenski’s cheek, he only performed more passionately as the audience roared.

"I was thinking, ‘Don’t stop and just keep going because it’ll eventually close’," Zalenski said.

Zalenski joked about the gash to the audience at the end of the performance.

"Sorry if I bled on you, have a good night," he said.

WVU students Chris Henry, Ty Heimerl and Amanda Horan agree that the energy brought by Ancient Shores was invigorating.

"All of the guitar feedback reminds me of all those slasher horror films from the ‘60s," Henry said. "It’s just so intense, and their energy is great."

Zalenski agreed the concert was a success for a Monday night.

"It was amazing; always high energy," Zalenski said. "Whenever we get together and play it’s spellbinding for me really. I love it. Great show, great line up and good turn out, too."

After Ancient Shores high-energy performance, Sleepwalker took the stage and relaxed the atmosphere with its indie rock sound.

Sleepwalker’s unique sound takes chill, instrumental jam sessions and mixes them with high-energy, quick tempo rock segments. This combination showcases Grady’s hauntingly raspy voice as well as the skill of the drummer, Patrick Manzi, and other band members.

"Sleepwalker is a little bit more democratic, which lightens the load of having two bands," Grady said. "We all have a lot of band experience, and we use what we know to work together."

Sleepwalker featured two new songs; the first with a slower tempo accompanied by heavy lyrics and vocals followed by a up-tempo rock song that was impossible not to move to.

"For a Monday, it was like it was a Friday – it was awesome," Grady said. "Very exciting, especially the line up."

A deep, dark song based on "King of the Hill," according to Grady, was played to end Sleepwalker’s set.

Sweet Life took the stage late in the evening but brought with them incredible amounts of energy as well as a sheet displaying their name and a marijuana leaf. Playing songs from their "Disenchanted" EP, this stoner punk band possesses rich rock ‘n’ roll qualities with intense vocals, as well.

The rough, raspy vocals mixed with the quick tempo and heavy beat Sweet Life brings got the crowd moving.

The band finished the set with such excitement, and it radiated through the audience ending the show on an energetic note and leaving those in attendance glad they pushed aside any responsibilities Monday night.

Attendee James Braswell believed the line up for the show was outstanding.

"All of the bands that played tonight are solid headliners most of the time they play," Braswell said. "They just happen to be playing here together tonight, and it was a great show."