The Super Grand Opening Show is a Smash Success for Houston
Off Record Media’s Super Grand Opening Show was proof that Houston’s underground music scene is not only alive but thriving. The showcase, a celebration of Off Record Media’s parlay into hosting live events, took place on Friday, February 23, at the company’s new physical location, Starseed Hostel, and featured three local bands: Superheated Microplastic, Hazy Sky, and Juvenoia. Off Record Media, a publication that got its start at the University of Houston’s radio station, Coog Radio, was able to take their community of music-loving college students and turn it into an established group of supporters who turned this small local event into an extremely successful showcase.
Photo Cr: Andy Cantu
Doors opened at 6 p.m. and attendees were quickly met with offers of free beer (for those over 21) and a row of boxes, each advertising a different upcoming concert one could enter to win tickets to. The first band wasn’t set to start playing until 7 p.m., but there was no lack of entertainment as a Smash tournament was taking place as attendees waited.
Superheated Microplastic, a band making their live debut with a new member under a new name, kicked off the show with a bang. All three bands had widely different sounds and Superheated Microplastic was reminiscent of the post-hardcore bands that dominated the scene in 2013. The lead singer’s rough vocals were complimented by the band’s eager and lively instrumentals. Their unique style was prevalent in their original songs like “Hot Chip” or “Gluttony Rat” but shined the most in their cover of “Kokudou Slope,” which they were able to make their own. Most excitingly of all, midway through their performance, the three-member band formerly known as Dogwalter, announced that their new name came with the addition of a new guitarist who joined them for their last song, “Superstar Microwave.”
Photo Cr: Andy Cantu
If Superheated Microplastic epitomized the rougher side of rock, Hazy Sky, the second band to hit the stage, represented the more easygoing side of rock that was popular in the mid-2000s. It seemed like everyone in the audience showed up in support of their friends, specifically, the lead singer, Cole. If there was a person in the audience who wasn’t already acquainted with the band, they didn’t make themselves known. When their set started, it was clear that this type of support matched their brand perfectly. With no established setlist, the band sang anything they felt like singing, whether it was one of their own songs or a variety of covers like “Creep” by Radiohead or “All Star” by Smash Mouth. Their carefree nature shone through in every song and interaction with the audience, including inviting one of their friends to sing two different songs on a whim. It was clear why they were able to develop such a strong friendship with their fans.
In between Hazy Sky and Juvenoia’s sets, Keylee, one of Off Record Media’s founders, took the stage to announce the winners of the ticket raffles and thank three of Houston’s most popular venues (713 Music Hall, White Oak Music Hall, and the House of Blues) for partnering with them to host the raffles. One of the winners ended up being the guitarist of Hazy Sky, who was already on stage when his name was announced, and cheered as fans clapped for him.
Photo Cr: Andy Cantu
Last but not least, Juvenoia took the stage at 9 p.m. on the dot. The band featured the biggest lineup of all three groups with a singer-guitarist, bassist, keyboardist, drummer, and saxophonist. As some of the instruments might suggest, the band's sound was filled with jazz influences that made them stand out amongst their peers. The setlist was stacked with songs like “Rearview Sunset,” “Spanish Moon,” and “Twelve” which gave each member a chance to shine, with the sax and keyboard solos being the most memorable. One song was even fully sung by the drummer, something that is rarely seen in modern bands. It was very clear in their performances that the members were not only comfortable on stage, but reveled in every second they were up there.
Off Record Media promised to host more local performers in future showcases just like this one and if they keep up the good work, Houston is in for an exciting expansion in their underground music scene.