As an avid music listener, I always enjoy finding new artists to listen to. Specifically, up and coming artists that haven't been discovered by many other listeners as of yet. This past week, GB welcomed Wisconsin-based band, The Middle Ground, to the Phoenix Club for an unforgettable performance that left the crowd speechless.
The band was based right in Milwaukee, WI and recently relocated to Nashville, TN. Members include Joe Neary (Vocals), Chris Halbauer (Drums), Jordan Burmeister (Bass), and Zach Grusznski (Guitar). The band categorizes themselves as alternative pop, with an emphasis on the alternative. The band's currently has one original album out, with another on the way. They also specialize in unique covers of popular songs.
When the four-piece took the stage Wednesday night, the audience was buzzing, eager to discover what they were all about. The band began with a cover of Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars. Having heard that song many times before, I expected a typical cover of it. The result was so much more. Between Neary's flawless vocals and Grusznski's intricate guitar skills, the cover was nothing like I've ever heard before. They made it completely their own and I enjoyed it even more than the original. After a few more covers, the band played a few songs off their new album, due out in mid-November. The style of the songs was heavily alternative, and each track combined meaningful lyrics along with an unexpected guitar keyboard and guitar solo in the middle. My favorite original track was called "Lake Michigan", paying homage to the famous Great Lake. The blend of soft and hard notes was so beautiful and I found myself completely immersed in the music. By the end of their set, the entire audience was clapping and singing along.
After the show, the band members had a small meet-and-greet with the audience, selling t shirts and CD's and taking pictures. It was an amazing experience meeting the guys and telling them how much I enjoyed their set. They were all quite personable and interesting to talk to.
I am so glad that i decided to attend this concert and had the opportunity to listen to and meet this talented group of musicians. Once more people discover them, I'm sure they'll only get more popular and become even more successful. And when they do, I'll be up there in the front row.
