This past Thursday, math rock band Tera Melos headlined Red Bull’s Sound Select showcase at Trees in Dallas, and I had the pleasure of attending. Featuring Nashville based trio BASECAMP, and Dallas’ very own Power Trip, the show marked the first time headlining a performance at the venue for Tera Melos’ drummer, John Clardy, who is a North Texas native, saying Trees is his hometown favorite venue.
The show was kicked off with BASECAMP, who I have to admit, I hadn’t heard of until then. But if there was anyone I was glad I saw, it’s them. Honestly I have to say that for me they stole the show, but that’s not taking away from the sets by Power Trip and Tera Melos. The line-up had significant differences in sound, and music lovers with a diverse palate benefitted from this the most. I personally think this was a stroke of genius, and don’t know if credit goes to Red Bull or the curator of the Dallas showcase, Parade of Flesh.
For $3 a show, the Red Bull Sound Select showcase is most definitely a must see that won’t disappoint.
Capturing the spirit of old school metal with a heavy Pantera influence, Power Trip is worth checking out if you’re a head banger, and even if you’re not, it’s worth telling your friend who likes to thrash. Mainfest Decimation, their debut album in 2013 with Southern Lord, has some awesome tracks for any fan of the genre.
While on the other hand BASECAMP is more trip-hop esq vibe, with Bon Iver style vocals. It’s almost like a better version of Coldplay, as if Nujables was a producer. Their best song is their cover of “All That She Wants” by Ace of Bass, it’s easily one of the best covers I’ve heard in a while.
When it comes to Tera Melos, they are more the type that you either love ’em or you hate ’em. Their start-stop dynamics and experimental style leave some listeners confused but others loving the sporadic intensity and quickly changing rhythms.
Here is a link to the gallery from the show
Red Bull’s Sound Select showcase will be back September 17th, this time at Club Dada and will showcase Jessy Lanza, Cakes Da Killa and Princess Nokia on the line up.
