_{By Andy McFerren}

Despite the snowy weather, Velour had a sold out crowd last night. There were people waiting outside to get in throughout the night. It was the most packed I’ve seen Velour on a preliminary night for Battle of the Bands. I went into this night not having seen or even really knowing any of the bands, which is a rarity for me, but I was not disappointed. 

Henniker 

Henniker got the night started, and initially they sounded like a solid indie alternative rock band that reminded me of Young the Giant. It was a great opener, and it really set the tempo for the rest of the set. 

But then the set took a turn in a way that I wasn’t expecting. The guitar tone became twangy and the lead singer opened with a drawl, and ladies and gentlemen, we had the privilege of hearing y’allternative. And for the rest of the night the band flip-flopped back and forth between a typical indie alternative sound and one with a little more country. It was a breath of fresh air that you don’t get very often in Provo. 

One of the things that stuck out to me the most was how well they wrote around the lead singer’s voice. He’s got a good voice. There’s nothing wrong with this, but it’s not particularly dynamic. However, the songs complement it so well, and he knows how to use it and what his limits are. It’s rare to see a young band write to their strengths this well. 

The Samuel Charles Band

If you or someone you know has attended Velour’s Battle of the Bands this week and experienced whiplash after a drastic change in genre from one band to the next, then you might be entitled to financial compensation. 

And while going from y’allternative to folk isn’t the most egregious in theory, it still caught me off guard. The Samuel Charles Band took the stage and looked like a live-action casting of Fantastic Mr. Fox. And they sounded as good as they looked. 

If you don’t like the kind of Americana that sounds like the visual aesthetic of a renovated-but-still-rustic-looking barn out in a field of tall grass, then you probably won’t like The Samuel Charles Band. But if you do, then boy, do I have a band for you. But don’t let their appearance or genre fool you. They can still rock as hard as any other band out there.  

Lovingly Clad

I could not for the life of me tell you what this band’s name means. But I don’t think it matters because they’re really good.

They took the stage and my heart leapt for joy as they went into a dark, moody shoegaze affair. And then it stopped, and I was frankly a little disappointed it didn’t continue. However, to be clear, I still enjoyed it.

After the intro, Lovingly Clad settled into a nice indie rock sound that could also dip into Dominic Fike territory. They’re young kids, and they have a certain moxie to them when they’re on stage – like if the indie bands that I discovered in college and law school were slightly less awkward and little more confident. 

I honestly believe that this band has a very high ceiling. They have the potential to be a really great indie rock band out of Provo like many before them. I saw flashes of greatness, and they have all the right qualities you need. They have the sound. They have the look. And they get the crowd moving. 

If there’s one thing holding them back it’s a distinct sound that sets them apart from the rest of the pack. Here’s the thing, Lovingly Clad: I don’t want another pretty face. I don’t want just anyone to hold. I don’t want my love to go to waste. I want you and your beautiful soul. Show me your soul!

Wild Flour 

As someone with celiac disease, untamed, wild flour is my worst nightmare. The band, however? Not so much. 

Wild Flour has a good, clean indie rock sound with soft vocals that you know and love so well. The closest comparison off the top of my head I can think of is Briston Maroney. There’s just something about the combination of clean indie rock and soft vocals that feels like a warm hug when you hear it coming out of the speakers at Velour. It’s familiar, and each song feels like John Cusack holding up a boom box playing “In Your Eyes.” Or that comfort movie you watch after a break up to numb the pain.

I’d like to take this time to also highlight that the bass was so strong during their set that I am pretty sure it shook loose the remaining phlegm in my chest from being sick a week ago. I’ll be vibrating for the next 3-5 business days. 

It was truly a great night of music, and it’s a shame that three of these bands had to go home without moving on. It truly felt like the finals. I honestly had no idea who was going to win last night. It could have been any of these bands. I would and probably will go see all of these bands again in the near future. But there had to be one winner, and that was Lovingly Clad. 

Velour’s Winter 2023 Battle of the Bands Finals are tonight at 7:30 PM. Ferrin, Afternoon All Night, Hollow Hill, No Such Animal, and Lovingly Clad will perform. Tickets are $10 at the door. While you’re waiting for the show to start, check out “Soup” by Lovingly Clad.