Avondale, the Black Water, Dev-Null, Epperley
The Grand Emporium
June 14, 1999

Review by Danny Alexander

This reviewer regretably missed what was no doubt a strong set from openers Avondale (see CD review), but I was fortunate enough to arrive in time for a solid set by the Black Water. The mix at the Grand Emporium didn't emphasize the clear lines that are a hallmark of the band's sound, but the band's power shoved its way through, the rhythm section breathing with explosive intensity and Shaun Hamontree's vocals, if not as clear as they might be, were emotionally arresting.

Dev-Null followed with an exceptionally strong set. The band's rippling chord progressions may have benefited from the blur of the mix, gaining more unified power. Most importantly, Jonathan Wagner's emotionally bold vocals seemed more aggressive than usual that night, and that leadership seemed to push an eloquent band to a new level of urgency.

The one non-local band that played that show, Tulsa's Epperley, took some time to win the crowd over with its quirky songwriting. Unfortunately, most of the audience was gone by the time the band built to its strength, the instrumental prowess to turn a catchy rock song into a series of cascading rock crescendoes.

--Danny Alexander

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