Band: Antennas Up
Venue: Outland Ballroom
Location: Springfield, MO
Tickets: $3
Date: 8-23-11
“Hey Kyle, I’m sure you don’t remember me but…”
“You’re Allyson, right?”
“…you’ve made my night.”
Left to right: Jonny Universe (AU), Me, Kyle Akers (AU), Friend, and Tom Cantillon (Tommy & the High Pilots).
Kyle remembered me. *squeal* I mean…whatever. No big deal. I don’t, like, listen to them or anything. It’s not like I own merchandise or proudly display Antennas Up buttons on my purse. That’d be lame.
Okay. But seriously. Kyle remembered me from the first time I saw Antennas Up (April 26, 2011). And from the constant Tweets. And the questions I ask them on their FanBridge…you know what?. It’s actually not surprising he knows me. I should be getting a restraining order in the mail any day now.
The beginning conversation is a real one that took place between yours truly and Kyle Akers, lead vocalist and bassist for Antennas Up. Yeah. That was a magical night. I talked to Kyle about “Doctor Who”, I talked to Bo McCall (guitar/vocal) about books, I talked to Jonny Universe (guitar/keys/vocal) about fish scales used for cosmetic enhancement, and I talked to The Ryantist (drums/vocals) about…actually nothing. But he looked really cool and mysterious the entire evening.
The first time I saw AU live was also the first time I had ever heard their music. I was impressed. I bought their album for $3 (they have it at concerts on a “pay what you want” basis), and listened to it the next day on the road. The quirkiness was there, the music was there, but nothing could compare to the energetic and hyper show these guys put on. They’re not even crazy on stage (though I wouldn’t call them sedate). It’s just that the vibe you get from them in person is that they’re human but are serious about robots. I don’t know if there’s a higher compliment.
What I’m saying is, these guys are really special. And, if you appreciate nerdy things as much as I do, they’re fantastic. Listen to 5p3c35h1p http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTuT_fhjQ5A and try and keep a straight face. Try really hard. Go down swinging.
Hilarious? I think so. Weird? Even more so. Now. Try and get it out of your head. Good luck.
And don’t get me started on “Outta Sight”…
“I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. I’m a spaceship. —> ∞” ["Outta Sight" from Antennas Up]
Maybe it’s just me, but every time I hear that part of the song, I purse my lips, attempt to look fierce and do a weird Mr. Krabs-esque dance from side to side, complete with hands shaped into claws. I’m not sure why. It just feels right.
So, check them out. Follow them on the Tweet Machine. http://twitter.com/#!/antennasup Like them on the Face Book. https://www.facebook.com/antennasup Subscribe to their FanBridge or surf their site. http://antennasupmusic.com/ Or just listen to their music. It’s worth it.
Signed show poster - Signatures from Tommy & the High Pilots, Antennas Up and Heypenny.
And this, ladies and gents, is my show poster from the concert. Oh, what’s that you say? There’s a random lipstick mark near the top? How odd…it’s almost like I didn’t have a pen, so I laughingly suggested to Jonny Universe that he put on my lipstick and kiss the poster to leave his mark AND HE DID. But, no. That couldn’t have happened.
[Hint: It totally did.]
And now. The grade report.
Concert: A
Venue: B*
Drink Prices: A
Audience: A-
Overall: A
PS: If you listen to them and really like them, keep an eye out for their new album. I’ve only heard a few new songs, and they haven’t completely left my head for a thousand years. http://www.youtube.com/user/AntennasUp#p/a/u/2/X3XacXXClFg
*For story on Outland’s low grade, see http://allysonssetlist.com/2011/10/02/tommy-the-high-pilots-springfield-mo-outland-ballroom-august-23-2011/
