REVIEW: Summer In The Psych Ward Takes on Moe's Record Shop in Gainesville
- Yoselin Madrid
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
North Georgia heats up with local rock!
North Georgia may have been in a bit of a cold rut but coincidentally, the region started to warm up after the three band show Moe’s Record Shop held on Friday. Summer In The Psych Ward, 7th Try, and UNIQO didn't just warm up Moe’s, but the entirety of Gainesville. UNIQO with their garage/indie infused rock, 7th Try with their identifiable alternative rock, and an unapologetic punk sound that was none other than Summer In The Psych Ward made the mosh pits feel like the only way you could cool down was to exert that energy and just run.
UNIQO was up first hitting the crowd with their single “Polaris” which immediately erupted with the crowd moshing. They went on to play their cover of Radiohead’s “Just” and kept the energy of the crowd growing as they then played their original songs while mildly transitioning into “Likeness.” After singing a couple of his verses, lead singer JJ hopped into the crowd as he usually does, joined in on the excitement of the crowd, and moshed along with them. After a quick recovery, the whole band was back up and played through the rest of the set. The chemistry the band had just let you know how much fun this group has performing—they love to keep the crowd moving with a mosh pit or even a wall of death. One thing about UNIQO is that, whether it is the mosh pit or a little side shuffle, they will get you moving no matter what song it is.
Now, a theme you will notice throughout this show is that each band had different members hop into the crowd. This created a connection with everyone there and riled up the crowd to keep the excitement going all night even after the sets were done. What better feeling is there for a musician who pours their energy into their band and music and the crowd can give that energy back to you tenfold? I may be biased, but there might not be.
Now, while UNIQO was switching for 7th Try, the crowd went out for some water and fresh air, but once the guitar started for “Chairs,” the crowd came rushing back in. Everyone was ready for what was going to be an energetic set. There was absolutely no shortage of moshing or crowd engagement as the whole first row was ready to hop around and give their energy to the band.
7th Try has a sound that you can listen to and be reminded of what true alternative rock sounds like. Each song they played whether it be off their album, Signs of Exit, or not, you just knew it was undoubtedly them. Once they started playing, it was nonstop headbanging, moshing, and even crowdsurfing. If there is one thing certain about 7th Try being on a bill, it’s that you will be expected to move or be moved. You truly cannot stand still listening to these guys.
With 7th Try ending their set with “Voidess,” Summer In The Psych Ward took the stage. No one in the crowd had a dry shirt or hair and yet, everyone was drawn back into the pit once the distorted sound of the guitars floods the speakers and the drums shake everyone.
Now, you may have noticed the singer from a very popular rock band that has recently blown up on social media in the crowd of one of the photos above. You know them, you love them—three out of the four members of local rock group Intension were in the crowd. As a tribute to the band, Summer In The Psych Ward performed a cover of Intension’s “Catalyst.”
This was a mashup no one knew they needed but frankly, we need more. The band captured such an energy that can just be described as infectious. “Catalyst” isn’t too far off from what you expect Summer In The Psych Ward to play, but the crowd was ecstatic to hear a song they were familiar with and be able to hear another rendition of it. As their set went on, the crowd and lead singer, Owen, seemed to just gain more and more energy as the songs played on.
With their set coming to a close, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers. All three bands were approached by fans while they raved about how they all had a sound they enjoyed and loved seeing live. Questions about next releases, what gear they used, and when their next shows will be scattered throughout the room. This show undoubtedly left people wanting more of this feeling. If you left this concert sweaty and feet hurting a bit, you know you enjoyed it correctly.
Article and photos by Yoselin Madrid. Please credit @spainscapital or @art.seen.atl if reposting on social media.
