I want to preface this post with an admission. I (along with most of my concert companions) am a music snob. I love a great live show. I nitpick things that go on at these shows because I expect to be entertained. I had a brief career as a guitar player in High Point Central’s biggest rock band back in 2001, so I know what it’s like to be up on stage, performing your songs and being judged by those around you (that’s obvi a bit tongue-in-cheek, but actually playing on stage in front of people, even when it’s a shitty club to mostly your friends, does affect how you watch live shows).

Last night, Two Guns, Sus, RoRo, and I went over to Snug Harbor in Plaza Midwood to see Miniature Tigers and Free Energy. We had seen Miniature Tigers open for Ben Folds last year during the Seriously Serious Concert Series and thought them worthy of seeing again (especially after hearing the album, which I quite like). As a bonus, Free Energy was also playing. I hadn’t heard them before, but picked up the album when I heard they were playing and listened on the drive back yesterday. I really enjoyed it so was pumped to see them as well.

First up was Mini Tigers. They were pretty decent, though mostly pretty low key. They did add a number of songs involving synthesizers and samplers from when I saw them last year, so I’m excited to hear how the new album is. The main complain about the band is that they don’t really do a whole lot. They just kind of stand there, with the exception of one point when the lead singer went into the crowd for a make shift dance party. But even that seemed a bit contrived. It just seems to me that this is a band that makes really good music, but doesn’t really know how to put on a show. Still worth checking out, though.

After a short break, it was time for the Free Energy set. Wow. They were absolutely incredible. Sus said it best when he said they were kind of a mix between the Strokes and the Ramones. From a live act perspective, they were simply fantastic. I could totally see them headlining a national tour in 3-4 years and have Kings of Leon level success. The best metaphor I could come up to describe them was as follows:

Just like the Chinese government starts training their gymnasts at age 2 and basically breeds kids to be olympic athletes, these guys were like they were bred to be rock and roll stars. Let’s to a rundown:

Lead Singer - Totally in the mold of Mick Jagger or Steven Tyler from a look perspective. Skinny jeans, tank top, probably has done his fair share of coke. Has a good voice (think Julian Casablancas of the Strokes), but knows he isn’t Axl (pre-Use You Illusion), but he doesn’t try to be. Totally self-aware and aware of the crowd at all times. Immediately goes to find a back stage Betty after the show.

Lead Guitarist - Totally wails. Understands when to fill with riffs and when to just let the music ring. Can sing a little backup. Anchors his guitar properly to allow him to move around even while playing difficult riffs/solos. Knows how to finger tap (a la Eddie Van Halen).

Rhythm Guitarist - Keen sense of rhythm. Can play in syncopated patterns. Knows the nuances of palm muting. Doesn’t try to be the lead guitar player. Sings pretty well. Knows his ax and plays it well. Can pick a bit when called upon.

Bassist - Doesn’t get too fancy, but plays some rockin’ bass lines. Has an awesome bass. Looks a bit off when compared to the rest of the band. (The dude in Free Energy had a molester ‘stache and was the only one with short hair. Totally looked out of place.)

Drummer - Keeps a great rock beat. Fills nicely without overdoing it. Makes hysterically funny faces because he thinks no one is looking at him. Wears jorts.

That totally sums up Free Energy last night and the quintessential rock band. I genuinely think that if these guys catch a break or two, they could be the next big thing.