Like I always say, what better way to start of a new year than with some new sounds? Thursday January 5th at the Belly Up Tavern I was able to do just that with San Diego’s The Spells first ever album release party. Openers for The Spells included other local bands The Tall Ships and Family Wagon. Three bands with three very different sounds helped to create a night of unexpected and memorable musical discoveries giving me a glimpse into the excitement of 2012.

My night began a question: Am I early? Minutes before The Tall Ships were to take the stage the Belly Up seemed to be unfortunately barren of eager ears waiting to experience what this trio had in store for them. With maybe only a couple dozen of us in the place, The Tall Ships delivered the first sounds of the evening and quickly made me realize that I was a part of the lucky few who were experiencing this. Under dim lighting Keith Andrew, Kyle Conwell and Steve Kuhn began with a mellow instrumental that held hints of Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service but stood out as unique and original. Progressing into further layers of sounds they pleased us with deep yet smooth vocals which paired perfectly with stronger tempos and richer guitar. With their composure and fluidity they produce the perfect soundtrack for those clear-your-head road trips or moments when searching for artistic inspiration. I had become so lost in their music that I only noticed by the end of their set all the admirers they drew in to the now crowded venue.

A short wait later Family Wagon took the stage and instantly sparked intrigue and energy with every soul in the place. With half the band looking like they were straight out of the 70’s, they recreated the classic rock sounds of the free spirited decade and added all the eccentricity of today’s generation. I was quickly impressed when they managed to take several genres of music and confidently added them into their stand out style. Their song “Hard Times” had a blues meets rock and roll feel while “I Wonder if She Knows” produced a rock meets country twang with more passion and soulful lyrics. They had the crowd screaming and banging their heads right along with them and had some serious hair whipping that could put Willow Smith to shame. Killer guitar riffs, perfectly toned vocals, and captivating stage presence proved a cohesive and ingenious band that should have no problem making a larger name for themselves and in my opinion, the only thing missing from this show was a stellar cover of “Sweet Home Alabama”.

After the first two bands immediately captured my attention and made me want to hunt down their albums, I was excited to see what The Spells had coming up. My hopes were high and I could hardly stand the wait for them to begin. Formed from the indie-pop project Years Around the Sun, they spent over a year writing and recording music for their first album “Little Oaks”, which on this night we were there to celebrate. Shortly after 10pm Ronnie Dudek, Matt Lynott, Mia Stefanko and Jonny Doan took to the stage. Maybe it was nerves, or the lack of practice they admitted to, but excitement and energy seemed to be missing in their performance. Despite that, their upbeat indie sound and captivating lyrics suited them well. Stefanko complimented the rest of the band perfectly on the keyboard and the fluidity from song to song seemed on point. The Spells undoubtedly have talent, work well together as a group and have a fan base which was evident from the strong turnout, however, their stiffness on stage made the show a bit uncomfortable after following two bands who provided us with just the opposite.

Beginning my new year with three new bands to add to my playlist has already made 2012 something to look forward to. The Tall Ships are perfect for some fresh inspiration and new perspectives, Family Wagon will for sure be on my next party playlist and will be blasting loud through my speakers as I cruise down the highway with the top down, and The Spells’ new album “Little Oaks” should be a first choice for fans of the local music scene. So far 2012, I applaud you!