Gettin’ down to Underground Sound

Plymouth State University, home to a few noteworthy, chart-topping party references in some acclaimed magazines has yet to learn putting an event on a thirsty Thursday will be enough to draw a crowd. On Nov. 19 The Underground Sound could hardly pick up enough souls, which was quite the downer because the two acts still gave it their all. The show, originally scheduled for a Tuesday a couple weeks before was postponed because of the uninvited ninja. The first act, which was picked up three days before because Hung Out To Dry was unable to play the rescheduled date, was Matt Honkonen and Chris Myers. The duet, found at Open Mic, quickly assembled a set list to run through. Because of the short timing most of the songs were covers starting with Sublimes “What I Got.” The two both strummed acoustic guitars while Honkonen took lead vocals on the first song. They continued with a Ryan Adams cover where Myers sang and played the harmonica. Myers was the usual lead vocalist and for good reason. His voice perfectly captured the folk sound the band seemed to be going for and could be heard in Myers originals. After playing Myers original (that Honkonen learned to play in two days) they went back to more covers, including Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold” and the folk song “Rocky Top” in the midst of them. Although the two played well throughout the show, where they really succeeded was their last two songs. The second to last was a combination between the two of them where Honkonen wrote the guitar line and Myers put the lyrics to it. Myers’ lyrics fit perfectly to the tune and it had a homey feel as he sang, “Take Me Home White Mountains.” Their last song was a great cover of the song “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show. They hit the folk sound perfectly and it ended up being a great way to finish. The next performer up was Brendon Gill who played a great set list. The only problem was there was no one there to enjoy it. He started off with a couple of originals that set the pace for the night. The song “This Ride” showed his skill at writing songs and really working the vocals with the guitar part. After the originals he played some covers like “Hey Yeah” where he was able to turn it into his own sound and Matchbox 20’s “3am” where he imitated it perfectly. After the few covers he asked the few remaining people in the crowd if they wanted to hear anything. A girl shouted out that she wanted to hear the “Lime Tree” song. Gill played this song extremely well and the yelling that he did in the course of it worked out perfectly. The girl seem pleased and Gill moved into a cover of “Boston” followed by the song he refers to as the Greasy Hair song or “Slide” by the Goo Goo Dolls. Gill ended the night with a few of his own songs and the Third Eye Blind cover of “Jumper.” Even though there weren’t many people there, he played his heart out and put on a good show. The thing that has to be learned from this night is that shows don’t work on Thursday nights at PSU. It’s not good for the people playing, the people putting it on or the kids who are missing it. The next Underground Sound is Thurs. Dec. 10 8 p.m. in the FPL. Make sure to hit it up!