Last night we went to see The 1984 Draft, Okay Lindon and Second Best at The Poptek Records Showcase at The Hatch Artists Studios in Springfield, Ohio! From the beginning to the end of the night it was a special evening of melody, thoughtful lyrics and captivating musicianship.

The evening began with Poptek’s latest band Second Best, the brainchild of Gigi Palassis and Andy Ingram who luckily for this music fan had copies of their terrific debut record available in cassette. Gigi has been writing melodic and catchy songs for years. He has been active in other projects where he has lent his guitar to several different groups such as Wake Up Mordecai, Jean-Michel, Jill & Micah, and XL427, and then the lost recordings of L’Albatros. Gigi specializes in the yearnings that are never quite fulfilled or satisfied and the emotional pain that such feelings bring to the listener. He paints a picture of the power of wanting that is impossible to escape.

This evening Brenna Myers of Once a Pine joined Gigi and Andy on bass which added texture to the band’s live sound. Speaking of Brenna, we cannot recommend enough for you to check into Once a Pine as well. Listeners to our show know how much Dr. J loves The Florals and it is good to see (and hear) Brenna continuing to make really excellent music in Once a Pine! They often play out so go see them when given a chance! And just a quick question: Is there any instrument that Brenna cannot play?

Okay Lindon was second on the bill. Dustin Smith has created a new and exciting vision of Okay Lindon to the music loving public. This version of the band has embraced sonic textures with maturity and wisdom. Okay Lindon played a captivating set celebrating the the music from their most release, Changes. This fourth record from Okay Lindon has a new lineup featuring acoustic 12 string guitar and violin yet still haunts the listener with real and significant questions about one’s place in the world.

The 1984 Draft finished the evening of great music with their usual enthusiasm and gift for melody. Their latest record, Make Good Choices is coming from Poptek soon! Joe Anderl, of ‘The Draft, specializes in an earnest, almost confessional and honest depiction of the challenges of everyday life that inspire hope rather than defeat. To see and hear The 1984 Draft is to feel the power of music to transform the listener. Choruses become chants, guitar solos become the sonic texture to anguish, the drums cascade like the quickening beats of your heart, and the bass lines keep your head up and vision clear. We cannot be more excited about this upcoming release ! And so should you!

You can buy these records at the Poptek Records website and on bandcamp.  And you should do so! As you can see in the pictures it was a great time! Many thanks to Andy Ingram and the other fine folks at Poptek Records for inviting us!