[Review and Photos] The Airborne Toxic Event, Alanna Royale, The Electric Hearts, Swayze

It was an interesting night in the monthly Red Bull Sound Select concert series over at Marathon Music Works on Saturday night.  This event was designed to have the performers choose the fans rather than beg, borrow, and steal to get them to come to their event.  This is the fourth monthly event for team Red Bull Sound Select who tagged Nashville as one of four initial markets (they have since expanded into ten markets), but this event was an especially interesting one.  Potential attendees had to request admission to the event through websites and social media.  It was an interesting ticketing experience that we heard mixed reviews about here locally, and, based on the half full Marathon, we doubt too many folks were turned away.

We rolled in right as The Electric Hearts were finishing up.  Alas, often too late to these event, but it allowed time between sets to browse the local vendors that were peddling their local crafts, records, etc. off to stage left.  It’s was a cool twist in the sometimes cavernous Marathon venue, and reminded me of a Porter Flea there a few years ago.  Alanna Royale took the stage with the usual exuberance exuded by their flamboyant front woman.  We’ve had the opportunity to see Alanna and Co. many times, and this one did not disappoint.  The rain was really coming down as The Airborne Toxic Event took the stage.  I don’t know much about these guys.  I’ve received press releases, and I’ve listened to stuff on the internet.  Our own Adam Cowden described them as “The National with a bit more production sheen”.  I’ve seen The National a couple of times now, and I can’t say that was my feeling.  Of course, I’m not a big enough fan of The National to drop money to see them at The Ryman either.  Regardless, the crowd seemed to be enjoying it, and let’s face it, not everyone is going to love everything.  Wandering through the rain back to the car made me wish I had grabbed a Red Bull for the road, but I’ll just have to wait until the next event when Red Bull joins forces with Live On The Green on August 22nd.  That free event in Nashville’s Public Square Park will include performances from Michael Franti & Spearhead w/ The Delta Saints and Luella & The Sun.

We’ve babbled long enough.  Click that button down there, and you can check out some great photos of the evening from Todd Owyoung for Red Bull.