• Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Shows
  • Photos
  • Features
  • Contests
  • Playlist
No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Shows
  • Photos
  • Features
  • Contests
  • Playlist
No Result
View All Result
No Result
View All Result

[Review] Augustana w/ Scars on 45 @ Mercy Lounge 12.20.2014

jeff moody by jeff moody
December 24, 2014
in Reviews, Shows
0
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Augustana-620
Augustana.

Augustana with Scars on 45
Mercy Lounge, Nashville, TN
December 20, 2014

I had spent most of the day recovering from the Caroling Party that NCFNN had co-hosted at the Stone Fox on Friday night so I was well rested by the time I got to the Mercy Lounge Saturday night for Augustana and Scars on 45.   I got there about 8:45 and the place was about half full with the infamous “Nashville Gap” already filling in nicely.  The show had been moved from the Cannery to the Mercy at some point, which seemed to be the perfect size.

Both bands have played Live On the Green and other local venues in the past year or so, but apparently like spending time in Nashville.  Keep reading to hear more about their most recent visit.

Scars-on-45-620-Steve-Gullick

Scars on 45. Photo by Steve Gullick.

UK’s Scars on 45 hit the stage sharply at 9PM.  The lead singer, Danny Bemrose, advised that the other vocalist, Aimee Driver, was not here so they would be carrying on without her.  I was not that familiar with the band and didn’t recognize the first couple of songs, but did the third song, “Heart on Fire”, from radio and, apparently TV.  After the song,  Bemrose engaged in some friendly stage banter referencing football (soccer to most of us), and advising that the show was the end of seven weeks on the road with Augustana.  Apparently, they too had hit the town the night before celebrating the birthday of drummer, Chris Durling.  Rounding out the band are Stuart Nichols on bass guitar and David “Nova” Nowakowski on keyboard, piano, and backing vocals. They played another familiar song “Golden”, and then jumped off the stage into the crowd for an unplugged version of “Tasted Every Tear”.   At least, I think that was the song since it was hard to hear from where I was standing but the people in the immediate area seemed to enjoy it.  They finished up their too short set with “Give Me Something” and their latest single “Crazy for You”.  I had noticed a sign indicating their merch wouldn’t be available until after their set which seemed a bit strange.  However, it was because the band was working the merch table themselves which provided an opportunity for fans to engage with them, get autographs and photos.  Based upon my brief interaction, they seemed to be really nice folks.  I thoroughly enjoyed Scars on 45 and am looking forward to seeing a full set by them…hopefully, with Aimee back.

Augustana was formed in Southern California during 2003.  Their piano-driven sound generated early comparisons to Coldplay.  Their album All the Stars and Boulevards was released in September 2005 and included probably their most recognizable song, “Boston” which has been featured on a number of television shows, as have a number of their other songs.  In 2011, Dan Layus announced that the other members of the band had departed (amicably) but he would continue to tour as Augustana and was signed to a new record deal in July 2013.  The more recent sound has been compared to early Springsteen.  The most recent and fifth album, Life Imitating Life, was released in April of this year.

By the time Augustana took the stage, Mercy Lounge was comfortably full and the crowd was ready.  They opened with “On the Other Side”, “Ash and Ember” and another ten songs before finally addressing the crowd.  Layus advised that “the band” now lives in Nashville which segued into intoducing the next song “Must be Love” which was written with another Nashville local, Caitlyn Smith (who, unfortunately, didn’t make a guest appearance).  This turned out to be just past the halfway point as the band played another ten or so songs before closing the show.

Both bands play infectious songs which sound as though you’ve heard them before even if you haven’t, which is probably why both have had success on TV.  Other similarities between the bands include great lead vocalists who deliver well-written lyrics.  Augustana is more “rootsy” and at a different stage of their evolution than Scars on 45 with just their second album.  Highly recommend both bands to see live and pick up an album or two…

 

 

Tags: AugustanaMercy LoungeNashville Music BlogScars on 45

Related Posts

Medium Build to Play Free, Acoustic Show at East Nashville’s Garage Sale Vintage Tonight, June 11
Shows

Medium Build to Play Free, Acoustic Show at East Nashville’s Garage Sale Vintage Tonight, June 11

In honor of his latest single, "Drug Dealer," which dropped last week, Nashville-based indie singer Medium Build has announced...

by Philip Obenschain
June 11, 2025
Indie Pop Duo Tennis Bring Farewell Tour to Brooklyn Bowl Tonight, June 7
Shows

Indie Pop Duo Tennis Bring Farewell Tour to Brooklyn Bowl Tonight, June 7

After 15 years and seven great albums, husband and wife indie pop duo Tennis have decided to call it...

by Philip Obenschain
June 7, 2025
Third Annual Jorts Fest Brings Laura Jane Grace, Bass Drum of Death, Illuminati Hotties, More to Eastside Bowl, June 6 & 7
Shows

Third Annual Jorts Fest Brings Laura Jane Grace, Bass Drum of Death, Illuminati Hotties, More to Eastside Bowl, June 6 & 7

What began in 2023 as a pretty DIY punk affair, held over two days at The East Room, then,...

by Philip Obenschain
June 6, 2025
No Country’s Guide to Bonnaroo 2025: 18 Must-See Friday Performances
Features

No Country’s Guide to Bonnaroo 2025: 18 Must-See Friday Performances

Bonnaroo week is upon us! A festival that feels like it’s ever evolving (especially with some big tweaks and improvements...

by Philip Obenschain
June 4, 2025
Next Post

Brezhnev Society Drops A Cool New Video For "The Star"

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

We cover the best of Music City's local and touring artists. All Nashville and no country.

Get No Country In Your Inbox

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Shows
  • Photos
  • Features
  • Contests
  • Playlist