Before sharing photos, I’d actually love to pass along an article that a guy named Justin wrote for Valley Planet that pretty much summed the show up perfectly! We can’t thank him enough for writing such an awesome review!

“The moment I drove through the gates at Lowe Mill it was clear that I was about to experience something very unique to Huntsville. From the colored lights shining on the water tower to the groups of people hanging out before the show, anticipation was in the air. I was there to see G-side & Thomas Function both of which have been praised as local greats, and both playing very different styles of music. My destination was Vertical House Records, nestled into the back corner of the second floor in the Flying Monkey Arts Center; my goal was to infiltrate Huntsville’s music scene. Since moving to the area in late January I’ve been clumsily trying to navigate the local venues in search of great music. On any given night there are at least ten different musicians playing at ten different venues, and that doesn’t include the multitude of open mic nights. With a lot of time and online research it’s sometimes possible to narrow down the options but even then some bands are scheduled to play a few different venues through the month and some venues are certainly better than others. Instead of sitting back I’ve decided to be part of the solution; I’m going to scope out as many bands, open mic’s, and venues as I can each month and present you with a distilled list of what is worthwhile.

The G-Side & Thomas Function show was my first visit to the Flying Monkey Arts Center, and Vertical House Records specifically, both of which only got me more excited about my musical journey. There was a small cover charge of five dollars, but parking was free and ample. Keep two things in mind when going to this venue: 1. there are few chairs, 2. bring your own beer (if 21 or over that is). Vertical House has a great vibe; ambient string lighting, burlap walls covered with records and the band plays under a mirror ball surrounded by bookshelves. There was no stage to separate band from audience and bubbles floated through the air, further blurring the line between the two. As I settled into the crowd I realized that this event was not only unique to Huntsville, but also to the music industry. It’s a rare occurrence when two distinctly different musical genres play back to back and even more rare when the same audience stays for both shows.

First up for the night was Thomas Function, a local trio that have been tagged as everything from punk to pop to indie rock, and they’ve earned all three. It was easy to find tracks online to get an idea of what I was getting myself in to, and like all good bands, their live show surpassed the recordings (Although I did miss the infectious clapping, and the organ in some songs). The bassist and drummer both sang backup for the lead singer/guitarist which helped make them a minimalist band without a minimalist sound. They played a very concise set with barely a break between songs keeping the intensity running high. If you haven’t already checked them out and are in the mood for a high energy show I highly recommend Thomas Function.

Next up was G-Side, a local hip hop duo that not only maintained the momentum, but built upon it. It was also easy to hear a few of their tracks before going, and again I was pleasantly surprised with the live show. They had two backup vocalists singing in a more R&B style that contrasted well and added depth to the show. With no effects, it was great to hear the raw vocals and see the impact they had on the audience. Their lyrics leaned towards the positive and were delivered with force. Even if hip hop isn’t your favorite genre of music, these guys will keep you entertained and make you part of the show.

Overall the show was a great success. Any time you see Vertical House, G-Side or Thomas Function on the Valley Planet Music Calendar, it will be worth checking out.”

Thomas Function

G-side

It’s Summertime, so it’s about time that Milwaukee’s Goodnight Loving made their way back to HSV! Last time they ripped it live at Bamalama Fest Oh Nine! On this tour they are supporting the release of their 4th album ‘Supperclub’ which comes out on Dirtnap Records on July 20th.

Opening the show is San Pedro, California’s Bombon…followed by Alabama classics the Pine Hill Haints and Thomas Function.

Check out “The Pan” off of ‘Supperclub’ below:

The Goodnight Loving – The Pan

Friday, July 9 at 9pm
PINE HILL HAINTS
GOODNIGHT LOVING
THOMAS FUNCTION
BOMBON

Admission $10

Location:
CROSSROADS MUSIC HALL
115 Clinton Avenue
Downtown Huntsville

Photo by Ashley Vaughn

TUESDAY JUNE 29TH
G-Side (Huntsville Hip Hop)
Thomas Function (Huntsville Rock)
Show 9:30pm, Admission $6

Presented to you by Vertical House Records and Slow Motion Soundz!

G-Side – My Aura
Thomas Function – Waverly

(I’ve been experimenting with self-portraits. Look closely at the record player and disco ball shots!)

The Jacuzzi Boys are playing in our store on May 6th with Really Loud Hamburgers and we couldn’t be more excited! Hope to see you there! join our email list and well be sure to send you a friendly reminder.

You guys helped us score all those fancy papers in that shot above so endless thanks for those as well!! We couldn’t do it without cha!

TRACKLISTING:
1. Harlem – Friendly Ghost
2. Happy Birthday – Girls FM
3. Strange Boys – Be Brave
4. Thomas Function – In The Light Of Day
5. Sonny & The Sunsets – Too Young To Burn
6. Caution: Morning – Spraypaint On My Grave
7. Puppy Hearts – Truth Of The Touch
8. G-Side – College Chicks
9. The Pharmacy – Coldest Morning Light
10. Diamond Rings – Wait & See
11. Nobunny – Apple Tree
12. Church Of My Love – So Long Sweet Children
13. Three Happenin’ Guys – And We, My Brothers…
14. Das Racist – Rainbow In The Dark
15. The Spits – Life Of Crime
16. Doki Doki Panic – Shine On
17. Personal & Pizzas – I Don’t Feel So Happy Now
18. Best Coast – When I’m With You
19. Box Elders – Necro
20. Fergus & Geronimo – Harder Than It’s Ever Been
21. Wild Harem – Brainbow
22. Rainbow Bridge – Big Wave Rider
23. Fistful Of Beard – Ballad Of Being Gone
24. Bobby Brooks – Huntsville Lights

DOWNLOAD EARGASMS 7

Join Vertical House Records on Saturday, April 17th from 11am to 6pm to celebrate the best day of the year – RECORD STORE DAY! We are excited to be a part of this again. Record Store Day started back in 2007, the year we opened our doors! Three years later we’re still going strong…in fact, we’ve expanded to a bigger spot in our beloved Lowe Mill. We look forward to seeing you this year and hope you’ll spend Record Store Day with us!

MONDAY APRIL 12th

Box Elders
Really Loud Hamburgers
Ursa Locomodus

at Vertical House Records
2211 Seminole Dr. (2nd floor)

9pm | $5

This is going to be so much fun!