Bushwood Beats: BAND OF SKULLS

Last night at Newport Music Hall in Columbus a hail of excellence poured down from the musical heavens. While admittedly that is being slightly overdramatic and leaning a bit heavy on hyperbole, both Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (who will from here on out be referred to as BRMC even though I hate acronymns simply for the fact of using acronyms but don't feel like continuously typing all of that out) and Band of Skulls brought the proverbial thunder.

**Sidenote: If you're not familiar with Newport you need to be. Hands down the best venue in Ohio and possibly mother Earth. While I am aware that may be a bit of an exaggeration, I'm fairly confident it is true. The combination of an incredible sound system mixed with the fact that it feels like the paint is peeling off the walls around you is what a concert experience should be.

Due to the fact that BRMC had been featured in our Things you might not know about but probably should series we knew to expect nothing less than excellence. However while I was aware of Band of Skulls, they by far and away were the epitome of everything that is raw, live music. Hailing from Southampton, England and feeling every bit as uncorked as a wily cockney pick pocket, Band of Skulls consists of Russell Marsden (guitar, vocals), Emma Richardson (bass, vocals), and Matt Hayward (drums). The group formed in 2008 but sound significantly more put together than a band that has been together only slightly longer than the cast of Jersey Shore has known each other,

The set consisted of grinding guitars, chest thumping bass lines, and hits so hard on the drums I felt like Mr. Hayward had just watched The Blind Side beforehand and was using them as an emotional punching bag. Marsden and Richardson both provided lead vocals throughout, the resulting combination was infectious and groove inducing. If you're looking for a frame of reference, Band of Skulls is like The White Stripes, but without the elitist weirdness that keeps me from fully buying into The White Stripes.

Band of Skulls were the definition of everything that makes live music the most excellent thing on the planet. I went in with the expectation of being entertained but came away as an instant fan of a group that clearly puts everything they have into what they love to do. And they are very, very good at it. Keep an ear on these guys, this won't be the last you've heard of em.

Judge Smails

"I Know What I Am" from Band of Skulls debut album Baby Darling Doll Face Honey: