Join us in a spectacular farewell to 2023 with Moonwreckers, Cosmic Sans, Glass Chimera, and Carbon Decoy, revolutionizing music on an unforgettable night.
Revolutionizing music with Carbon Decoy, Glass Chimera, Cosmic Sans, and Moonwreckers at Smalls
Only one more day remained in 2023 when I walked into Small’s in Hamtramck. I had been looking forward to this show for a bit, as the lineup featured a mixtape of Michigan music. Each band offered a unique perspective on rock music spanning genres. Featuring introspective, evocative, pyrotechnic, and enthralling music, this show promised to take me for a ride on the sonic highway. Buckle up, kids, and let’s roll.
Moonwreckers
After having the opportunity to listen to Moonwreckers debut album, Why Look Here? I was keen to check them out live. The album features gorgeous songwriting with nuanced music traversing a range of dynamics in an alt-90s emotional vein. Could they conjure the magic of this recording on stage?
I’m here to report that Moonwreckers did just that. The thoughtful reflective vocals, the nuanced and dynamic sound – it was all there. The band put on an engaging show that displayed their love of music. The sizable crowd at Small’s embraced their impassioned performance with open arms.
Cosmic Sans
If you want to experience a modern band cultivating the power of 90’s alt-rock to perfection, you must experience Cosmic Sans. I thoroughly enjoyed their self-titled album as well as their As Well release at the tail end of 2022. Getting to see them live finally was a treat.
Cosmic Sans set was energetic and fun. The band’s animation and surging spirit onstage pulled you in tight and would not let go. I was thrilled they played one of my favorites, “I’m Fine. Thanks For Asking,” with all its spitting condemnation and pulsing rhythms. I loved how vital and inspiring the music of Cosmic Sans made me feel. Looking around the room, I don’t think I was alone.
Glass Chimera
Every time I experience Glass Chimera, I come away with my jaw hanging open and my mind blown. This three piece from Detroit is a hurricane of psychedelic blues on steroids. Glass Chimera wasted no time setting the stage on fire. Their electric set had the crowd swimming in the surging sonic surf. The celestial guitars scream with hallucinogenic fervor as the captivating drums and bass held us in wondrous awe.
Glass Chimera’s performance was explosive and mesmerizing. I lost track of time as I found myself wrapped in a state of mystic bliss. This band is a shot of high voltage straight to the hippocampus. Rumor is Glass Chimera is working on an album. Be prepared for one hell of an awesome trip.
Carbon Decoy
Expanding the musical horizon with music that fascinates and intrigues is Carbon Decoy. Offering the intoxicating jag of Clutch and Kyuss with a smoother buzz, I get stoked anytime I can catch them. They conjured mighty cosmic vibes at Fuzz Fest this year and psyched the stage recently at Ogma’s anniversary party. Tonight at Small’s, they took us even higher.
Moody blue and green lights enveloped the stage as the band proceeded to groove. The feeling I get when witnessing Carbon Decoy is a combination of enchantment and boundless elation. Their performance evoked thrumming streams of meditative ecstasy. You could not resist Carbon Decoy’s crashing waves of drums, reverberating guitar, and undulating bass. It is as if discovering the wonders of music and its capacity to move all over again. Carbon Decoy’s debut album is coming out soon. In the meantime, let their bluesy psychedelic aura cloak you via the singles “Like A Witch” and “Out of Control.”
Pictures
Relive the show with photos from our galleries for Carbon Decoy, Glass Chimera, Cosmic Sans, and Moonwreckers. Share your thoughts, as we want to know what you think.
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