Summer in the city gets hot with Imminent Sonic Destruction, Cash Is King, Soup Sandwich, and Hudson North at Chelsea Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights.
Chelsea Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights
It is Thursday night, so it is time again for Sounds and Sights on Thursday Nights in Chelsea. As I was running around town to check out the bands, I was struck by how vibrant the town becomes on these summer nights in Michigan. Not only are plenty of folks out to enjoy the music but the shops and restaurants are bustling with people. Ugly Dog, in particular, was jumping. I suppose their wonderful craft cocktails had something to do with that.
Once again, the Michigan sun was bright and the skies blue as we made a beeline for the Rumpus Room stage. While we love all kinds of music, I do have a special place in my heart for original music–particularly if it is on the heavy end of the spectrum. Tonight’s show promised to be a treat.
Imminent Sonic Destruction
The first time we caught Imminent Sonic Destruction at Chelsea Sounds and Sights, a storm (not of the heavy metal kind) was brewing. ISD made it through their set, but the next band had to weather the storm. Luckily, Mike and the great crew at iQ Audio had covered the scaffolding, but that wasn’t quite enough to keep the rain from sending the crowd for cover.
The hot summer sun prevailed this time, and so did the epic jams. If you are new to Imminent Sonic Destruction, they are a progressive metal band from the metro Detroit area. If you’ve heard bands such as Dream Theater and Rush, you’ve got an idea of their sound. I think of them as more dynamic than Dream Theater with the emotional punch of Rush. On top of that, ISD has vocal harmonies that give them a leg up in terms of a melodic experience.
Opening with “Fledgling” off their latest The Sun Will Always Set, Imminent Sonic Destruction set a course for progressive metal mayhem. Their set had a touch on each of their fantastic albums, with “Monster” from their debut Recurring Themes (2012) and “Lake of Fire ” off my favorite Triumphia (2016). Putting on their ultra-mega prog hats, Imminent Sonic Destruction played the extended-length cerebral soundscape called “Arborous Calm” in all of its 22+ minutes of phantasmagorical wonder.
ISD went deep into the covers to pull out an absolute gem with “Kill Floor” by the criminally overlooked Galactic Cowboys. Keeping the progressive grooves riding high, they pulled “Time Again” by Asia out of the hat. The crowd clearly included a lot of Kansas fans as they made their way to the front for “Carry On Wayward Son.” Actually, the fans were pretty much up front the whole show, with a few kids from the next generation of heavy metal fans banging their heads to the delight of us old-guard metalheads. Imminent Sonic Destruction is putting the finishing touches on a new album (They jammed a super new tune called “Memento Mori”). Keep your eyes peeled for new music and more shows.
Soup Sandwich
The guitar duo known as Soup Sandwich held court on Middle Street. They played a fine mix of cover tunes that hit the spot for those who remember listening to their favorite songs on alt-rock radio. Before you think it was all Hootie and The Blowfish, they did drift back into the high-flying 60s with “Spooky” by the Classics IV.
Cash Is King
Paying tribute to the man in black, Cash Is King rocked the Palmer Commons with tunes by Johnny Cash. There was a nice crowd on hand relaxing in lawn chairs as the band kicked out one Cash hit after another. From “Big River” to “Get Rhythm,” Cash Is King offered a solid tribute.
Hudson North
If you want to see the next generation of musicians, the Clocktower Gazebo at Chelsea Sounds & Sights on Thursday nights is where it is. Tonight, I stumbled upon Hudson North. They are an indie rock band that leans towards heartfelt Americana. They have a penchant for melody, with expressively layered vocals taking center stage. While they are a young band, they have an ear for the classics while moving forward with their original music. It takes courage to put your music out for the world, yet Hudson North is fearless in their pursuit of honest and emotional music they can call theirs.
Pictures
Hit our gallery for more photos from Chelsea Sounds and Sights on Thursday Night, the July 11th edition, in our gallery.
Become A Supporter
We wholeheartedly invite you to join our Life In Michigan community. Your support is not just appreciated—it is vital. It is the lifeline that allows us to continue unveiling the unique and captivating narratives that paint Michigan in its true, vibrant colors. Whether you buy us a beer or choose to offer more sustained support via Substack, every contribution enriches our mission.
If our content resonates with you, we urge you to become ambassadors of our stories. Share our work on your social media or forward a link to someone who would appreciate it as much as you do. We are grateful for your support in every form. You breathe life into our cause and keep the spirit of Life in Michigan thriving.
Stay Connected
We’d love it if you’d like our Facebook page. Better yet, subscribe to our newsletter through Substack. Life In Michigan posts and our Sunday Sip Newsletter are delivered directly to your email. You can also find us on Instagram.
Cheers!
