Local Atlanta concerts tend to be an excuse to drink and hang with friends, meaning socializing usually takes a front seat to the music. Saturday night’s concert at Vinyl was a refreshing turn in the tide with most of the audience’s eyes glued to the stage instead of shouting over the music to share their weekend plans with friends. Nashville’s The Four Kicks started the night off with their pop rock songs, Ponderosa kicked the night into overdrive and The Bridges closed it out.
Commanding the stage with just his guitar and clear tenor voice, lead singer Kalen Nash started off Ponderosa’s set solo with the band later rushing on stage to join him. The strong turnout of local fans filled Vinyl’s walls, and Ponderosa never let the audience’s attention waiver. Even when drummer Darren Dodd ran offstage to replace his kick pedal, Nash and the gang turned their instrumental interlude into a jam session, while Dodd fixed his kit. Hits “Devil On My Shoulder,” “I Don’t Mind,” and “Got No Time To Waste” showcased the group’s raw, honest talent, as well as displaying their energetic, hold nothing back performance style.
The Bridges closed out the night performing hits off of their new album "Limits of the Sky." Stylish as ever, the quintet played their catchy folksy pop hits “Pieces,” “All the Words,” and many others. However, their set felt more like a cool down after the whirlwind workout Ponderosa gave the crowd. There is no denying the mass appeal of The Bridges and their songs, but their usual well honed, laid back style felt almost stiff in comparison to the band before them.
Call it middle child (or set) syndrome, but whether they wanted to or not, Ponderosa stole the show and spotlight from who many would’ve thought was the favorite.
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