missed. Halden Vang is a three piece retro relevant band from the Charlotte region. So far their only release is an Ep entitled, ‘How About Now?’ and yet they only played a few pieces from that release. Initial equipment issues tore into their stage time, yet recovering from that, they quickly slammed into the title cut from the Ep. Getting away from their bluesy sound, they presented more of a hard rock side. Though most of the pieces they played weren’t known, they’re so well written and catchy that they had the crowd singing along. I swear there were more people in the place and up front watching them than there had been for any of the other three bands that night. Anxiously awaiting what I hope will be a full album release from Halden Vang, if the material presented is an example of what’s down the line, I look forward to hearing whatever they come up with next. Wayland takes their name from where they’re from: Wayland, Michigan. Truly a touring band and even though they’ve been through the area extensively, this is only the second time I’ve seen them live. The first time was at the beginning of this tour, from which it seems they’ll never stop – and that’s a good thing. Maybe they wouldn’t agree with that, yet what I’ve seen is a band that started off being comfortable on stage and has only improved in the months since I’d seen them. Wayland is on the heavier end of the hard rock spectrum whose influences come through in their music, yet blend beautifully - everything from Led Zeppelin to Megadeth with heavy influences of Grand Funk Railroad and more modern fare like Seether and Buckcherry are present in their songs. Wayland’s work ethic is strong and reveals their Midwest roots, and the best part is that the music holds up just as strongly. Their performance at the Rabbit Hole was one not to miss, featuring and emphasizing the strength of their live show. All in all, it was a great night of music, a gathering of great friends and all for an almost ironic, yet very important cause. Water for those in a flood? Of course! They need to drink, right? -Stan Cocheo / All Photos by Hannah Lee Photography
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