Only Beast * Ex-Optimists * Uprising

Rudyard’s presents Only Beast * Ex-Optimists * Uprising.

Only Beast (Houston, TX)
http://www.facebook.com/OnlyBeast

Sometimes people say things about Only Beast. Here are some of those things:

“Of course, one of the more impressive three pieces in Houston, Only Beast will bring their Sleater Kinney meets Yeah Yeah Yeahs sound to the show after Kirby. If you haven’t seen Only Beast, I’d seriously suggest catching them, as they have such a magnetic energy, that you’re mesmerized by their stage presence. Their singer Danielle Renèe might be one of the strongest vocalists in Houston that you’ll hear in a long time.” – David Garrick, Free Press Houston

“Houston’s Only Beast are a fascinating band, combining elements of post-punk, progressive rock, and goth rock into a sound all their own, with vocalist Danielle Renee wailing atop the mélange like a 21st century Siouxsie Sioux.” – Kelly Minnis, 979 Represent

“Only Beast has a great sound and are true professionals. This makes them a credit to Houston rock and any lineup they are on.” – Debrah Skelton, Red Publication

“I stumbled across Only Beast simply because of their name and instantly became enamored of their dynamic and incredible front woman Danielle Renee, and the sheer raw power of the rock and roll that comes pouring out of her throat. Let’s turn our attention now to another key ingredient […] drummer John Salinas. The man is like some sort of ordered chaos who beats up and down the sides of songs in a whirlwind of rhythm that always feels like its on the verge of falling apart, the way a death-defying trapeze act does. It never falls, though.” – Jef With One F, Houston Press

“Only Beast – friends have raved about ‘em for a while now […] their blues-tinged prog-rock is pretty damn mesmerizing, especially with frontwoman Danielle on the mic. Definitely going to have to hear more …” – Jeremy Hart, Space City Rock

“An explosive mix of stripped-down, no nonsense punk, melodic rock, and blues. Their live performances are sure to melt your face off, make your ears bleed, and give your musical soul the nitrous-oxide high it was looking for.”- Nathan Hudgins

“Anti-matter in leprous hands. They will summon demons and use them as coffee tables to prop their feet on.”- Stephan B. Wyatt

The Ex-Optimists (College Station, TX)
https://www.facebook.com/theexoptimists

“I’m honestly kicking myself now for not listening to this sooner. College Station band The Ex-Optimists have been on repeat in my headphones for a while now, drowning me in a turbulent squall of Sonic Youth guitars, driving ’90s indie-drone-rock melodies, and hazy, softspoken vocals, and I’m enjoying the hell out of it.

On “Nitemare City,” the guitars are watery and sharp-edged in equal measure, drifting around you like psychically-controlled knives that periodically dart in to gouge out a chunk of your flesh. In the meantime, frontman Kelly Minnis serenely murmurs and croons like he’s already lost in the swirling murk; that is, until the whole damn thing explodes in a ball of fury partway through before coalescing back into its more stable previous state. The closest thing I can come up with is Houston’s own Muhammad Ali, except that this quartet sounds like they’re fueled less by beer and more by green, leafy substances.

Then there’s B-side “February,” which dives sideways into nearly Dinosaur Jr., quick-stepping along through an insanely-catchy melody while the overfuzzed guitars set fire to the scenery. Occasionally feels like I’m listening to a rougher-edged Silversun Pickups — there’s definitely a hazy, shoegaze quality to it, beneath the out-and-out noise. “- Space City Rock

Uprising (San Antonio, TX)
http://www.theuprisingrocks.com/

“Best New Band” – The Falls 6th Annual San Antonio Music Awards

Nominated for: “Best Rock/Alternative Band” and “Best Guitarist” – The Falls San Antonio Music Awards

“What I saw was raw potential. They have a great energy on stage and have a hungry, eager attitude – exactly what I love about new bands!…They are well on their way!”  – Dee Guillemette, Edge Magazine