Bands of the Month – Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio’s music scene is thriving. The people who live here know it, and the ones who don’t will soon. This may sound like a threat, but it’s not — just advice. I can feel in my soul that Columbus will be the next big music city, right up there with Seattle and Nashville. We’re not trying to mimic what those cities were able to do; we are something all of our own. The bands out of Columbus are an absolute force that brings an extraordinary amount of life into the night throughout the city.

I cannot get enough of the music coming from the intimate local venues that call this great city home. Over the past month, I have seen some performances that are up there with arena-level acts. Their energy, their stage presence, and the fans that attend their shows are all of the highest quality. Without further ado, here are the bands of the month out of Columbus, Ohio.

Tango Moms

I went to see Tango Moms at Rumba Cafe at the beginning of the month/end of March. Made up of Preston Budd (rhythm guitar/vocals), Jon Coonlead (guitar), Austin Crist (drums), and Ben Gordon (bass guitar), these four dudes know how to put on a show. They were decked out in 1980s neon workout clothes and ready to party. Their performance was not at all what I was expecting based on their recorded stuff, and I mean that in the best way possible. Their intensity and stamina matched a young Richard Simmons but with the vibes of Frank Zappa. A healthy mix of alternative rock and power pop anthems help create a unique sound that truly comes alive during their live shows.

You’ll dig Tango Moms if you like – Animal Collective, Modest Mouse, Catfish and the Bottlemen My Favorite Tracks – “Outta Town” – “IDC“ – “Sweet Talk”

The Cordial Sins

I saw The Cordial Sins back in August at Bellwether Festival and had no idea that they were from Columbus. This female-fronted group has been part of my go-to playlists for nearly a year, so you can imagine how dumb I felt when I found out they were part of CBUS. Their performance at Bellwether was one of my favorite sets of the weekend, so when I found that out they were local I had to go see them again. They opened for Foals the other night for CD102.5 FM Day at Express Live, and as expected their show was killer. Frontwoman Liz Fischer’s vocals are powered by an unknown source of pure ferocity that runs through your body and awakens your soul. Lead guitarist Corey Dickerson shreds with the best of them and has one of the best “solo faces” I have ever seen.

You’ll dig The Cordial Sins if you like – Slothrust, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Wolf Alice My Favorite Tracks – “Go On” – “Sick of the Hype” – “Overboard”

Tourist Trap

Tourist Trap’s music is a healthy blend of surf rock, punk rock, and alternative with a splash of blues. The band dubs their genre as “Rock ‘n’ roll porch punk,” which has been a running joke within the band. These guys are far beyond ever playing on a porch; their live show could barely be contained by the walls of The Shrunken Head. Their uniquely Columbus mix of genres truly sets them apart from other bands throughout the state. While they may consider themselves a bar band, anyone who sees them play can attest that they are born and bred rock stars.

You’ll dig Tourist Trap if you like – Sublime, Cage the Elephant, Minus the Bear My Favorite Tracks – “Cinerello” – “Waco” – “Detour”

Snarls

Snarls creates music for people like me, people who had trouble finding their spot in the world and who have felt the loneliness that comes with being a weird teenager. They take those strange feelings and turn them into thriving pop-rock tracks that you can’t help but dance to. Made up of three women and one dude, this band knows how to enjoy themselves while playing the music that goes right into your heart. They currently only have one EP released on Apple Music, and I cannot wait for a full-length album.

You’ll dig Snarls if you like – Middle Kids, Sleigh Bells, Garbage My Favorite Tracks – “Lonely” – “Plain Jane”

Miller and the Hunks

Oh man, how the hell can I explain Miller and the Hunks while still sounding like I know what I’m talking about? Frontman Colin Miller easily has one of the most uncommon but aesthetically pleasing voices I have ever heard; it’s like motor oil mixed with whiskey. A mix of alternative, punk, and experimental rock is delivered on a silver platter served with raw lamb chops. This probably doesn’t make sense, but trust me, if you see them live and listen to them, it will. They rock and they make you feel. Go see them immediately.

You’ll dig Miller and the Hunks if you like – The Talking Heads, Primus, Leonard Cohen My Favorite Tracks – “Sailor Johnny’s” – “Gravity” – “Purely Sexual”

I Want to See Your Band

Are you a musician based out of Columbus, Ohio? Well, I want to see you play and hear your music so I can share your music with our fans. Please email me john.ferreira@musicfestnews.com and let me know about any upcoming shows you have. I can’t promise that I will make it, but I will sure do my best. I hope to hear from you soon!

Tango Moms

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The Cordial Sins

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Tourist Trap

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Snarls

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Miller and the Hunks