‘The Learned Astronomer’ steals the show
As Editor-in-Chief of The Signal newspaper and a full-time student enrolled in five courses, I have a pretty hectic schedule. Last Thursday, Sept. 3, I decided to take a break and go see a local band at Scout Bar. Their name is The Learned Astronomer and they blew my mind!
I used to follow lots of local bands when I was in high school and it was nice to go see a local band again and show my support for my friends. It turns out, they already have a strong following. I soon found out that the band won first place at Clash of The Bands for University of Houston.
For all the other bands, everyone sat down in their chairs quietly mouthing the words, bobbing their heads and sipping their drinks. When The Learned Astronomer took the stage everyone got out of their seats and stood in the front row. Once the band started playing their first song, the fans started to dance and to sing the lyrics along with the vocalist.
Personally, I think if The Doors and Minus the Bear had a music baby, it would be Learned Astronomer. They have progressive and blues-y sound. Their influences include Led Zeppelin, The Strokes and Explosions in the Sky.
It was amazing to go to a show where the band is truly happy to be playing their music and having fun on stage. Their energy lit up the room and you could see the excitement on their fans’ faces. The crowd was singing and dancing. The band was feeding off of their energy and projecting it back to them. I don’t know if it was the band, the bourbon, the fact that I was actually able to be social that night or all the elements combined but I couldn’t wipe the smile off of my face.
The band’s Facebook states, they are “five guys from the dirty waters of Clear Lake who got sick of the radio.” The band consists of vocalist Chris Rivera, Rich Zienty on drums, bassist Brad Doremus and two guitarists Kevin Bradbury and Austin Kiser.
Kiser states that they “decided to start making music together while having some beers at Molly’s Pub in clear lake.” Five months after that talk, they began recording their first demo.
I feel that we have so many local bands that play in the Clear Lake Area but they don’t get enough support. Maybe it is because we never know when or where they are playing shows. Maybe it’s the location or time. If we don’t go out and support local bands, then we will continue to hear the same crap that is on the radio today. You never know, they could be the next big thing.
Listen to “The Desire Demo” on Soundcloud
Upcoming Shows:
Rudyards on September 17th
Molly’s Pub (Clear Lake) Benefit- Sept 26, 1 – 6 p.m.
