Photo credit: Jose Camargo
If you weren't at Shea Stadium this past weekend, I feel sorry for you, since Turf War and Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires kicked ass. You have to be happy for a band like Turf War, a bunch of boys from Atlanta who have come so far. Two years ago, the band could have counted the number of people at their Brooklyn Bowl set on one hand; thankfully, that wasn't the case Saturday night. Turf War wasted no time heating things up, running through a catalogue of blindsiding rockers worthy of the bigger stages they have recently played like New Orleans' Voodoo Fest. When it comes to impressing New York, the band knows just what to do. Why else would Governors Ball, CMJ, and Northside Festival have booked them in recent years?
Although the band has gone from a five-piece to a four, Turf War still brings the same punch, and almost makes you wonder why they ever needed another guitarist in the first place. To the certain industry type spotted in the crowd, why the hell has it taken you so long to get on board with this band? Better late than never.
Afterwards, Alabama's leading rock band brought things to a whole new level. You listen to a band like Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires and you wonder why every band can't sound like this. Then you remember it's because so many musicians are hung up on delving into the latest trends—but not these guys.
By sticking to a basic formula of rock 'n' roll that highlights elements of both gospel and R&B, Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires stand out from today's insipidness. Sub Pop doesn't just sign any band: This is a no-frills rock band. I've seen a ton of shows at Shea Stadium, and never before have 50-year-old men ventured to this DIY space in Brooklyn. Be sure to check out Lee Bains III & The Glory Fires—your new favorite band.