The Walbournes Electrify at The Evening Muse

This past Saturday night “the” place to be for live music was one of Charlotte’s best and coolest venues, The Evening Muse, as up and coming alternative rockers The Walbournes played to a near-capacity crowd. The show was well-promoted and I was happy to see a crowd both inside and outside as I walked over to the Muse. For those of you unfamiliar with the venue, it is a staple of the Charlotte music scene and its owner Joe Kuhlmann has long been a supporter of local and regional acts of all genres. On any given night, you might catch some bluegrass, hip-hop, top-notch singer/songwriters, or as in this case, a rock show that will shake the very foundations of the venue’s brick walls. Ticket prices are normally very affordable as are the drink prices at the bar so be sure to check their schedule and get to a show, stat!

Now, on to the music. Kicking off the evening was a set from Greensboro area rockers The Eccentrics. It was my first time catching them live, so I had no clue what to expect. The band hit the stage led by lead vocalist Kyle Parsons and what came next was amazing. Guitarist Joseph Flais is an amazing talent and Kyle was all over the stage showcasing not only his vocal skills but his showmanship as well. This is a band to add to your must-see list. They have a show tomorrow at the Pour House in Raleigh. Go ahead and see what I’m talking about.

After a very quick change over, it was time for The Walbournes to make their mark on the Queen City music scene. The band has been on my radar since early 2020 when I first saw them perform. They’ve got a great grungy, alternative-rock vibe and I was eager to hear their latest music. Hot off the heels of the release of their new single “Breakdown,” the band was pumped and ready to go! The level of energy and excitement throughout the venue was palpable. The last year and a half have been tough on everyone, most especially those involved in the music industry, and this night was a night to celebrate its return in fine fashion. What better way to do it than with The Walbournes?

The band has grown from a trio to a four-piece with the addition of guitarist Colin Moser who was making his first live appearance with the band. Led by lead vocalist and guitarist Trey Spears, The Walbournes attacked the stage like never before quickly starting things out with “All Alone.” The band sounded fantastic and were having a ton of fun with their performance. When the band is having a great time, the audience usually does too and tonight was no exception. Everyone was getting into the music and letting loose all that pent-up energy. Moser was a force to be reckoned with on the guitar while Helms and Buchanan provided a rock-solid backbone. Spears is a joy to watch on stage with charisma and personality that shines through every move he makes. As usual, the sound and lighting at the Muse were spot on. There was a lot of head-banging rocking out and a few moments of levity as well. The show was interrupted briefly when a fan and friend of the band asked if Moser was Daniel Moser’s son, but Trey took it all in stride laughing and telling him the two of them could talk after the show. It was one of those funny show moments that make for a memorable evening and a story that The Walbournes could tell to future generations many, many years from now.

A highlight of the set was getting to hear “Breakdown” live and in person. It’s a great track and reminds me of some sort of hybrid mix of Foo Fighters and Soundgarden. Go ahead and stream this now as it’s a song you will definitely want to add to your playlist. What a show! The Walbournes came to rock our asses off and that is precisely what they did. You can see The Walbournes next at the Skylark Social Club on September 18th as they support headliners The Eccentrics along with Fortezza. Stay tuned to social media for more updates!

As I made my way back to my car, I thought long and hard about this incredible night of music. People talk about these huge rock festivals and iconic bands coming to town, but there is a plethora of superb talent right here at our back door. Do yourself a favor and check out your local scene. Support a locally owned venue and go see a local band for the first time. You never know when you might find yourself at one of these shows with a band that becomes the next big thing. Treat yourself to great music and make some great memories.