Some young punk rock bands often derive from the era that they emerge from. Microwave take this derivation a step further and develop a similar base of ’00s lyrical themes coupled with impressive instrumentation. On November 8, a small crowd gathered around the dark stage at Bottom of the Hill to watch Microwave open up for a quadruple header of bands.
The band had a 30-minute set that felt too short altogether just as most powerful openers’ sets do. Most of it was made up of essential tracks from the band’s first album, Stovall (2014). They played “but not often,” off their newer split EP with Head North from Bad Timing Records. The set offered excellent representations of Microwave’s ability to enthrall the audience with clear cut, crisp guitar riffs and chords driving each song. Nathan Hardy did not however showcase close to any of his vocal ability; the surprisingly soft spoken frontman’s microphone was potted so low that it seemed as if the band was doing an instrumental set. The penetrating strength of every screaming confession fell entirely flat. This did, however, allow for the band’s musical genius to ensue, while circumventing parts of the lyrics that you roll your eyes at when you hear the album (but honestly, who doesn’t love screaming along to lyrics about dumpster diving?).
Microwave continue their tour with Have Mercy through to late November and are venturing deep into the heart of the south from taverns to back alley theaters until they make it back home to Atlanta.
Article by Arnav Chaturvedi