Heads up, there's a new beer in town. Independence Brewing Company opened its doors to the public Saturday night in what it hopes will be a new tradition: a monthly showcase of independent music. Its first "Draft Sessions" took place within the brewery, and what a sight it was. The giant loft-like space was completely cleared out except for a full stage for the bands to perform on in front of the giant, colorfully-lit vats of beer.
Located in the very back of an office park in South Austin, IBC is off the beaten path - almost to the point of being hidden. During the 20 minutes I spent driving around the neighborhood looking for it, I realized that this party would either be full of the hip, "in the know" crowd, or it would be completely empty. Turns out it was the former. The space was cool, both the amber and the wheat beers were tasty and the DJs were solid. There was quite a diverse turnout, too: bearded hipsters in those army snow caps with the little bills mingled with what must have been someone's parents. There was even a lovable dog - no doubt the host's; he seemed right at home and wandered wherever he pleased.
The bands certainly entertained. Foot Foot's energy could power a small village. Their genre-defying set included lots of high jinx: random banter ("If you ever get caught breaking into someone's house, just act sexy!"), a "Revenge of the Nerds" rap and lead singer Brian Lawhorn, dressed as a devil, ended up in the crowd more than once.
The eight members of Clap! Clap! (are you noticing a trend here?) rocked the proverbial house with their '80s-inspired music. They're an unconventional band - as you might guess, clapping plays a big part in their sound; as you might not guess, so does a woodblock. As for their music, Clap! Clap! started off sounding like they could tour with the Killers and ended up reminding me of the Hot Hot Heat show I went to last year - in a good way. A very good way.
Independence Brewery is a suitable place for a small rock show like "Draft Sessions," but they didn't seem prepared for the turnout. There was only one unisex bathroom and two guys at the taps; it was a pretty packed house, so most people spent the evening watching the bands from the lines they were waiting in. But if they can get a grip on those two issues, so people can stand around drinking the beer rather than waiting in line for it, this will be a monthly show that I'll certainly be marking on my calendar. I just hope they put up a sign next time.
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