Images: Last Call (acoustic), Cody Kettner August 2, 2011 at Zia East

The first week in August found local pop punk band Last Call playing two release shows for their Mightier Than Sword debut Stay on the Outside. I made it out to the first show, an acoustic showcase at Zia Records. The band hasn’t played many acoustic sets in the past, thriving more in the energy provided by the full band, electric set up but the guys did well here, even if they did seem more than a little nervous. But behind the nervousness their humbleness shined through, with the band constantly thanking the friends and family who came out to support them on their big day (and hey, it was an early show so fans with early day commitments tomorrow were able to show their support). If you want to hear more LC acoustic, be sure to check out the bonus track on SOTO.

Original Last Call vocalist Cody Kettner opened the show, giving a nice nod to the band’s past and showing anyone who thought there might be animosity between the original incarnation of the band and the Austin Jeffers-fronted version that everyone is still on great terms. Kettner’s solo stuff had an obvious religious influence in the lyrics, outside of his cover of Taylor Swift’s “You Belong To Me,” played reluctantly due to the demand of the crowd.

If you missed the show you can watch Emily’s video of the entire LC acoustic performance.

-Emily Matview

-Tyler Newton | http://500px.com/spottedlens