Images: Code Orange Kids, Caravels, Frameworks, Unfair Fight, Alaska December 2, 2013 at Eagle Aerie Hall

Had this Monday night show started on time, Alaska would have played in front of six kids, not including myself. So the fact that most people (including a band mate) were running late, definitely ended up working out for everyone. After killing considerable time idling outside and making food runs, seven o’clock finally came creeping up and Alaska instructed the crowd to move closer for their intimate set. I’ve probably tried to describe Alaska’s live show in every way imaginable, and if you’re on this site, chances are you’ve had the pleasure of watching these dudes, so I’ll just leave you with this advice: Go see them. Every time.

Unfortunately an important phone call meant I had to miss almost all of Unfair Fight’s set, so next up for me was Frameworks, a band that will be blowing up in no time. They’re incredible. A couple of weeks before the show I was lucky enough to stumble upon their Bandcamp page, and subsequently their new Split EP with Prawn, Kitty Hawk, and Droughts. Everything they have is great, and the way they blend melodies with inescapable intensity is seriously beautiful. They began their set by showcasing a few new tracks, all of which seemed to fit right into their catalog of heavy, intricate songs. Wherever those songs surface, make sure you get them. Frameworks capped off their time with a powerful rendition of “Ida” and an even better performance of their crown jewel, “Old Chokes.” This is definitely a band to keep both eyes on, as 2014 is looking to be their year.

The best band to come out of Vegas, aside from Panic! At The Disco (kidding), was next. Caravels’ Lacuna came out in March, and I can probably count the days I haven’t listened to it on one hand. It’s just too good.  I think Caravels understands how to command a room with a performance. They have a way of mesmerizing crowds with their long melodic lulls and thunderous heavy parts. “Tangled” and “Hanging Off” are both awesome live, but “Hundred Years” more or less stole the show, just like always. Definitely looking forward to their next gig.

Last but far from least was Code Orange Kids, one of the heaviest bands around. This was to be my first encounter with them in a live setting, which from what I’d heard, was something I couldn’t miss. Well, their set ended up being a blur in the best way possible. The pit was too inviting. They played some stuff off of Love is Love // Return To Dust and some stuff off of Cycles, and it couldn’t have been more fun. There is a reason Every Time I Die and Letlive took this band out on tour, go check them out.

–Felipe Garcia

Photos by Hunter Wallace | https://www.flickr.com/photos/hunter_wallace/