Images: Dead Frets, Matt Salkeld & more August 17, 2013 at Hammer & Ales (Drunks Go Acoustic: Del Tourco)

Drunks Go Acoustic, the semi-annual collaborative tour between Dead Frets (Jared Stinson of Sic Waiting) and Matt Salkeld (formerly of Black Sails, Western Shores) hit Vegas’ Hammer & Ales Aug. 17, and as is expected for shows where the room is filled with friends, it was an amazing night showcasing great touring talent and some of Vegas’ best acoustic acts.

Oceanside CA’s Jared Stinson (Dead Frets) is a dynamic performer, capturing the attention of the audience, even those unfamiliar with his original songs (or his covers, which included an Ignite song that he previously played for us as part of our Stripped Down Session series and a No Use for a Name cover, in tribute to the late, great Tony Sly). Stinson peppers his set with jokes and audience interaction, while Matt Salkeld’s performances are always more subdued and intimate. Salkeld reminds me a lot of guys like Chris Wollard and Mike Hale, with his more subtle and earnest style.

The standout set of the night came from local headliner Brock Frabbiele, who toured as part of Drunks Go Acoustic 2012 and pulled double duty as the night’s bartender. The charismatic singer/songwriter invited friends up for a Revival Tour style jam session on a set mostly made up of covers – Against Me!’s “Pints Of Guinness Make You Strong,” Thrice’s “Phoenix Ignition” and Rancid’s “Olympia, WA“ – and Frabbiele-written staples like “Seize the Carp” had everyone in the bar singing along.

I’m always impressed by Lawn Mower Death Riders’ tight harmonies and impressive mandolin skills, and Mercy Music (aka Brendan Scholz) looked comfortable in his singer/songwriter seat, once again proving that he doesn’t need a band backing him to rock hard. He announced a split with fellow acoustic act No Red Alice (Sal Giordano) which I’m eager to hear.

Ex Holding Onto Sound bandmates Bob Gates and Zabi Naqshband opened the show, choosing to split their set time versus playing as a duo. This was my first time hearing Gates solo, decked out in a sweet Puig Destroyer shirt, and I was really impressed with how great he sounds. Naqshband’s acoustic bass performances are always a blast to see, and his gruff vocals have never sounded better. He played a few amazing new songs and I can’t wait to see what Naqshband and Gates have in store for us as they move on from Holding Onto Sound.

-Emily Matview | https://www.flickr.com/photos/holdfastnow/

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