Images: Keyes, Matthew Fitzpatrick of My Iron Lung (acoustic), InReflect., Alaska, Macario Gutierrez (acoustic) January 26, 2013 at Yayo Taco

I was back at Yayo Taco Jan. 26 for the first time in what seemed like months to check out Matthew Fitzpatrick of My Iron Lung play an acoustic set as well as to catch some great local and touring bands.

I’d seen Fitzpatrick play acoustic before, but this time he changed it up, opting to go with the guttural scream he uses with My Iron Lung, creating an interesting contrast with the more subdued, acoustic style. Technical problems caused a shortened set and thinned out the crowd a little but those that stayed were treated to two MIL tracks including the excellent “Family Traits” (which he played for our Stripped Down Session series before the show which will be up shortly) and ended with a Pedro the Lion cover.

Fitzpatrick was on tour supporting southern California ambient, post-hardcore band Keyes, which I’d heard great things about but hadn’t actually listened to until that night. I was thoroughly impressed with the band. They have a touch of the 90s indie emo revival that bands like Empire Empire have popularized, mixed with emotional hardcore vocals and an energetic performance. I’ll definitely be keeping my ears open for them from now on, and hoping they come back through Vegas soon.

Local experimental hardcore band Alaska put on a great set as always and InReflect. bookended the show, with vocalist Macario Gutierrez opening up with an acoustic set and the full band closing out the night

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