Images: Weatherbox, Caravels, 1819, Brock Frabbiele February 7, 2013 at Yayo Taco

The first time I saw Weatherbox was on the Strip last year for the O’Sheas closing party on St. Patrick’s Day. The crowd was as mixed as Strip crowds for free shows get, so I was happy that this time, it was the more intimate Yayo Taco that would play host to the San Diego band.

Brock Frabbiele, usually the co-frontman for TheCore., began the night by playing an acoustic set on his sweet guitar and tossing a few awesome covers into the mix. Usually Yayo Taco crowds don’t swell up until around the third act but Brock’s raspy voice and acoustic riffs brought out a decent crowd, and he provoked more than a few sing-alongs. My favorite songs in his set were “I’m Done” and the surprisingly upbeat “Cuz Happy Songs Suck.” After his set was over he informed everyone that a band named 1819 was up next and I remember thinking to myself, “…who?”

1819 is a three-piece instrumental band featuring two members of local pop-punk band Narrowed. In the span of around twenty-five minutes they managed to reel off songs that not only showcased both their collective and individual musicianship but also spanned just about every kind of genre. There were funk moments followed by punk ones then metal ones and so on. After just one song you got the sense that they meant business. Their set never sounded jumbled or disorganized (which is a common pitfall of jam bands) and every instrument was clear for all to hear. They said they’ve only been a band for a few months and I’m excited to see more from them because they are talented, young, original, and flat out good.

San Diego’s Weatherbox and local heroes Caravels have plenty of material under their belt and showed a good chunk of it off to a committed crowd. It was around 10 p.m. when Weatherbox took the floor and head-banged so hard their hats were falling off. I love this band. They’re original and talented, sounding like a healthy mix of ten different alternative, indie and rock bands. Had the night ended with their set, I would have been happy enough, but the 11 p.m. treat of a Caravels set took this show to another level. I don’t want to waste your time, just go listen to this band and go see them play live the very next time you can. Always incredible.

– Felipe Garcia

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