Nov. 5, 2018

Last Friday was indeed First Friday but art was not all that was in store that night. Around the time the art walk was finishing up, The Dancing Dead took over the stage at Duffy’s Tavern. The local trio set the tone for a night of punk, post-metal, psych and “sad” rock. Their album Terminal(s) was released this past summer and is available on their Bandcamp.

Not one but two bands from Minneapolis came to town to play on Duffy’s stage on their mini tour. The first, Straya, a progressive, post-metal four-piece. With their EP, Two Faces, LP, Sobereyed, released this year, signed with the label Chain Letter Collective and touring.

For those who’ve been fans of the band’s previous work, here’s a little insight to the new album, courtesy of the band’s Facebook. “There are burst of black metal and abrupt cornet solos; abrasive synthesizers and a 28-guitar choir; extended ambient and death metal sections….”

Harakiri, took the stage next. Also from hailing from the Twin Cities and touring counterpart, this band is reminiscent of the 60s with their psychedelic rock mixed with complimentary spacey vibes. The group’s most recent LP, Alchemy Choir, sends chills up the spine with haunting vocals and instrumental that make one feel like they’re floating. Listen to the single “Morii.” Both Straya and Harakiri are not to be missed when they come to town.

Ending the night, another Lincoln favorite, The Ambulanters. The band had a busy weekend bringing their “sad rock” to Duffy’s on Friday and again at The Bay on Saturday. These four are a well-known name in the Lincoln music scene, for those of you who are new here, go see them play at their next show in town. Or join them on tour, they will be playing in Sioux Falls, SD, on November 9 and in Rock Island, IL, on November 12. In the meantime, listen to some of their album, Leave The House.

More photos from November’s First Friday:

Holly Barr, Kayla Solorzano and Brittany Ward are multimedia interns with KZUM.