The Wrong Reasons, Girls Guns and Glory
Jake's Bar and Grille in Providence, RI
May 24, 2008

People were trickling in like a leaky faucet as Girls Guns and Glory took the stage. This is the fewest amount of people I've seen at Jake's with the exception of Sunday brunches when I'd visit my friend, Holly. I was very surprised that there weren't more people at the show, but that didn't stop the band from playing a tremendous set full of a sad and heartfelt energy. Dressed to the nines in their Grand Ole Opry styled shirts, they had a country rock and roll energy pouring out of them like a just fixed faucet. Whether they were playing slower ballads or more upbeat numbers, they had ensnared the attention of the auidience, even with a Boston Celtics game hovering on the television, daring people to watch (I'd take a peek at the score in between songs and watched slightly more when things got tight in the fourth quarter). They had an onstage flair that got a few people on the dance floor, including a couple girls that looked like they were dancing at an old school sock hop.

I was most impressed with the drumming and the vocals. Drummer Johnny Surprises (who looks an awful lot of Ed Helms) constantly kept things interesting and tight. He had a lot of great fills and was the driving force of the band, controlling the energy level and keeping it high. Wade Hayden's vocals, sincere and with intensity, was the highlight of their set, and his hair looked similar to Jerry Lee Lewis. He's got a great voice, fitting perfectly with the style of music they play, and the vocals seemed to flow effortlessly out of his mouth as they played some songs off their new album, Inverted Valentine, and some older songs from albums I just found out exsisted.

If there is one thing The Wrong Reasons can do, its bring dozens of really pretty girls to their show, or at least this one. They can also play a great style of country that has an old jailed rebel sound to it. A three piece band with no bassist and a drummer that looked like he should be playing in a tough guy hardcore band, The Wrong Reasons had a burning energy and desire on stage. Their singer's voice was something to marvel at as he led the band with a beer fueled swoon. The music had a desperation to it that wasn't quite like other bands tackling the style. Even though I left early in hopes of getting a night of sleep instead of wasting another day away, I was highly impressed with this band. I always ended up missing them previously when they played; something that is soon going to change.

Written by: RF
BACK