Ptarmigan started the night with an infectious brand of catchy-yet-plaintive indie rock. The Columbia based power trio strutted and gyrated their way through a mix of older tracks and new offerings. The band is currently wrapping up recording their second full-length album, which is set to release in mid-March (their first is titled “Our Ancient Friends”).

 

The boys opened with “Hydroelectric Power Commission: Fear Holds Us Back,” which displayed an unusual ability to compliment catchy melodies with enough breathing room for them to flourish. A start-and-stop verse rides into a reverb-laden chorus, as lead singer Evan Walton's wavering vocals are drenched in reverb and supported by Peter Marting's gritty guitar. Walton's deliberately trembling vibrato is reminiscent of Wayne Coyne, while managing to be more emotive than the comparison might imply.

 

As the Generationals took the stage, a sizable crowd began to fill in and buzzed with anticipation. The five-piece offered an innocent brand of indie rock with a surfy do-wop twist. Their gentle vocals and tinny guitar riffs are reminiscent of a classic American pop sound of the ‘60s, with a more contemporary core.

 

When the band started the opening chords of “When They Fight, They Fight,” the crowd erupted in recognition. Their biggest hit to date features everything that's great about the band: a joyous disposition, easy-going vocals and a toe-tapping rhythm. The song would not be out of place in an Apple commercial. Indeed, it was hard to not sway a little and think of ice cream trucks on hot summer afternoons. | Glen Elkins