Not In the Face! Plays Wednesday Night at Antone’s
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Nothing beats the element of surprise. Case in point: A matter of judging before listening when it comes to Austin-based Southern-fried rock duo Not In the Face! – which is exactly what happened to the guys on their recent tour.
Frontman Jonathan Terrell shared the story with me recently: He and drummer Wes Cargal were getting ready to play one evening, opening for a heavy metal band – typically not for the faint of heart. The metal band’s gear was already spread about the stage – presumably a slightly extravagant affair that most likely included numerous guitars, guitar pedals and stacked amps that would trigger earthquakes. A couple of the metal band dudes were slightly taken aback when they discovered a mere duo was opening their show. Their attitude: “Really? Two people? That’s it?” They were less than impressed. How on earth could a two-person band possibly hold their own in a show where high volumes and over-the-top vocals were the expected fare of the evening? Preposterous.
Terrell’s and Cargal’s reaction: Whatever.
After Not In the Face! played their set and wowed the crowd with some serious face-melting rock, the metal band guys were picking their jaws up from the ground and eating their words. Sure, it wasn’t metal, but it was loud, proud and very good. Guitar and drums are all Not In the Face! needs. It may be lo-fi, but that doesn’t take away from the explosiveness of the impact or the quality of the music. Let it be known that Terrell and Cargal are an unstoppable force in redneck rock ‘n’ roll, slinging the sort of blues-influenced grit and grime that sets off some major hillbilly headbangin’. And there’s plenty of room for melody and classic pop sounds in the whole deal.
Be sure to catch Not In the Face! Wednesday night at Antone’s, 213 W. 5th St. Roxy Roca and The Janes are also on the bill. Doors open at 8 p.m. And bring the earplugs – this here’s the real thing. Recommended.
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