It's rather uncommon for me to go to a rock show and have my expectations surpassed, but that's exactly what happened last night at Mercy Lounge in Nashville, Tennessee. The long wait for Pico vs Island Trees latest Nashville show was amply rewarded by milestone performances by all three bands. Summoning the words to describe just what I witnessed is like trying to recall the details of a dream. Pleasing me is a difficult thing to do, but these three Nashville bands made child's play of it....

"The Winter Sounds" kicked the show off right, with "The Others", a haunting and melodic tune that commandingly transformed the 'Lounge into a party. The 'Sounds played six more songs, quite masterfully, and proved to me that they have a firm grasp of their talent, and have cemented their legacy of rock music.

The Winter Sounds took me places I have never truly been. They made me feel as if I was in Europe, particularly Ireland, listening to eclectic music so good, I had a subconscious fear I'd never hear it again. Thank god they were kind enough also to sell me a home-burned disc of their latest release for the cash I had in my pocket. ($3!!!!)

They earned themselves a Teradyme profile, containing a little more personal info and media related to the band and that wonderful night I met them, which is forthcoming in the next few weeks. Look for them in the "Nashville Talent" section of the menu soon, and also, in the next 20-30 days, I'll be collecting the data for their Wikipedia page. (WRVUnibomber is a very busy person- I have a few to do beforehand)

"Kindercastle" followed, opening their set with "Truth and the confidence", and once again, I was shocked to be so pleased by the evenings' musical offerings. Kindercastle played a generous 9 song set, keeping the energy level high with an elated, oblivious fervor that betrayed their modesty. With a blend of styles ranging from 40's jazz/big band, to 80's arena rock, these guys captivated the audience, and earned their place in Teradyme.

Ross and Cody of Kindercastle are slight of physical stature, and you have to hear them to believe the power they wield onstage. Their music is genuine, and despite how much I and the crowd loved it, I don't think anyone loves it as much as they themselves do, and it showed in their stellar performance.

It is inevitable that Kindercastle are to become the next on my list of Teradyme bands which create real music from within themselves, that has no equal.

Look for their Teradyme profile and Wikipedia page, which they so richly deserve, soon.

At this point in the evening I noticed how unusually pleasant it had been waiting for Pico vs Island Trees, something I typically dread impatiently. Pico is the band I came out to see, and I can honestly say that once again, they outdid themselves with a twelve song set including the well loved hits "Call Call Call", "Take it Witchu", "Sugar Rush" and my personal favorite, "Open Doors". I heard one or two songs I have never heard from them before, so I assume they have been writing on the road, and we can be expecting some new releases from these guys very soon.

As well as playing eleven of their own songs, Pico's rendition of Billy Joel's "Moving Out" was astounding! That is my personal favorite Billy Joel song and the guys played it as if they wrote it. A sax player was in attendance and they nailed the song, making the night a truly memorable one for all in attendance.

When Pico plays, it is a most intimate experience. I'm not certain whether they "make music" any more or less than they "make love" with the crowd. Their shows are truly magical and I am deeply honored to have made their acquaintance, and to be able to support them. Their Wikipedia page is the first on my list (yet to be assembled), and more information about this and other Pico shows can be found in their Teradyme profile.