Sunday, September 18, 2022

The Way Outs and the Psyatics at Red Dwarf, Saturday Sept 17, 2022

 

The Red Dwarf (named either for the British SciFi/Sitcom or the type of star) is one of Vegas' latest bars/music venues with a sorta tiki/nautical theme, Detroit-styled pizza and various, reasonably priced drinks. While I saw some friends, 16 Again, from LA play here a little while ago, it's taken the Psyatics a little time to get a show set up here, but we finally did.

Rob managed to get the Way Outs to open the night, who are a kinda offshoot of Big Like Texas (or it is the other way around?) doing instrumental surf music. A basic two guitar/bass/drums combo with fine players all around, nice guitar interaction, some cool effects, including a keyboard emulator, and a fun set list. Lots of classic surf tunes - "Apache", "Penetration", "Pipeline", "Walk Don't Run", "Diamond Head", "Surf Rider", etc. - were mixed in with traditional sounding originals and the occasional oddity such as a cover of a Shadowy Men From a Shadowy Planet cut! There seems to be room for more surf music in Vegas - there's only a couple bands that I know of currently - and with the emergence of tiki and similar themed bars poppin' up, I would think that another talented combo could make a mark. 

(Once again, between the lighting at the bar and my crappy camera on my phone, I have to apologize for the poor quality photos.)






Not much that I can say about the Psyatics, as I was playing guitar, but since there were only two bands and we had a few hours total to fill out, we were able to put together a fairly lengthy set encompassing tunes from the various CDs along with some brand new numbers that we're still working the kinks outta and that we're hoping to record by the end of the year.

But, fueled by alcohol and pizza, we managed to light-heartedly intimidate bar workers and patrons alike as we wandered the length'n'breath of the bar (the stage is fairly small, so we had to make do!) while making our musical mayhem. Patrons came'n'went throughout the set - the place already seems to be a new hangout for people in the area - but we got a good response and had a fine time. Hopefully, we can get back again soon!


(Photo by M.D. Martin)

Big thanks to the Red Dwarf and their friendly crew, to the Way Outs and to everyone who made it out!