This weekend at the Liquid Lounge, I saw so much talent, I nearly pooped myself. I don’t mean that as a colorful idiom, I mean I literally almost pooped myself. Fortunately for you and me, that didn’t happen, but I did get rocked all weekend by some really talented musicians. Let’s review, shall we? The weekend fired off on Thursday night with a really unique band, Jungle Gym. I believe they were the love child of Marilyn Manson and Mr. Bungle. Great stage presence to start everything off! Pablum hit the stage next with some very cool funky rock hip-hop styles. They had a phenomenal bassist, and I really enjoyed the guest vocals. Strong progressive rock was the sound from Phos. Oh, I like the “Over the Rainbow” intro. After only 2 weeks of training, Moving Atlas’ new lead vocalist tore the stage apart, backed by a strong rock sound from a talented bunch of guys. Flipping from rock to “skrunk,” Pure Genius hit the stage heavy (literally) and packed all that meat up there to produce the fattest ska/rock sound in Texas! Big props to cowbell guy, but seriously, seek help. Wake, Paradise played next, bringing strong vocals and good stage presence to the Liquid Lounge. Llymbo closed the night with some damn fine new rock, demonstrating some strong yet passionate vocals. After some last minute switching around, Friday hit Liquid Lounge, and started off with Strangleweed. They brought a strong Americana rock set with some really talented musicians. Great vocals and stage presence from the lead vocalist, as well as harmonies from the bassist. Epidemic Ego took the stage second, and although they were the youngest band of the night, they played a champion set! The third slot was launched by Trebuchet, let by passionate vocals and a great original sound. This short Friday night was capped by the aggressive original rock of Maddox. They really got the crowd excited and kept them there all night! Saturday was fired off by Color of Darkness. They brought good American hard rock, with great vocals, and a strong original sound. Highview took the stage next, and brought an aggressive sound led by passionate vocals to the crowd. The third band of the night was Golgotha. They played metal with a message, and did it with face-melting power! From the Woods rocked us next, with a superb progressive metal sound led by slammin’ guitar and aggressive vocals. The stage was flipped upside down with the performance of Soft Environmental Collapse, who, despite their Revenge of the Nerds-esque outfits, found the perfect balance of electronic sound and live instrumentation. Very professional and very talented! Neversun hit the stage with strong vocals and powerful riffs, and rocked the Liquid Lounge crowd. The night was wrapped by Road Not Taken, bringing some great original material to the hearty crowd. The final night of the weekend, Sunday, was started with the powerful sounds of Low Battery. Their unique mix of metal and new rock led by some great guitar harmonies was a real treat! A Rising Sun came with aggressive vocals with a nice blend of rap and rock. Broadband came to the stage next, with strong vocals and a great original sound. Great vocal range was the pinnacle of Surreal, with a band that fit perfectly. Great solo work on that guitar! Mercy Child (formerly the James Kristopher Band) played some great meaty rock with some great vocals to top it off. [inasenselost] took the stage, bringing strong passionate vocals over tremendous guitar and steady drums. Our final band of the night, Flux Minor, was lead by our only female vocalist of the weekend, and she cut through the fray beautifully. The band has a great original sound that is signature! Next week I’m tagging along to Houston. Thanks, Dallas, for the quality shows. I can’t wait for the final first round week in March!