Figure four is half of eight

(Lonnie Walker) Friday I headed over to Local 506 for the Great 8 showcase, which actually only showcased four of the bands. And since David Menconi always makes a point of including a diverse group in each Great 8, it was a fairly diverse -- though still pop-heavy -- show. Americana-rockers Lonnie Walker were playing when we got there, and I was immediately sorry we hadn't gotten there sooner. I've been hearing their name here and there, but so far hadn't checked them out. At least I don't think I've checked them out. For some reason I want to say I HAVE seen them before, but I just can't remember where and when. Regardless, I liked them quite a bit and will make an effort to check them out again, which shouldn't be difficult since they play in Raleigh fairly often. Next up were Violet Vector & the Lovely Lovelies, another band I hadn't seen, but at least I was familiar with their music. if there's any word that perfectly describes VV, it's perky. There's a trio of cute, smiling girls (plus two dudes), all wearing vintage '60s frocks, singing with child-like glee and playing sweet bubblegum pop. The crowd ate it up. But not everyone was impressed by Violet Vector(and I admit, a little of it goes a long way with me too): My companion hated every single thing about them, from the vocals to the flute to the drummer's Ringo-like head toss. "If I do go to Hell, this is what they'll be playing," she said, crossly. She was much more impressed by Double Negative, whose set was like chugging a bottle of rubbing alcohol after Violet Vector's cotton candy. Seriously, it was one of the weirder transitions I've ever seen. The crowd, including some suit-and-tie wearing dudes who had been getting down during VV, mostly retreated to the bar, leaving a core of about 15 really die-hard Double Negative fans at the front. Much to the band's credit, they put on a really blistering set anyway. The final band was Hammer No More the Fingers, who are going to be world famous pretty soon. I'm already getting pitches from publicists about them, which is pretty weird. It's always weird having someone from New York e-mail me to try and get me to write about a local band. They also put on a good show, but as of yet, I don't have permission to post their video. I'll do so as soon as I hear back from them. . 

(Violet Vector & the Lovely Lovelies) 

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(Hammer No More the Fingers)

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(Double Negative)

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(Lonnie Walker)