A free show, free beers, and a palpable buzz of excitement set the stage for Off Record Media’s Grand Opening Show last Friday night. Marking the pivotal moment, this show celebrates Off Record’s expansion into a booking and promotional company. The event took place at Starseed Hostel, which doubles as Off Record’s new office space, as well as a suite for other Houston creatives.
“How could this get any better?” One may have asked themselves after entering free raffles for concert tickets. And then, as if on cue, the sounds of some of Houston’s finest DIY bands filled the air.
The crowd gathered round as Superheated Microplastic took the stage. The trio began their set by letting the audience know exactly who they are, articulating their name, “it’s not super hot, not superheat, and it’s just one microplastic, singular.” The band’s name became a running joke throughout the entire show.
The emo alt rock set showcased both talent and humor. Starting with original songs “Rat” and “Shoe,” which has nothing to do with a shoe, according to vocalist and guitarist, Walter. Their talent for naming songs was highlighted with “Hot Chip” and “Doorbell.”
The trio surprised the audience by welcoming a new band member, a guitarist playing his first ever show. Together, they delivered their own rendition of japanese shoegaze song “Keikuduo Slope.”
Indie psych band, Hazy Sky, commanded the room next. Cole, the lead singer and rhythm guitarist, dominated with his crowd interaction. At one point he introduced all the other band members as Larry.
Hazy Sky delighted the audience with a diverse array of covers, drawing the crowd in further as they executed a indie rock version of Spongebob’s “Ripped Pants.” Not bound by any genre, the band traversed from “All Star” to “Last Christmas.” Establishing the importance of community at this show, they invited their friend from the audience, Vuong Dong, to sing “Creep” and “Life is a Highway.” The band concluded their set with their latest original song “Adidas Slides”
Juvenoia took the stage for the final act with an impressive lineup featuring guitar, bass, saxophone, keyboard, and drums. The psychedelic-jazz-progressive rock ensemble immediately captivated the audience, flaunting their extraordinary skill and talent through infectious funk rhythms and mesmerizing melodies. Each band member had their moment to shine, with seamless communication through exchanged glances, creating a cohesive and communal jam. Throughout the set, almost every member took a turn at vocals, showcasing their versatile talents. The audience was thrilled by the funky solos on keys and saxophone, transitioning from swaying, shimming, and twirling to energetic moshing as Juvenoia performed unreleased tracks and songs from their EP. Among the setlist were tunes like “Rearview Sunset,” “Spanish Moon,” and “It Rained in October.”
If this grand opening show is any indication of what Off Record Media has planned for Houston, we should all get ready for a wild ride through the city’s music scene.
As a Houston native, I am passionate about the deep well of talent that Texas has to offer. From DIY shows to major label musicians, I just love to consume live music. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to highlight and memorialize incredible artists through photography and writing. When not on tour, studying at the University of Houston, or at local shows, I can be found reading, writing songs, enjoying soft cheeses, planning themed parties, and rolling down the hill at Hermann Park.
