So much has changed in the 10 months since Ingram Hill last took the stage at the Gypsy Tea Room. For one thing, they’ve traded their beloved van – Christmas lights and all – for a decked-out bus with the band’s picture on it.
“You get to sleep in the same bed every night – and it has a pillow!” said lead singer Justin Moore of the upgrade. Its crowd of fans is consistently growing, and, as long as we’re talking about trading up, how about that opening band?
Wednesday night started as a typical evening at the Gypsy Tea Room with a college-age crowd (including many from SMU) trickling in slowly, getting drinks if they had a bracelet and mingling around the bar. By 9 p.m., when opening band Someday New took the stage, everyone was ready for music and hoping it wouldn’t consist of another lazy acoustic opener.
The Atlanta-bred quartet did not disappoint, getting everyone on the floor with catchy songs and an energetic performance. The young band, which bassist Drew Kaiser says has been influenced by the likes of Jimmy Eat World and Matchbox 20, rocked a stunned crowd. The response of the audience spoke for itself, as everyone danced vigorusly to the faster numbers and swayed to the slow tunes. For more information on Someday New, check out at www.somedaynew.com .
The already elevated energy level skyrocketed when Ingram Hill finally took the stage. “How long has it been since we played in Dallas?” Moore asked the crowd, who all seemed to know that it had been nearly a year.
The band kicked off the show with a promise to come more often, playing every song on their debut album, “June’s Picture Show.” The first big pick-me-up of the night, “On My Way,” which Moore said was motivated by his experience with getting over a brokem heart, had everyone singing along. You know you’re at a good show when the crowd’s singing threatens to overpower the band!
Things mellowed out a bit during “Captain,” a fan favorite that shows off the band’s versatility and Moore’s powerful vocals, but guitarist Phil Bogard made sure everyone was still rocking with impressive guitar solos later in the show. One such moment was “Almost Perfect,” which got everyone on the floor dancing and cheering.
Another highlight of the night came when bassist Shea Sowell pulled out a surprise solo, showing off his often overlooked deep vocals on an extended version of “Never Be The Same.” The evening wouldn’t have been complete without the crowd pleasing cover of Peter Gabriel’s “Solsbury Hill.” The song has almost become a staple at Ingram Hill shows and is definitely a favorite.
The show ended as everyone gathered around the guys after the show to get autographs, take pictures and tell them how great their set was. Ingram Hill left Dallas fans craving for more, and it sounds like they may get it soon.