Local Rock Band Hosts Party at Music Box

Too Far From Amsterdam, described as the “hottest band on the Gulf Coast” by the Facebook event set up to promote the show, played last Thursday night at the Alabama Music Box.

A mix of 2000s alternative and an obvious homage to early Coheed and Cambria (from the brown-wood Gibson Explorer played by the group’s lead guitarist and the open-handed drum technique employed by the drummer), Too Far From Amsterdam seeks to revive “real rock with attitude and originality,” according to its MySpace page.

The show was supposed to be a “battle” between the band and the excellent DJs Charles III and Strangerover, but sadly the place did not break out into a dance party when the DJs took the stage. It was more like “let’s talk to each other until Too Far From Amsterdam comes back on.” Not much of a battle.

TFFA’s set consisted of straightforward rock songs with few surprises, intense choruses, and some semi-successful attempts at harmony. (I say semi-successful because of the ridiculous headset mics some of the members wore. Come on guys, you don’t work at McDonald’s).

The band was tight and displayed well-developed chops, which is important to getting a crowd to move.

Perhaps the biggest indicator of the band’s appeal is that, though their style bears little cultural relevance in today’s musical landscape, they still are able to play a steady stream of shows around town without being a cover band.

Hats off, fellas, and rock on.