Stroh Down Night 2
The Outer Limits Lounge, 7/27/24
Stroh down was one of the best shows I've ever been to. The energy was unmatched and the crowd actually got better throughout the night. We pretty much only got shitty pictures, (I don't know about BaileyJo but all of mine sucked). I went in basically blind, the only band that I had previously seen was Coffer, but I was not disappointed. Going into a show you always hope that all of the bands will at least be decent, but I knew that this show would be great just by looking at the crowd. Everyone there looked stupidly cool, which is a little intimidating, but it was actually super welcoming. I genuinely enjoyed all of the bands, but a few really stood out. 208 was actually insane. They're my new current obsession. I had no idea that a duo could bring so much energy, but they absolutely filled the room. I don't know how to put it into words without sounding like an idiot, but their music is just so unbelievably good. The Leather Uppers might have been my favorite band of the night, but I am a little biased because they did give me a set list. They are also a duo, and similarly to 208, their energy was magnetic. They put on an amazing show, but I don't think they need me to tell them that. You could tell that they genuinely enjoy what they do, and I would love to see them again! The crowd came alive when The Hentchmen went on, and I expected nothing less. Admittedly, I haven't been going to shows in the Hamtramck area for very long, but I've only ever had great interactions with John, and I can only assume that he surrounds himself with equally good people. Me and BaileyJo actually caught him after the show to ask him if he could put out posters for our show, and if we could interview him sometime, and he was more than willing. It only makes sense that people who have been supporting the local music for so long would receive that same support back. My only issue is that I couldn't enjoy Sugar Tradition's set to its full potential because I was so tired by the end of the show, but that's really my own fault. They were actually crazy on stage, and I hope to catch one of their shows soon so that I can fully appreciate their stage presence. Those were my personal favorites from the show, but I still loved the other bands! Axis Sova's vocals were amazing, and their music was a good contrast from most of the other bands there. They also get bonus points for being from Chicago because I love that city. In Sect was great, I was obsessed with their whole schtick. I always love a good outfit for stage, and theirs were so cool. I also obviously loved Coffer, I was a little disappointed with how short their set was though. The music was just as mind-blowing as it was the first time I saw them, and I was so excited to see them play again. Regardless of the length, it was a great set and they put on a phenomenal show. Now go look at all of our pictures! - Steph
Stroh Down was the first event I ever attended at Outer Limits Lounge, and I was not disappointed. Even just walking through the doors I felt an accepting energy and a love for music all around. 208 was the first act of the night and I could not have been more in love. Aside from the amazing stage presence- Kyle's intense animation which is so well balanced by Shelby's mechanical stare- the music was remarkable. It was thick and heavy, like sludge moving through your veins. The aggressive vocals paired so well with the bluesy, punky riffs. The simplicity of the drum setup worked so well to fortify the rhythm. In Sect was next, another great group. I easily recognized them from earlier in the night when Steph and I were obsessing over their getup; tight white pants and patterned neck scarves. They had a very sassy feel and great collaboration on stage. And let me tell you something- I'm a sucker for flourish and embellishment- so when the singer brought out the harmonica for a solo, I was pulled in. Axis Sova from Chicago was next, and though their music wasn't my favorite of the night, they were amazing. They put effort into getting crowd engagement and pulled it off. Coffer -who Steph mentioned we had seen- had a staggering set as always. Only complaint was their set being too short. Antonio Keka of Sugar Tradition (as well as other projects) supported them on stage. All three of them brought unmatched levels of force. The Leather Uppers returned to Outer Limits after what I remember to be 20 years. They came from Canada to join the lineup and with a name like that we knew we were in for something good. Their duality and symbiosis on stage was so fun to watch. They loved talking with the crowd, which in turn helped return the engagement. They switch positions about halfway through their set which is not only a great way to break it up, but show their unique takes. The penultimate act, The Hentchman, had the most spirit from the crowd all night. As owner of Outer Limits Lounge and a hugely important figure in the Detroit scene, John of The Hentchmen was probably part of the reason for this spirit, but for good reason. The music was so groovy it almost forced you to dance, and their friends and fans were so lovely and tried to dance with everyone around them. Sugar Tradition closed out the show. All I can say about them is they are masters of their craft. Their synergy is so natural despite their very different stage 'personas'. I especially love how dynamic and powerful their rhythm tends to be. I'm ashamed to say this was my first time attending a show at Outer Limits, but it most definitely won't be the last! -BaileyJo
