And your ears shall hear…

The Kids Are Alright (I Guess): A Night with Gauntlet Hair. Welcome to your first blast from the past, or the Wayback Machine. I wrote this heartfelt show recap back in on the 15th of October, in 2011. I am now in the process of taking back what’s mine, which is my writing (10 years worth).

The kids are alright—I could tell from the crowd.

Still, even with the world’s greatest drummer slamming away up front, some people just stood around. I don’t know how, or why? Gauntlet Hair were locked into so many tight grooves that I had to move. The rhythm took over my body and forced me to bounce. The beats were ferocious—an unrelenting rhythmic assault that never let up.

Being older couldn’t stop me from jumping around like Everlast, right up front with the only group of movers and shakers. Back in my day, people would be moshing, crashing into one another with glorious abandon. This generation? They mostly just bobbed their heads and scrolled through texts.

But regardless of newfangled tech and Gen Y’s bout with digital distraction, this show rocked.

The vocals were drenched in echo, which made some of the lyrics hard to catch—but there was always a good melody to latch onto. It felt like I already knew these songs.

At times, Andy R.’s voice reminded me of Interpol—especially during “Out, Don’t…”—and sometimes leaned more Brit-rock, like Placebo. On album standout “Top Bunk”, he unleashes a snarl, while the track itself drifts into Clash territory with its reggae-like sway. The guitars? All delay and reverb, channeling the surf rock ethos of Surfer Blood.

“I Was Thinking” flips from pop to punk in a heartbeat—again, very Clash-like. As far as live songs go, this was a personal highlight.

Another standout was “Keep Time”, which soared higher live. It opens with a swooning vocal, airy guitars, and cavernous drums—haunting at first—then abruptly shifts into a pure pop gem, handclaps and all. It was like three songs in one, and I loved every twist.

Hair’s chemistry was great! The bass player complimented every riff and brought a much-needed depth to the live sound. The second guitar added texture and new life to “My Christ” and “Mop It Up.”

Also worth noting: the samplers Craig Nice used were killer. Handclaps are always a plus in my book—but these extra beats created a powerful effect throughout the night, giving many songs a more danceable, post-punk groove.

As a reward for chanting “one more song,” the crowd was hit with a final blast of Craig’s deafening double bass. Must have been an old track—because the die-hard fans went wild. The new lead guitarist, though, didn’t seem to know it and just stood off to the side, watching. Honestly? That’s a good sign. When your audience is begging for more content than you’ve rehearsed, you’re clearly doing something right. Leave them hanging on a thread, and they’ll come back.

Schubas was packed—lots of locals clearly follow this band. Their debut Gauntlet Hair album translates beautifully to a live setting. The band is building a dedicated fan base the right way: young crowd, hungry musicians, and a pure energy that’s rare these days.

This felt like asylum from corporate rock. No press handlers or label execs guiding the setlist—just four people doing what they love most: playing music. Nothing could ruin this moment. The magic vibe of rock and roll was alive.

I want to be part of Gauntlet Hair—maybe just a strand, twisting to the beat. There’s something discernibly cool happening here: hip hop beats, thunderous drumming, and vocals raised high above twangy, wandering guitars. That’s what cool sounds like.

Adam Franklin has written about music under the Cut Out Kid alias for 20 years, and continues to write when time allows. Thanks for reading.