It was a busy Friday night at Stillwater Taproom when we arrived on Feb. 12. A crowd congregated on the sidewalk outside the venue in anticipation of the evening’s entertainment. Some stood and chatted with friends while others enjoyed the rocking chairs placed outside the bar. It was a cool but comfortable night, and Broad Street was abuzz.
Dean and I crossed the threshold to find the bar lined with customers from one end to the other. The bartenders kept the taps flowing as a steady stream of people filed in to hear the tasty sounds of new local band The Neon Peach.
We ordered drinks then grabbed a table nearest the stage. The televisions were tuned to the Winter Olympic games while music from the PA swept through the place. The weekend had arrived, and it felt fine. Dean and I kept an eye on the skating competition while sipping our cold drinks and chatting about our day. It felt good to get out for the evening.
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Shortly after 9 p.m. the band arrived on stage and started their set with four of their original tunes. Out of the gate, “You Were Fire” and “2 Kids” blasted from the stage with a heavy rock sound that instantly reminded me of John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen. The venue buzzed with excitement as the crowd quietened down to listen to the music.
Beneath the glow of a neon sign shaped like a peach, the band then played “Sleep to Dream.” This song carried strong hints of The Cure from start to finish. A lush piece, it was as if Robert Smith himself was on the stage playing his guitar right along with the band. I found myself closing my eyes and drifting along with the music.
“Fire Drill” carried a strong Creedence Clearwater Revival feel. The drum double-pops and boss bass lines of the rhythm section steered the beat.
The Neon Peach played covers including a searing version of The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven.” It was righteous. The band also played a rousing rendition of the classic 50s hit “Love Potion #9” penned by the legendary songwriting duo Leiber and Stoller.
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The Neon Peach is a sonic sensation. Husband and wife team Brian and Tracy Allen, former members of Hound of Goshen, have put together a powerhouse of a band. The group plays originals alongside exciting covers focused on 80s classics. Strong vocals, glistening guitars and a beast of a rhythm section make The Neon Peach a force to be reckoned with. Their sound is built upon a strong rock foundation with hints of Americana thrown in for good measure. It’s a delicious pairing.
The band is in the process of recording an album. Follow The Neon Peach online at https://facebook.com/theneonpeach.
Stillwater Taproom is a Broad Street institution with a history of hosting a variety of musical acts on The Little Stage that Could. Stillwater features live music on the regular. Visit them online at https://facebook.com/StillwaterTaproomAugusta.
Looking for something fun to do? Check out the live music happenings this weekend. Tonight, Corey Stevenson kicks off a country rock show at Chevy’s. Show begins at 9 p.m. On Saturday, catch Keith Gregory as he lights up the stage at World of Beer. Show starts at 8 p.m. In the mood for a Sunday brunch? Head over to Doc’s Porchside in Grovetown on Sunday. Greg Fortune will be there to entertain you beginning at noon.
Francie Klopotic is an author, artist and music aficionado living in Augusta. She writes The Night Beat column the first and third Fridays of each month.
