Freezing Man Festival Hosted at the Fledge

 By: Jaemyn Moore

On Jan 21 the Public Underground hosted Freezing Man at the Fledge.

The Fledge is not only a venue but also community center, where they strive to make the community a better place through hosting local events, donations, and maintaining a local garden. 

The space the Fledge provides for bands to play is inside an old church, with art all over the walls and a small koi pond next to the stage which gives it a vibe like no other venue.

Seating at the show was an open standing room near the stage. The other seating that gives the venue its own distinct vibe is watching the show from up in the pews of the old church.

The Fledge

From East Lansing and opening the show was Clipboards. Clipboards are midwest emo, but   diverge into a much more melodic laid back space of their own— perfect for midwest late night driving. To experience this you can check out their EP It’s Always Been This Way on Spotify.  

Tequila Mockingbird

Solo emo/folk band, Tequila Mockingbird, has some of the best emotion put behind lyrics I have ever seen. Backed by guitar parts that perfectly complement the vocal, they create a sound that makes personal experience for everyone. Their EP Waiting for a Miracle was performed at the show and is on Spotify. I recommend listening to Human Shields off the Ep When you get there first, then staying for the rest of the EP. 

Starting off the set with the King of the Hill TV show opening was Paper Lanterns,who have a powerful, driving sound which makes them a wonderful throwback to Rock andRoll. If ever in need of new old school rock then check out paper Lanterns new EP Awkward  Would be wise

Hailing from Lansing, Dear Heretic self describes their sound as “short king music (post-hardcore).” If you're a fan of 2000’s post hardcore you will definitely want to check out their single “Warm Glow”. A track that is made by the singer’s range and well executed quiet then loud structure is utilized.                                                           

Detroit-based Indie band, The Dartmoors, consist of “An upside-down-backwards guitarist, a bassist who forgot his frets, and just Vincent,” according to the band’s Instagram.  The theatrical energy they brought makes seeing them live energizing. The Dartmoors’ energy of three friends just having fun with self-written music they make,creates an emotional connection with the crowd through what feels like a peek into the personal life of the band. 

Hemmingway Lane creates slow jams that still find a way to have drive to them. What gives their music an extra layer is how Hemmingway Lane uses that drive to add a wonderful atmosphere to  their songs. Seeing them live takes their music  to another level as you can feel that atmosphere become all encompassing. To get just a taste of this, check out their Spotify. 

Finalbossfight! Was a band I had had high hopes for, and boy did they deliver. Everything about this band was powerful,yet still felt contained, allowing the listener to feel every bit of emotion  conveyed in the music . If you’re looking to work some emotions out here's the link. If you would like to work out those emotions live in the pit, here is the link for that. 

Clipboards

Keeping grunge alive, adding emo influences to it, and having electric live performances is what Detroit band Antighost brings to the table. Something that sets Antighost apart is how well they push the range of the emo/grunge sound.. The entirety of said range on their spotify. If looking to be part of a rowdy crowd, go see Antighost live—there always seems to be one around when they play. 

From Marquette, and always driving at least five hours to play every show, is truly dedicated band The Casper Fight Scene. Not only  dedicated, but a truly underrated midwest emo band. Powerful vocals over a well structured instrumental is the band’s bread and butter, which makes listening to this band a must.

Headlining Freezing Man and debuting their new EP Facing Away was Something Missing— a pop punk band who wears their emo influences on their sleeve. Utilizing space very well in their songs to create atmosphere and excellent building moments, Something Missing creates an emotional connection with the audience. Explore their music here.