Concert Review: Atmosphere (Haw River Ballroom)

BY DREW DRAIN On a crisp evening at the Haw River Ballroom, anticipation filled the air as fans gathered for an unforgettable night of mu...

BY DREW DRAIN

On a crisp evening at the Haw River Ballroom, anticipation filled the air as fans gathered for an unforgettable night of music featuring Reverie, No Fun!, and the legendary Atmosphere. I arrived early before the doors were opened. Slug came out to thank the early arrivals for coming and posed for a selfie with those of us queued up. The good news is that I now have a picture of myself with someone that I’ve been a fan of since seeing them perform at Scribble Jam 25+ years ago; however, it might be the worst picture of me that I’ve ever seen so it will never see the light of day.

After showing my ID and getting my wrist stamped, I made a beeline straight for the front. I spent the next hour leaning on the barricade chatting with the others standing around me. My front row brethren traveled quite some distance to be a part of the festivities. The lady to my left came to Saxapahaw from Myrtle Beach for the show, and she was leaving immediately afterwards to continue to see family in Akron, Ohio. The young lady to my right mentioned she was from the Clayton area. I told her that I used to live out that way, and when I mentioned my old neighborhood, it turns out that we were basically neighbors. She lived just a couple of blocks over. Her mom was my dog sitter, and I knew her when she was about 12. It really is a small world.



Reverie took the stage first, and from the moment she began, it was clear that her performance would be anything but ordinary. With a voice that was both powerful and vulnerable, she delivered a set that was rich in raw emotion. Each lyric felt like a personal confession, a window into her struggles and triumphs.



Reverie connected with her fans on a personal level. She engaged the crowd, sharing anecdotes about her journey and the challenges she faced. Her openness created a space where listeners could reflect on their own experiences, forging a connection that was palpable. The audience was captivated, hanging on every word and feeling the weight of her emotions. She poured her heart out; you could see fans nodding along in the moment. Her ability to convey such depth through her art set the tone for the rest of the night.



Following Reverie’s opening, No Fun! took the stage with an infectious kinetic energy. From the first chord, it was as if a switch had been flipped. The band exuded a sense of joy and exuberance. Their style, a mix of punk rock, hip hop, and upbeat melodies.



As they launched into their set, the crowd erupted with enthusiasm and everyone danced along. Songs like "Get Faded!" showcased their ability to blend catchy hooks with powerful instrumentals. The chemistry between the band members was evident; they played off each other’s energy, creating a dynamic performance passing the mics amongst themselves and had everyone moving their feet.



What stood out during No Fun!’s set was their ability to engage with the audience. It felt less like a performance and more like a gathering of friends celebrating together. As the set progressed, it became clear that No Fun! was not just a band; they were a force of nature, igniting the crowd and leaving them craving more.



As the lights dimmed for Atmosphere, the audience was ready for a different kind of experience. Slug took the stage with a presence that commanded attention. He began by addressing the crowd, acknowledging the age demographic present that night. “It’s nice to see a crowd that’s a little older,” he remarked, a playful smirk on his face. “You all must be supporting the babysitting industrial complex tonight!”



This lighthearted comment immediately resonated with the audience; it was a reminder that while life changes, the love for music remains constant. Slug went on to speak candidly about grief with the anniversary of Eyedea’s death on October 16, 2010, being so recent. With each story he shared, it became clear that this was more than just a concert—it was a communal exploration of the human experience.



Atmosphere’s set was a journey through emotions, oscillating between moments of reflection and exuberance. Slug’s lyrics delved deep into the complexities of grief, capturing the weight of loss with a raw honesty that struck a chord with many in the audience. Songs like “Yesterday” and “The Best Day” illustrated the duality of life’s challenges and joys, creating a space for listeners to confront their own feelings of loss and resilience.



During the song "Flicker," which is about the psychological impact of that surprising death, Slug asked the fans to turn on their phone flashlights and get them in the air. Hundreds of cell phone flashlights came to life, casting a glow across the sea of faces. Each light illuminated smiles, raised hands, and the shared moment. It was a beautiful sight.



What resonated most was Slug’s message that “God Loves Ugly.” He explained how this mantra serves as a reminder that everyone has their struggles, their imperfections. In a world that often prioritizes superficiality, this message felt like a warm embrace for those grappling with their own demons. It was a call to accept the messiness of life, to find beauty in the ugly parts, and to recognize that we’re not alone in our struggles.

As the night came to a close, the energy in the room was electric. Fans left the venue with hearts full, having experienced a blend of raw emotion, infectious joy, and profound reflection. Reverie, No Fun!, and Atmosphere each contributed to a night that would linger in the minds and hearts of those in attendance long after the final note faded.

In a world that often feels chaotic and disconnected, the concert at the Haw River Ballroom served as a reminder of the beauty of shared experiences. Reverie opened the night with heartfelt vulnerability, No Fun! followed with an explosion of energy, and Atmosphere wrapped it all together with poignant reflections on grief and resilience. Each artist brought their unique voice to the stage, creating a night that celebrated the complexities of life and the power of music to bring people together.

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    • DREW DRAIN
      • Andrew (Drew) Drain is originally from Point Pleasant, WV, and he now resides in Chapel Hill, NC with his daughter. Drew works as a financial risk management professional to pay the bills, but his real passion is photography. He started taking photos of his daughter playing soccer as a way to resist the urge to coach her from the sidelines. Time behind the camera developed into a love for photography that he has paired with his love for sports and live music. Follow Drew’s Instagram, @Drew.Drain.Photo or his MaxPreps galleries, to check out more of his work or contact him if you need photos of your favorite athlete or performer.

        Read Drew's posts here.
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Strange Carolinas: The Travelogue Of The Offbeat: Concert Review: Atmosphere (Haw River Ballroom)
Concert Review: Atmosphere (Haw River Ballroom)
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Strange Carolinas: The Travelogue Of The Offbeat
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