Photos and Review by Jolene Rheault
On Saturday, October 5, The Amp Ballantyne played host to a night of soul-stirring music, as Trampled By Turtles and Houndmouth delivered an incredible blend of indie rock, blues, and folk. The open-air venue, paired with the cool autumn breeze, made for a perfect setting to enjoy two bands that know how to create magic with their music.
Houndmouth opened the evening with their unique mix of blues-rock and indie vibes. They started off with “Darlin’,” setting the stage with a mellow groove that built anticipation. Matt Myers’ gritty vocals brought a soulful edge to each track, and Zac Anderson’s bass playing, alongside Caleb Hickman’s keyboard work, gave the set a rich, full sound.
The band had the crowd swaying to tracks like “McKenzie” and their hit “Sedona,” but it was their cover of “Amarillo Highway” that stood out, showcasing their deep Americana roots. The energy ebbed and flowed throughout the set, with upbeat tunes like “Tiger Blood” getting the crowd energized, while introspective numbers like “Heavy Eyes” pulled them into a more reflective mood. By the time they closed with “Sedona,” everyone was locked into the laid-back, feel-good atmosphere they created.
As Trampled By Turtles took the stage, the vibe shifted into full folk-rock mode. Opening with “You Never Let Me Down,” they immediately drew the crowd into their world of fast-picking bluegrass and emotional songwriting. The band’s musicianship was tight, with Erik Berry’s mandolin and Ryan Young’s fiddle driving the sound alongside Dave Carroll’s energetic banjo playing.
“Codeine,” a standout moment, brought the night’s first real burst of speed, with its relentless tempo and intricate instrumental work. The crowd erupted as the song’s fast-paced rhythm took over, and from there, the band didn’t let up. Their ability to move from high-energy tracks like “Annihilate” to slower, more introspective tunes was what made the set so engaging.
Tracks like “Victory” and “Bloodshot Eyes” slowed things down a bit, but in the best way. “Victory” especially stood out as a slower, more emotional piece, with Dave Simonett’s vocals delivering the kind of raw, heartfelt performance that draws you in. “Bloodshot Eyes” had a similarly reflective feel, allowing the band to show off their depth as both musicians and storytellers.
As the night went on, they balanced the energy masterfully, building momentum with fast-picking tracks like “The Middle” before transitioning into slower, thoughtful songs like “Starting Over” and their beautifully haunting cover of “Oh Shenandoah.” Each song felt like a new chapter in a musical journey that had the crowd hooked from start to finish.
By the time they played their final song, “Midnight on the Interstate,” the audience had been taken through a rollercoaster of emotions—uplifted by fast, foot-stomping moments and grounded by quieter, more poignant ones. The closing track left everyone in awe, with its wistful, yearning melody serving as the perfect end to a captivating set.
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