By Kate Masters
Molly Gene One Whoaman Band. Photo by Kate Masters
When the Molly Gene One Whoaman Band took the stage at Thursday night’s Mojo’s A-Go-Go showcase with a string of cursing, you knew you were in for a night of pretty serious rock ’n’ roll. This particular True/False event featured local talent. Gene lists her hometown as Warrensburg, and the other two acts of the night started right here in Columbia. All three were a compelling reminder to never underestimate the hometown music scene.
There wasn’t a huge crowd when the show started at 9:30 p.m., which was a shame for everyone who missed Gene dominate the stage with her brand of angst-ridden blues. The singer uses slide guitar and harmonica to produce her full band sound, but the instruments have got nothing on her soulful, husky alto.
Jeremy Freeze of Jerusalem & the Starbaskets. Photo by Kate Masters
Her songs about two-timin’ men and growing up white in Missouri never resonated a kitschy vibe. There are plenty of bluegrass acts in Columbia, but Gene’s powerhouse one-woman performance had staying power.
By 10:30, Mojo’s was hoppin’ as Coward took the stage with an electronic-tinged fusion of hard rock and indie sound.
The group is all instrumental, but their synth-happy riffs and dueling drummers sing with a distinctive voice all their own — human voices would almost be a distraction. With its distinct variety of stylistic influences, Coward created a sound with texture. Listening to the band, you could almost reach out and feel their music crackle in the air.
Psych-folk band Jerusalem & the Starbaskets closed the show with a grunge-inspired set straight from mom’s garage. Akin to the Velvet Underground with Jim Reeves, the band combined whirling electric guitar and an alt-rock sound.
The band incorporated a host of different influences. With a splash of acid rock here, a dash of folk there, it was all held together by lead guitarist Jeremy Freeze and his mumbling vocals. Sporting skinny jeans and Converse, the Starbaskets were like listening to the best band at your high school: a little all over the place, sure, but also fun, sincere and enthusiastic.
