Concert at Rack’em Spirits & Times to feature four up-and-coming bands
The live music scene and youth movement across Southwest Florida is a growing one, and next weekend, one local venue will feature a several bands looking to make their mark.
On Feb. 17 starting at 8 p.m., Rack’em Spirits & Times serves as the venue for up-and-coming groups Red Letter Day, Offset Era, Social Infants and Rath & The Wise Guys.
Red Letter Day is making its first appearance in Cape Coral and hails from Gainesville; Rath & The Wise Guys is a band formed in Tampa and Offset Era and Social Infants are local to Southwest Florida.
“Rack’em has always tried to support original music coming through the area,” said owner Andrew Gray.
Red Letter Day serves as the headliner and will feature songs from its newly-released EP “It Ends Up In Everything” highlighted by single “King John.” The group was formed at the University of Florida last year where lead guitarist Sam Reasor, rhythm guitarist (and vocals) Kyle Wampler and vocalist Eduardo Giralt studied. The group had an additional member that is no longer with the group and has recently added drummer Daniel Klohr and Sam Graf on bass.
“Most of our shows are in and around Gainesville, but we like to branch out and reach other audiences,” Reasor said. “We’ve been playing in Orlando and have performed at shows in Tampa and Sarasota.
“The other bands we have on our lineup have played local to Cape Coral before, so we’re excited to be able to play there.”
Red Letter Day draws inspiration from a punk/emo/post-hardcore style. Giralt wrote the six songs on the EP over the course of a year, brought them to the band and crafted their vision together. Reasor and other members of the band have also written tracks that have been released by the group.
“We all are really obsessed with music, and we all tend to have a completed idea of what something is in our head, and we’ll bring that to practice,” Giralt said. “We bounce around ideas for transitions and intros and different things like that.”
Giralt said his vocal stylings and inspirations come from bands such as Radiohead and The Strokes.
This year proves to be a busy one for Red Letter Day, as it has gigs throughout the state and is hoping to release new music by the end of 2023.
“Right now, I just want us to sound the best we can live and the best we can in the studio,” Reasor said.
The high-energy group is ready to entertain all who turn out next weekend,.
“Come out if you’re looking for something a little more alternative,” Reasor said. “We tend to be unique. If you like fast rock that is a little bit smart, come on out.”
Giralt added, “I’m super stoked for the show. I think the lineup is cohesive and the bands are all great. We’re looking forward to the atmosphere and a great time.”
Red Letter Day’s music can be streamed on all major streaming and music platforms.
Rack’em Spirits & Times is at 1011 S.E. 47th Terrace in South Cape.
— Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj
To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com