By Kashif Stone, Staff Writer

Published in print Apr. 8, 2015

North Carolinian rock bands Echo Courts and The Love Language dominated a darkly lit stage of the Crown with incredible performances kicking off First Friday at the downtown Carolina Theatre. Doors opened at 9:00 p.m. as spectators gathered and mingled until the showcase began over an hour later. Greensboro’s Echo Courts was the first act to perform, opening the show for The Love Language while expanding their local presence.

Echo Courts originated in March of 2013 when the band’s two lead singers Kelly Fahey and Jacob Darden began writing and recording songs as a duo. In Nov. 2014, the band’s current lineup was formed; consisting of two lead singers, a guitarist, bassist and drummer, the group has been performing all over the state since then. The band has two released E.P.’s to date, “Ice Cream Social” and “Sumerian Lakes”, and has new material coming out soon.

Echo Courts opened the show performing songs from their previous released projects. “Fuck Your Party” was the head banging opening song that set the mood for the entire show; however it was lead singer Jacob Darden’s raw, uncut vocals and raspy screams that drew the audience closer to the stage and in sync with the show. The band slowed things down with the performance of “If It Feels Alright” and “I’ve Been Down”, performing the 1960’s rock-sounding tunes with great emotion, often gazing into the eyes of audience members and establishing what seemed to be a connection of intimacy.

Perhaps their best tune of the night was their “Transient Pleasures”, which showed off their instrumental capabilities, highlighting repetitive guitar melodies and slamming drumbeats that left the audience cheering abruptly after the song concluded.

The Love Language wrapped up the show, taking the stage for the first time in Greensboro after being absent for nearly a year. Their highly anticipated performance didn’t fail to impress the audience with the band’s frontman Stuart McLamb and special guest hype-man Jordan McLamb belting notes that only intensified the performance.

The band performed songs from their latest released album “Ruby Red” as well as songs from older projects; however it was the presentation of “Golden Age” that highlighted their segment of the show. Colorful light transformations set the scene for the song, the guitarists performed mesmerizing solos, and the pianist played an intricate melody that resonated even after the song ended. The Love Language’s performance lived up to its hype and proved why the band is considered emerging N.C. indie-pop royalty.

Music and upcoming tour dates from both The Love Language and Echo Courts can be found on BandCamp.com.