I don’t consider myself a shrieker, but my brain seemed to disregard this fact when I found out The Social Animals were coming to DC to open for Dan Layus. Who are The Social Animals you may ask? Only one of my favorite bands who I happened upon in the most serendipitous of ways. My best friend Scarlet and I were in Sun Valley, ID last winter and after a tiring afternoon of skiing we headed inside for a hot chocolate. There’s usually a band playing most afternoons, usually something folky or country; a banjo almost always is involved. I usually listen for a moment, but never have been particularly taken by any of them. But this particular afternoon last winter was different. On stage was a group of handsome, young guys (already enough incentive for Scarlet and I to stick around for an extra moment), and when lead singer Dedric Clark opened his mouth I was hooked. And I’ve been hooked ever since.
Never have I gone to a concert just to see the opener, but I guess there’s a first time for everything. There I was, heading over to The Hamilton Live in downtown DC on a humdrum Tuesday night blowing off some reading that I probably really should have been doing. When I got to the venue, I found that my standing area ticket didn’t give me the view I was hoping for. And so as the lights went down I snuck down to the seated section, heart beating wildly every time a waiter walked by, fearing I would be found out (needless to say, I’m not much of a rule-breaker). As Dedric and the band walked onstage and launched into “Knock Me Out”, I caught myself for a moment almost in disbelief that this band who I listen to almost daily was standing right in front of me.
The band launched into their set, playing songs from their EP Formative Years as well as a few new ones. As I mouthed all the words, I felt like I was home. That’s what I love about The Social Animals. Their music is full of passionate, raw emotion and envelops me in a feeling of contentment. When Dedric began to sing, I was reminded of why I like this band so much. It’s hard to put his voice into words, it’s rich, and portrays a quiet strength that draws his listeners in. Each of their songs relies on his voice as well as the expert skills of Boyd Smith on the drums, Tony Peterson on the electric guitar and banjo, and Roger Whittet on bass. Their lyrics speak to the experience of living. I think everyone can identify with the feeling behind, “I want you to know me, but we’re all misunderstood / I want you to see me, but only when I’m good.” The harmonies within each of their songs only adds to the beauty of their music. I can’t listen to their music without a huge smile on my face.
Their opening set ended too soon for my liking, and I (safely back in my proper section) watched the band take away their instruments and head over to the merchandise table. There was Dedric, sitting just across the room from me, and I felt my heart beating rapidly. And that’s when it hit me. Was I a groupie?
Maybe. And I’m not embarrassed in the slightest. When you listen to The Social Animals you’ll understand why. Go check out their EP Formative Years on Spotify and look out for another album coming soon. I also highly recommend their videos on Facebook for a hilarious look at life on the road and some gorgeous acoustic music. One of my personal favorites is their cover of “Atlantic City” by Bruce Springsteen. Perhaps you too will become a groupie like yours truly.
