A raucous night of music, two live bands battling it out, and ecstatic fans filled the Bayou Music Center on Thursday December 2nd. The occasion was full of soul, liveliness, and good vibes all around. New Orleans’ Tank and the Bangas took on the Houston based group The Suffers at The Red Bull Sound Clash to see who could outperform each other. It ended up being an intense embrace of camaraderie for each other through music. They battled the night away with multiple challenges and showcased their ability to play a wide variety of genres.
Two stages, two bands, and an array of guests made this event electric from beginning to end. Audience members turned back and forth in excitement as the two bands would pass the set around. Stages were beautifully setup to reflect the spirit and culture of the two cities. On the New Orleans side their props and lighting matching the architecture of Bourbon Street. On the Houston side there were SLABS and an aerial view of the astrodome.
Hosts Paul Wall and Big Freedia introduced their city’s bands and foreshadowed a night of interesting things to come. The concert was made up of four rounds where the groups could sing each other’s songs, perform covers, jump in and take over a song, and feature guest artists. A brash and soulful warm up by both bands started the show off. Shortly after came the first round where Tank and the Bangas respectfully covered Nirvanas Smells Like Teen Spirit. The Suffers retorted with Bonnie Tyler’s Total Eclipse of the Heart, which many audience members caught a vibe to and sang along with.
The ensuing challenges consisted of one upping each other to keep the energy flowing. As the night progressed, the crowd danced and cheered the night away to groovy and soulful sounds. A spritely atmosphere filled the arena, and one couldn’t help but move around to the beat.
Featured artists for The Suffers included Paul Wall, Lil Keke, Trae, and Fat Tony. They performed H-Town classics such as Southside and Swang, and the crowd went wild. Tank & the Bangas brought out another New Orleans favorite The Soul Rebels, and proceeded to rock the stage with Big Freedia in a jamboree of sound mixed with twerking. It was a sight and an experience that put everyone into a frenzy. They ended the night by parading off stage and around the venue in a New Orleans tradition Second Line, inviting everyone to join along, ending with some final sounds and dancing outside on the steps of Bayou Music Center.
There was not a clear winner to the Red Bull Sound Clash, but both bands put on a top notch show. The Suffers and Tank and the Bangas truly captured the Gulf Coast Sound giving reverence to our cultures. For the events first time to be back in a decade, it started out with a bang and is sure to continue giving outstanding performances.
About Author
