If you live in the Indianapolis area, you know that Shadeland is a main thoroughfare in the city. What you may not know, however, is that it’s also the name of an edgy, progressive-indie-rock band that’s been creating original music right here in town for over 20 years. The four-piece consists of Allen Kell on vocals/guitar, Matt Johnson on guitar/keyboard, Brad Johnson on bass, and Brad Hudgins on drums.
Shadeland rocked a packed house as the opening act for Dayton, Ohio-based Hawthorne Heights at The Hi-Fi Indy Sunday night, proving that Indy’s music scene is still strong and vibrant. From beginning to end of their nine-song set, the band was tight and cohesive. You can tell these guys love what they do, and they do it well together.
Since this was my first encounter with Shadeland’s music, I wasn’t at all familiar with their tunes. I liked what I heard and saw, though. And a peek at the setlist made me crack a smile: one of the songs is called, “Cicadas.” It’s not really about the state’s noisiest insect, (in fact, it’s a beautiful song), but the title is one that’s sure to resonate with anyone who’s ever sat outside in late summer anywhere in Indiana.
Although Shadeland wasn’t on my radar before this week, they are now. They should be on yours, too.
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