Student bands Cobalt and Tony & the Predators gave a promising start to the new year last Friday night. Both performed at the ’Sco as part of Wilder Late Nighter.

Cobalt, comprising juniors Matt Hartgering and Tom Fort on guitars and vocals, junior Mike Roth on bass guitar, and sophomore Alie Plotsky on drums, was formed last September and immediately began playing campus venues.  Influenced by artists such as Ani Difranco and The Smashing Pumpkins, Cobalt’s music attempts to cover a wide range of genres.  At their ’Sco debut, they played mostly original rock songs such as “The Lark” and “Might Have Been.”   This was Cobalt’s most energetic show to date, with much of the crowd dancing even to more folksy love songs such as “If You’re Lucky.”  They also played a medley of 90s pop music, ranging from “Sugar High” (Empire Records) to Green Day and Bush, which was extremely well received.  Cobalt finished off their show by bringing in two members of Tony and the Predators, Freddie Effinger on vocals and Josh Lava on keyboards, to cover Maroon 5’s “This Love.” 

Tony and the Predators took the stage next and kept the energy level up with their extremely danceable blues and funk inspired rock. The crowd was grooving to everything from “Dock of the Bay” to “Pride and Joy” and “Whipping Post.” Tony and the Predators got together last spring and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the best bands on campus — reputation that is well deserved. Freddie sang his heart out and lost not just his jacket and his voice (as usual) but also his shirt, which the crowd seemed to appreciate.

Matt Pantell kept the bass smooth and steady, keeping himself well hydrated when he had breaks from playing. Patrick Barter was on drums, filling in at the last moment, and Josh rocked out on an enormous keyboard, filling out the sound and performing the occasional solo. Emory Barter shone with his guitar, delivering riffs with incredible tenacity, once again proving that the electric guitar may very well be the sexiest instrument ever. And while Tony’s “Toxic” may not have been as smooth as Brittany’s version, it was way more fun. In short, Tony and the Predators impressed the hell out of me again, just as they have every time I’ve heard them. If you haven’t seen these guys yet, make it a priority.

The ’Sco. Friday, Sept. 17 at 10 p.m. $5 with OCID, $10 without OCID. Cobalt will play the ’Sco again opening for The Clarks.