Atlanta-based rock duo ’68 are certainly no strangers to the road, as they recently embarked on yet another trek through the great US of A. If you’re not yet hip to the sounds that ’68 are putting out, I highly recommend their latest effort, Two Parts Viper, to start. A beautiful yet filthy mix of distortion self-described as “rock n’ roll with a kick in the pants”, ‘68’s massive sound makes up for what it lacks in physical bodies on stage.
’68 live in Asbury Park, NJThough given just a short set, ’68 kicked the evening off at around 6:30pm and wasted no time bringing the party. Frontman Josh Scogin’s infectious stage presence and witty banter, crucial components of the ’68 live experience, were ever-present as they grabbed you and took you for a spin. The man is a musical mastermind in every sense of the word, structuring songs full of raw energy instrumentally and featuring lyrics that are both happy and heart-wrenching. Combined with drummer Nikko’s creative drum grooves and equally entertaining stage moves, the two are unstoppable.
The duo barreled through a mix of material from their debut record, In Humor and Sadness, as well as Two Parts Viper, each earning big praise from the crowd. The new material, some of which is currently being worked out on the road for the first time, was flawlessly executed. Cuts such as “Whether Terrified or Unafraid” and “Life Has Its Design” translate well to a live setting and had me excited to hopefully hear more of the latest material moving forward.
’68 are currently wrapping up their run with California natives The Bronx and Plague Vendor before heading out once again with Stolas and Alistair Hennessy. Dates below!
