Item 9 & The Mad Hatters rock release party Old Style

by Reggie Edwards Item 9 & The Mad Hatters’ November 5, 2011 release party for Old Style was just that, a party. One that was jam-packed with the headliners being the sixth band on the bill, it was sure to be a late night at Iowa City’s Blue Moose Tap. But hey, that’s what the ultimate concert experience should be, right? After a back-and-forth night of outstanding music and mediocre performances, it was time for the real party to start as Item 9 & The Mad Hatters took the stage. Opening for Item 9 & The Mad Hatters were Unnamed Acoustic, Atom Smasher & The Uncharged Particles, The Occulus, Mad Monks and Five in a Hand. I was really impressed personally by Mad Monks, Atom Smasher & The Uncharged Particles, The Occulus and Five in a Hand. They rocked the stage like there was no tomorrow. The played a mix of songs from their debut album, Old Style, as well as a mix of classic cover songs. When they took the stage, the party started, their energy, stage presence and everything mixed together gave the feeling that of a big club-sized show, maybe one like you would find at Val Air Ballroom in Des Moines, Iowa. Item 9 & The Mad Hatters took the stage, owned the stage, worked the crowd, played spectacularly and the crowd didn’t want the show to end, that was obvious. Just when you thought they couldn’t give any more, they brought their original drummer up on stage to take part in a dual drummer solo. He then stayed on stage to play for the next few songs, giving us a dual-dose of drums for a few songs. One of my favorite parts of the night is when they did a cover of Sublime’s classic “Santeria.” Amazing. The show went on through the night and into the next morning, ending a little after 2 a.m., but it was all worth it. If you haven’t checked these guys out yet, go pick up Old Style or catch them at one of their next shows. They play often and are definitely a must-see.