This week the Granada played host to what I can only call a dance party for nerds. The Level Grind provided art, comics, and video game stations for the folks who normally don’t get out much. But what attracted me to the show was a fabulous chiptune band called Powerlifter.

I was pleased to see the wide range of video games there. I prefer the older consoles. Also, check out the guy dressed as Luigi in the back!

Foul-mouthed local darlings Baiowolf opened the show. I will absolutely not post videos of these guys. They are so hilarious, so amazing and so foul…..they are truly a show you have to EXPERIENCE. I beg you, please go see them, it’s not something you can watch online, you just have to SEE them. I’m in stitches every time. Trust me on this one.

I was so stoked to see Powerlifter, but was pretty disappointed with the turnout. It was on a week night, so only a handful of people came out. The band calls Wichita home, and chances are if you go to one of their shows in Wichita, you’re in an absolutely packed and sweaty room. They’re very popular, and hey I’m just as surprised as you are to hear of some seriously awesome music coming out of that area.

Here in Lawrence, however, nobody knows who they are. So maybe I shouldn’t be as bitter that the crowd was so small.

After some minor technical difficulties were conquered, the band exploded on stage, gameboys in hand (this isn’t the first band I’ve seen using gameboys as instruments, Giveupnewyork came to the replay a couple of years ago). It wasn’t long until the duo became scantily clad and jumped into the crowd. You have to admire a band that keeps up the high energy with a small, intimidating audience.

I hope the next time I see them I’m in a tiny, packed venue. But the show didn’t leave a bad taste in my mouth at all. Between the video games (squee!) and the high energy dance party, I wouldn’t be surprised if word spreads quickly by the time these guys come back.

Enjoy the NSFW inappropriate crotch-grabbing action at about 2 minutes in (and even though some might find it offensive, you should know it’s his hand the lead singer has hanging out of his pants):