I left Lord Howler midway through their set so that I could get over to the Soda Bar to see Nathan Hubbard's latest Doom-Metal project, Steps Spiral Downward.



In keeping with the June Gloom music series vibe, the stage lights were turned way down so I had to use my fast prime lenses, and even then I couldn't keep my shutter speed high enough to prevent blurring. I think it emulates the dark, sludgy sound of the music.



There was supposed to be an operatic singer on stage too, but she never made it to the show. Lyrics would have certainly helped keep the songs from bleeding into each other the way they did.



Nathan and Rafter have collaborated for years, and rafter was helping out with guitar duties. This sure sounded different than his new album, the excellent Animal Feelings, a seriously fun record to put on during a lazy summer afternoon by the pool.



Although a bit empty sounding, the songs were tight due to these guys being accomplished musicians in multiple genres who actually know how to read. That skill served them well since they only had time to practice once.