Gavin Taylor and his Muffled Sirens and Liquid Girlfriend
Right in the heart of Main Street in Norman, OK, almost off of Grey holds a tiny warm vegan friendly venue called Opolis. This venue is for artists of all music genres. Tonight’s show held Gavin Taylor (OKC/UCO ACM) and Liquid Girlfriend(OKC).
The Friday Night buzz of downtown Norman was in the air when walking into the already busy Opolis. Paying ten dollars at the door, collecting wristbands, and being thrust into the space full of a mix of an eclectic group of people.
Taylor was setting up on stage but was quickly pulled off into his group of ACM friends to mingle and free up any nerves he may have had. Although Taylor never seemed nervous.
Liquid Girlfriend was in the corner selling their merch before the show, talking to friends but mainly sticking to themselves.
The show started eight minutes late, but most good shows start late. Taylor was decked in an all red suit looking like a mix of Marc Bolan, David Bowie, and Mick Jagger. He walked up to the side of the stage with his Muffled Sirens, Grae McGinnis (guitar), and Blake Dillard (drums). Then sirens went off. They walked in unison on stage and began an epic performance.
When the set began a man ran up to the stage yelling “I love you guys” he began to get on the floor and drum with his fists on the stage. After the first song, someone yelled from the crowd “You sound like Jeff Buckley” Taylor sang a quick chorus from “Lover You Should Have Come Over”.
In the middle of the set Taylor brought on Caprie Gordon and they both sang a duet from the lovely Janis Joplin titled “Move Over”.
Caprie knew how to move. She had the perfect voice to do a Janis Joplin cover and vocally Taylor complimented her well. Their harmonies were perfectly pitched.
One thing about Taylor is he and his band know how to put on a show. McGinnis the guitarist flowed with the music while Dillard moved like Animal from the Muppets. You could tell everyone in Taylor’s band were friends. They were in this to make art and support Taylor.
As Taylor's set came to an end he shouted out his band and Liquid Girlfriend as well as Opolis for having them.
In between sets was short and Liquid Girlfriend was up next. Liquid Girlfriend describes themselves as Alternative indie punk rock. They have five band members and their tagline on their socials is “Got mommy issues? You’d love us!” Their band members include Adesley Rios (vocals), Alisha King (guitar/vocals), Aidan Woolum (guitar), Mackenzie Mccombs (bass), and Arion Alaniz (drums).
Lead singer Rios ran from the bathroom to the stage and instantly began the set. The man from earlier had suddenly repapered after Liquid Girlfriend's first song. Once again he screamed long and drawn out “I love you guys” Rios replied with “I love you too…I guess”, the crowd laughed.
About three songs in Rios stopped the show to announce that it was their sister-in-law's birthday. They then got the whole crowd to sing Happy Birthday. It was like a bonding moment for everyone. To celebrate someone they do not even know but to still be happy for them is a big deal. It is something you do not get at these arena shows. Rios knew how to make the crowd connect.
There was a song titled something along the lines of “Pillsbury Dough Boy but is he thick Though” where Rios explained that the person who wrote it for them never comes to their shows. Rios then got everyone to stick their middle finger in the air and scream F-you to him.
Rios ended the set with their only single that is out right now “Spongebob Halftime Show”. This killer song was an excellent way to end the set. After the set was over the band hopped off stage and the crowd swarmed around them.
The buzz of Friday was still in the air as people left the venue. This show was just the beginning of some people’s nights.
Follow Gavin Taylor on Instagram @gavintalyormuffledsirens and you can follow Liquid Girlfriend on Instagram @liquidgirlfriendband.
