Story and photography by Jeffrey Howard.
Friday January 17, 2025.

This is a love letter.

Is it really true all good things must come to an end?

Some say yes. Some say no. Some say what is meant to be is meant to be. I think I know an answer or two. I may be confident but also know all can crumble faster than an English rusk biscuit.

Am I doing the right thing? Is this a sign I should not do this? Why am I opening myself up to the universe? What is it trying to tell me right now?

I had no answers, just growing doubt creeping into a rage. Rather than tuck my tail between my legs I wanted to reach out to the city. I don’t go down in a fight. I was recommended a show from a new friend who was giving advice about moving there, since they had done the same and they thought I was interesting enough to help. The kindness of strangers.

It was an all day show fundraiser for a local DIY startup, Big Blue, that was raising money to open an all ages event club. I had run an all-ages club back in Orlando way back so could totally relate and know that I would feel welcomed. Step one, find your people, right?

I remember driving and parking, noticing there was a police station directly across the street on one side and the other a sketchy looking field with run down, abandoned houses. Attached to the building was one of those axe throwing places. Sure let’s mix alcohol with handling dangerous tools. Let’s do it!

So, that day I saw a bunch of bands. I almost can’t remember who all I saw. I looked up the flyer and don’t even recognize the names but I did see them as I was just taking everything in. I did feel like this was all going to work out even if it looks really, really hard. I’m taking such a chance,

The next time I attended a show at Southbound was about a month later and it would be quite an evening for a number of reasons. It was The Maxines record release show with Bastardane, Girlfriend From Hell and several other bands. I really really really liked Bastardane. One cool thing this show was I met some new friends in person I had only talked to online before. More importantly, this was the night I put my arm around HER and left it there. I admit feeling both bold and dizzying in that moment.

Fast forward to right now. This nights show was going to be a doozy! Instrumental surf rock band Daikaiju, based in Houston Texas, was going to come in hot. It’s what they do! They literally light things on fire. I did not want to miss it. Three local Savannah bands were opening. Also, SHE was going to be there but without that bold arm holding replaced with only a brief hello before parting into the loudness of the music.

First was Savannah two piece experimental doom metal band Doof and switch up between total camp and real passionate true metal. They are having fun and if you aren’t having fun then you’re just not getting it. They were quite fun.

Next was prog rock spazzout outfit Pink Peugeot. Members Robert Melton and Joe Kapcin play between synths, drums and electric guitar. It’s pretty groovy and when the two really dial in to each other they make magic.

Next was a band called Measurement, also hailing from Savannah. They’re a four piece band riding the line between post punk and artcore. Vocalist Jenn Carroll really holds it down behind their bandmates tight interwork. It is an understatement to say they are blistering through every song. Very cool!

Daikaiju closed out the night in style. I’ve seen them several times so I know what to expect. They play raging surf punk while riding the interplay between themselves and the full audience. Concert goers are just as likely to be in the band by the time the show ends. Their music demands closeness. People descended upon the band from all sides. Glorious!

Yes, they did set fire to their drums. Yes, they did set their guitars ablaze. Yes, a ladder appeared out of nowhere while the drummer played their drums high in the hair, held up piece by piece by the audience.

Sure enough, audience members were passed  instruments and something new happened. A new collective of like minds melding from flames to ash and back to sparks until the walls are covered in soot. Instruments changed hands again around back to the band where they ended the show. Amazing!

So now, Southbound Brewing is closing two weeks after this show. What will become of it? The original space will be gone. They will continue on doing what they do, brewing beer. Just someplace else perhaps. Without bands or events. They’ll sell off equipment and move to a smaller location to regroup. Will they keep it going? Will they, by strange windfall, find a new opportunity? Someplace new? Will they come back even stronger than before?

I like the last option.

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