Daniel Wallen
Reporter

This Friday The Only, The Crossing and Ill Botz are playing at the Hideaway in Johnson City in what promises to be an exhilarating concert of many musical styles. 

Chris Montgomery, guitarist and vocalist of The Only, described his band’s sound as a cross between British pop and Indie rock. Influences of the band include Radiohead, U2 and Oasis.

“We just want to write the best songs we can - songs that people can't help but to sing along with and find themselves singing for days to follow,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery, a firm believer that more locals should educate themselves on the bands from their area, said “It's so hard to go out night after night and play for ten people every show. It makes you question if it's all worth it. All we want is to share what's on our hearts and spread joy and hope.”

The Only recently released their debut album, “Ever Feel Like Somebody Cares?” which will also be available for purchase at the concert.

Another local act, The Crossing, will be playing at this concert. Fans of U2, Big Country and The Who will most likely enjoy the style of this band.

The Crossing originally resided in New York City but moved to Johnson City because of frustrations with being a band in New York.

Vocalist Matthew Kayser said, “Many of the people who we needed to win over to cause a buzz don't give you the time of day if you don't wear a skinny tie and strategically torn jeans. We don't! I'm totally aware of the role of ‘image’ in rock n' roll, but I refuse to be a slave to it.”

Hoping that the band will connect with locals, Kayser said, “Our music has a certain spirituality to it that should go over better here, and, more specifically, with the Milligan crowd. Our music is celebratory and triumphant, yet if people pay attention to the lyrics there is a lot of frustration and longing that goes along with the hope and the joy of living the lives to which we've aspired. 

Although The Crossing is working on some recorded material, Kayser believes that their live show will be the band’s selling point.

The third group is quite different from the prior two. Ill Botz is a hip-hop duo that comes from Richmond, Va. Definitely unique, Stephen Davies, also known as “Stevie D,” described their sound as “rap, hip-hop, comedy, acid, jazz, fusion, funk, blues.”

Davies stated that his group is inspired by “anything that can be funny but at the same time excellent.” Examples he gave included Tenacious D, Beastie Boys, Bloodhound Gang and Biz Markie.  

Enthusiastic of Ill Botz’s live show, Davies said, “Basically we will rock your socks off.  And after the show, you’ll wanna know where your socks are and we won’t know.  Maybe they’ve disintegrated. Maybe they’re in another dimension. The point is that they won’t be on your feet. They will be rocked off!” 

The concert is scheduled to begin around 10 p.m. For more information and a calendar of other concerts taking place, go to www.ahideaway.com