When the first note rings from the amplifier, the crowd is no longer preoccupied with their curiosity toward the Converse-wearing musicians. Instead, the audience is captivated as they synchronize their movements to the soulful sound of Ingram Hill. The Tennessee-native band performed both new and old material to a spirited crowd at the Varsity Theatre this past Thursday as part of their two-month fall tour. Guitarist and lead vocalist Justin Moore said the band, which has been together for seven years, started out as a cover band and used to tour with Better than Ezra. As the lights tried to keep up with the band’s energy, Moore shined with passion. “I can’t believe I do this for a living,” he said. Guitarist Phil Bogard said the band is unique to the music industry for their hint of blues and their dedication. “We played in over 200 shows in our first year of touring at only 19-years-old,” he said. Their three albums, Moore said, represent their original work, especially their newest album, “Cold in California.” He said they collaboratively wrote each song. Marina Murillo, fan and University alumna, said she likes Ingram Hill because of its unexpected melodies. “They sing fun songs I’d like a guy to sing to me,” she said. Guys were not embarrassed to sing to their girls with Ingram Hill as their conductor. Many couples swayed arm in arm to the band’s catchy tunes, especially during the closing song, “She’s Almost Perfect,” a hit from the “Raising Helen” soundtrack. Throughout the show, Moore seemed to be serenading his own imaginary girlfriend as he smiled at the fans. Moore said he writes mostly about relationships, family and the road. “I write about what I know,” he said. Bogard said each track tells its own tale. Alycia Ward, biology freshman, and her sister Magahn Ward, finance junior, said they are able to relate to the songs. “They make you feel good,” Alycia Ward said. Standing in front of half-empty beer bottles, Bogard played intricate guitar solos with a cigarette in his mouth. He hopped around the stage revealing his youthful personality. Moore let out a friendly cackle when best friend Bogard whispered to him during a song. Bogard said he tries to be the comic relief of the band. “You’ve got to have a sense of humor in this industry,” he said. Bogard also said he still doesn’t consider himself famous. “You’d have to be rich to be a rock star,” he said. Moore and Bogard said despite the challenges of rising to fame, they love their jobs. “Bands that go straight to celebrity kind of miss out,” Bogard said. The Ward sisters agreed they’d rather the band stay under the radar. “It would become less personal,” Magahn Ward said. Moore said they still never stop striving to reach their high goals of fame. Drummer Matt Chambless closed the show with a powerful bang as Bogard dropped to his knee for a final solo. The laid-back guys patiently hung around with fans signing autographs, taking pictures and delivering appreciative hugs until they reloaded the bus at 2 a.m. “If you’re nice to people on the way up, they’ll remember you on the way down,” Bogard said. Ingram Hill will play at small venues throughout the Northeast and Southern college towns until mid-November.
—-Contact Lindsay Gallmann at [email protected]
Ingram Hill plays the Varsity Theatre
September 24, 2007