After Nations has an EP-release party at Davey’s tonight

Just last month, while wandering around the swelling Austin streets for SXSW, I found my way into a bar for a midday set by Kansas City prog-rock band After Nations. My ears were assaulted by some incredible – and incredibly loud – compositions. There I was, in this small little venue with only a handful of people, watching this talented trio – guitarist Andrew Elliott, bassist Tyler Mehaffey and drummer Trent Utley – shred, sweat and live in a dizzying assembly of songs that I’m tempted to call “rock symphonies,” but I know how douche-y that sounds. 

Anyway, that’s all to say that After Nations is playing tonight at Davey’s Uptown, and if you’re not getting wild in Westport for Middle of the Map or having your ears blown off at Center of the City, this show will not disappoint. It’s the first show for the band in Kansas City since October, and they’re celebrating the release of their EP Unveil Panoptica. 

After Nations at Davey’s Uptown tonight. $7. Details here.