A one-two punch of Bantam Foxes and Glass War was set for Alchemy Tavern on June 25 at 9 p.m., in the heart of downtown at 7 S. Joachim St. While Bantam Foxes needed little introduction, the night also marked the concert debut of Mobile-area duo Glass War.
How Glass War formed
Multi-instrumentalist Brian Wattier, formerly of Underhill Family Orchestra, teamed with drummer Daniel Howard. The two had circled each other for months with other players before Howard approached Wattier at Hayley’s Bar and insisted they try something different. The chemistry was immediate. Howard described a long search for a new project after his last band ended in 2008, and said the match was what he had been seeking.
Alchemy Tavern owner Matt Charnetski described Glass War as a blend of Robert Johnson, the Dead Kennedys, and Tool. The band’s sound draws on progressive, blues, and punk influences.
Making it personal
Wattier said the two-piece format grants freedom to create something both are deeply invested in. He praised Howard’s role as equal to his own, and said stripping things down has been a welcome change from the eight-person arrangements of his previous group. The debut promised an energetic, personal set for Mobile listeners.