Crumbling Arches packed a lot of action onto a small stage at American Tavern as they began their residency Thursday night. The show included three explosive sets containing the majority of the progressive alternative rock band’s catalogue.

Alexander McKelvey and Brian McGaw provide two guitars and two entirely different voices for Crumbling Arches that, when combined, create an incredible melodic power. Either voice can stand alone, but together they are an unstoppable, overlapping force. They harmonize uniquely, much like the other matchless qualities of the band. Ian Hennessee contributes an energetic bass line and ready smile while his brother Zachary constantly drives the songs with explosive drums. During some of the songs, the guitars crash exuberantly right alongside the drums in barely controlled fury while others lend themselves to slow and expertly used minor chords. An occasional keyboard appears at the right moment, for a more reflective moment. The complexity of the song structures set Crumbling Arches apart from your typical house band and will make for a unique residency.

Crumbling Arches filled the night with addictive hooks and sudden changes built into the music. They meander through some of their beginnings and then the lyrics start shooting out so fast that they mystify your ears and make your head spin. They are masters of infectious beats that grow from the first second and then break wide open. A song about a man climbing the side of a volcano begins slowly, reminiscent of The Doors “Riders on the Storm,” and then explodes during the middle, taking an unexpected turn that continues like a roller coaster through the rest of the song. Another song details a man who takes a hatchet to his home to build a boat from the pieces, relating to their concept album, The Somnambulist. In between songs they are conversational, showcasing a great sense of humor while they tell the stories behind their lyrics. The first set covered more songs “that are more difficult to listen to,” quipped McGaw, but he couldn’t be further from the truth. The songs were long and filled with complicated twists and turns, but captivating. McKelvey dubbed the second set the “Empire Strikes Back” of the trio, and it was the all-around favorite of the night. The third dissolved into a party that rocked the house. “Miseratte,” “My Ressurection,” “Vampire Sex Song,” “Hibakusha” and, especially, “Agnostic Picnic” were some of the glittering hits of Thursday night’s performance.

The night was a continual alternative frat party that everyone wants to remember. Crumbling Arches and their show are constructed on contrasts; none of these things should work by themselves but they meld in synchronicity. This band may have discovered its perfect fit in the residency with American Tavern, so be sure to check them out the last Thursday of every month.

Ashley Strickland