For a city of its size, Morgantown has an absolutely cracked music scene. With both established venues like 123 Pleasant Street, Morgantown Art Bar, and more ephemeral house venues, Morgantown supports a variety of artists of all kinds of genres. Here are four of my personal favorite bands:
Wizards Is Crazy
A more appropriate name would be “Wizards Is F—ing Insane.” Wizards Is Crazy make a special blend of hardcore punk and country (two genres I thought I’d never see together), topping it all off with lyrics and melodies that beg you to scream along at their energetic live performances. Their only released song so far, “Ain’t It Fun,” has the raw edge you’d expect from a punk band, but also the fun energy of an ‘80s pop-rock group. The band brings an unhinged energy to each show, making them one of the best bands in Morgantown to see live.
Auric Echoes
On the more experimental and artsy side of the scene is the five-piece Auric Echoes. Auric Echoes’ music ranges from slow and ambient post-rock to frenzied, fiery post-hardcore sounds. Their latest album Division For Human Ascension, their studio debut, shows off their range and experimentation in a polished package, from the groovy bass lines of “Body Song” to the bizarre drumming of “The Ballad Of Malcolm.” While definitely more serious sounding than other bands, Auric Echoes absolutely rip on stage, with their faster tracks being the highlights.
The Bedheads
From their live debut in 2023, The Bedheads have been a staple of Morgantown’s music scene and one of my favorite bands. Both the vocals and guitar parts are incredibly catchy, with hooks on songs like “Strawberry Flags” that will likely never get out of my ears. The Bedheads are another band that demands to be sung along to, with some of the most fun energy I’ve seen at a show. Other notable songs of theirs include “Sunglasses” and “Lemons.”
Noise In The Attic
There’s really more noise in the basement when these guys play. Noise In The Attic’s music is very much 90s alternative rock inspired– and when I say 90s alternative, I mean the whole range of it. Their performances start with more melodic, light music before kicking out the heavier stuff akin to The Smashing Pumpkins. Though the band hasn’t released any music yet and is currently on hiatus, I’m beyond excited for the day they do.