Crowded or not, Overstood still jams

For a performer in any branch of the arts, attitude is always important.

The way one reacts to fame, fortune and success is often directly related to how one first handles obscurity, poverty and adversity.

I've seen a lot of things over the years while attending shows, but one thing that always impresses me is a band that plays its heart out, even if no one is listening — or even if no one is there. The biggest, most mainstream example that I have personally witnessed happened about 15 years ago, when INXS played at the North Charleston Coliseum.

The band was touring in support of the album "Full Moon Dirty Hearts," arguably one of the band's low points, and when the show started, there were, if I remember correctly, less than 1,000 people in the venue. Can you imagine walking out on stage in a coliseum that holds 12,000, and seeing everyone bunched up against the stage? I would certainly be bummed out.

INXS, which at the time still featured a very alive Michael Hutchence, might have been collectively bummed out as well, but you'd never know it from the show the band proceeded to unleash. That Australia '80s iconic rock outfit blew the roof off the place. There may have been only a few hundred people, but to INXS those were paying customers who deserved a good performance. I was always a fan of INXS, but I had newfound respect for the band after that. Then, of course, they had to go and do that insipid "Rock Star" reality series a few years ago, but that's another story.

The local band Overstood isn't exactly INXS. I think even the band will tell you that.

Still, last Saturday night at the Windjammer, when faced with a crowd of only a couple dozen patrons who seemed more interested in the Auburn vs. Alabama football game than what was going on up on the stage, Overstood held its ground and played as if the venue was hosting a Hannah Montana concert.

The cards were stacked against Overstood from the get-go. It was Thanksgiving weekend, meaning folks were either traveling or recovering from Thursday's feast and Friday's shopping.

Add to the mix the fact that it was the weekend of the Clemson-Carolina football game, and it was easy to see why most venues that weren't sports bars were empty. Despite that fact, Overstood performed a full set of its upbeat guitar rock, and kept a great attitude on display throughout the show.

Overstood is a family affair, with guitarist Charlie Thompson sharing the stage with his sons, guitarist Cortie and bassist Matt. Former Jump band member Evan Bivins sits behind the drum kit, rounding out the lineup.

Local music fans might recognize the name Charlie Thompson from his former band, Flying Blind. Thompson balances a full-time day job with his love of music, and apparently his passion rubbed off on his sons. Overstood has a listener-friendly sound that reminds me of bands such as Evan and Jaron or Sister Hazel. All three Thompson men handle vocal duties, depending on the song. At Saturday night's show the band played spirited originals, such as "Imaginary Friend," "Lovin' Life," and "Cramp My Style," and threw in a few well-chosen covers by artists such as Steve Miller, Pepper, Jason Mraz and Deep Purple.

Overstood's cover of Deep Purple's "Hush" was particularly interesting. I have become so used to hearing that song with Deep Purple's keyboards, so hearing it done by just guitars, bass and drums was different. I also enjoyed Charlie Thompson singing on the reggae-influenced "I Can't Survive."

What I enjoyed most about Overstood though, was the can-do attitude the band displayed. The band members kept things loose and enjoyable, and you have to love a band whose microphone stands all feature matching drink holders. I look forward to seeing Overstood again in the future, perhaps again at the Jammer on a weekend when there are not so many alternative distractions.

In the meantime, this band is a great example of how the right attitude can speak volumes, even if there is nobody there to hear. Somewhere in rock-'n'-roll heaven, Michael Hutchence is smiling approvingly.

Contact Devin Grant at chucktowncritic@yahoo.com.