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It’s been a few months since I’d been out to IM Automata Chino, and hearing that they had remodeled the inside of the venue I thought I’d stop in Friday night to see what’s changed.

Local boy Pat Byrne — who drums for Any Day Parade and DJs around town — is currently running the show at IMAC, and what can I say? His music taste is about as on point as anyone who isn’t me can get these days. The cover is $7, which is reasonable for three bands. PBRs run $2.50. And they changed the position of the bar to the front away from the stage — a great idea. The bands and the bar were competing for space before. Now I can grab a beer while the band is playing and the bartender can even hear what I’m ordering — a win/win situation all around.

The Embracers — Mike Neglia (drums/percussion/vocals), Matt Condon (harmonica/guitar/vocals), Michael D’Amico (bass), Mike Slaff (guitar/slide guitar) and Brendan Root (guitar/vocals) — jumped up and started what looked like Jazz Powerplay. (Definition: when there are more people in the band than the crowd). But as they pulled into their set, a crowd amassed and they transformed from country to blues to funk and back to country. The crowd dug it, the bartender dug it, and I dug it. Then Condon busted out a harmonica and all hell broke loose. Imagine the Allman Brothers meets the Everly Brothers, throw in the Mario Brothers, and you’d still be in search of the magnitude of the rock they put out.

Then Black Wine came at the crowd like a punk rock prom date. They were loud, and they thrashed around and left the crowd feeling like a bomb went off after each song. I was really impressed with these guys; the songs were simple and fast but they were totally danceable. Jeff Schroeck (guitar, vocals) J Nixon (bass, vocals) Miranda Taylor (drums, vocals) are playing shows at the Mercury Lounge and in Kearny at the Irish American Club soon. I suggest you give this band a look.

Local faves Any Day Parade headlined. If you’ve been keeping pace with my posts you already know they are an excellent country-rock band. Their style ranges from heart-strained duets to honky-tonk shitkicker music. Tree, Joe Daly and Larry Brinkman have a great time swapping lead vocals and guitar. Pat Byrne (drums) and Chuck Daly (bass) bring out a poppy rhythm section. They had a few new tunes I hadn’t even heard yet, which leads me to believe they might be working on some new records soon. I’ll keep you posted on that as I hear more.

As Any Day Parade ended their set, I looked down at my watch to see it was almost 12. Even Jim Testa would approve! There was still time to head out to a bar and tie one — or several — on. Sadly though, for me Saturday would bring a long day of work and errands so I had to make my way home to get to bed. I opted to walk because it was just nice enough out for a stroll. My ears buzzed all the way home — guess it’d been a while since I’d been to a show. I’ll make sure to get out next week!