For five summery Saturday’s, Brooklyn’s Outernational have been invading the stage at Mehanata Bulgarian Bar in the Lower East Side of Manhattan for a 9PM, all-ages residency. Outernational, fashioned by Miles Solay (vocals), Leo Mintek (guitar/back vocals), “Dr.” Jesse Blum (trumpet/keyboard/electric organ/ harmonium/accordion/clavinet), Etienne Bowler (drums), and Jesse Williams (bass/back vocals) provided a bang-for-your-buck evening: a mere $5 cover, a free CD to the first 50 guests, and a priceless boost to the weekend, precipitated by the group’s unparalleled energy and fiery spirit that radiates from the stage. After descending the steep staircase to the Bulgarian Bar basement, fans were greeted by a silver swirling disco ball, reams of rainbow lights cascading over the ceiling, and a mirror on the opposite end of the rectangular room that created an illusion of a second space. Airy at first, the venue transformed into a sauna as bodies poured in, and Outernational worked the room into a sweat with their rebel-rousing and irresistibly danceable material, scheduled for release in early Fall.
Each Saturday had a special flair and twist on the Outernational song list, and selections for house music handpicked by Leo Mintek (“Minimum Selects,” a mix tape making project available at minimumselects.blogspot.com). Opening night mixed throw-back rockers Gaucho Marx and The Organs with the revolutionary residents. August 1 marked Outernational guitarist, Leo Mintek’s birthday with a bash, featuring his band for the entire evening followed by salsa dancing. Friends, family, and fans departed satisfied, energized, and full of cupcakes. The next Saturday, Outernational teamed up with fellow radical rockers, Kofre, for a double-dose of spitfire sets and fusion rock. Because August 15 celebrated the first year anniversary of Outernational’s current line-up, the quintet requested that Consumer Feedback, comrade musicians that had accompanied Outernational exactly one year ago at the Knitting Factory, be their honorary guests. Additionally, Outernational began collecting footage for their upcoming music video, a process that continued into 
their final Saturday, included exuberant fans, and even brought a young aficionado onstage to jam alongside on guitar. Lead singer Miles Solay graciously acknowledged the support of the crowd and their presence each week since live shows have been a significant outlet through which the band shares their music before their record debut. Certain key tracks appear in the Outernational's live repertoire, “Blood on the Streets,” “In Their Sights,” “Que Queremos?,” “Whirlwinds,” “Eyes on Fire,” “Future Rock,” and “Fighting Song,” which consistently prompt a universal jump-along. Rounding out their expansive spirit, the band incorporates unique choices: a cover of Eddy Grant’s “Electric Avenue,” a heavy rock band anthem “Outernational,” and an uplifting “New York Paradise.” Whichever combination Outernational choose, attendants were thrilled to be a part of the experience.
After conquering the depths of Bulgarian Bar, Outernational hit the Rock Island Music Festival on August 23 in Long Island. They will hold a three-weekend residency at Maxwell’s in New Jersey before embarking on a lengthy tour with Street Manifesto throughout the Northeast and Canada. Stay up to date on the future of future rock via Outernational’s Myspace (www.myspace.com/outernational), Facebook fan page, Youtube channel, and lead vocalist Miles Solay's “tweet” at Twitter.com/MilesSolay
