Tessa McKenna of Sleepy Vikings performs at the band's welcome home show at New World Brewery on July 9, 2011./Photo by: Eliana Rowe

Tampa’s beloved Sleepy Vikings recently returned from their virgin sojourn into the world of touring.  Back from 18 straight dates winding them from the Carolinas to Massachusetts to Illinois and home again, the band was welcomed home by the heart-warming 230+ in attendance.  Some minor technical difficulties aside, the band ripped through songs from their debut album They Will Find You Here (New Granada), as well as inspired covers by Cat Power and (ahem) Britney Spears.   Catch Sleepy Vikings next when they play the opening party of this year’s AntiWarpt Festival on Friday July 29/St. Petersburg.  Labelmates Zillionaire blasted through a set showcasing new material.

PHOTOS FROM ZILLIOINAIRE’S SET
PHOTOS FROM SLEEPY EYE GIANT’S SET

Zillionaire is currently in the studio recording their follow-up to 2008′s The Street Lights Have Been Turned Down (New Granada).   Charleston, SC’s Sleepy Eye Giant came all the way down here just for this show on personal invite from the Vikings.  The bands met on tour and hit it off.  The Carolina power-trio kicked it off with an amazing set of Modest Mouse-y indie rock.  Photos from the Sleepy Vikings’ set can be seen below.

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