Why don't girls who like metal get credit? Why don't we get the same respect in a pit that guys do? And why do guys always think they have to protect us?
As a girl who goes to a lot of metal and has participated in some great pits, I still feel that I'm not given credit. Sure, there are always guys who are like "check that chick out" or girls, if I'm with a friend, but most instantaneously snap into protector mode. I came to the concert, I know the music, I know what happens at shows, and above all, I put myself in this pit- I do not need protection.
A local band, Chemical Crutch, has a song entitled "Catfight" that is all about "the chicks who can mix shit up in the pit," and that was the first time I felt respect. This song gave props to all the girls who do what I do, take the same beatings that I do, and like the same music that I do. This song became an instant favorite of mine, not just because of what it was about, but because of the feeling it evoked from me when I heard it- which is what good music is about.
The other problems I have with the protector mode that guys snap into is that it tends to cross the creepy line fairly quickly, and most of the guys that are there i want nothing to do with. For example, The Slayer pit was amazing but these two guys kept talking about how they needed to protect me and my friend even though we told them multiple times that they did NOT. One of the guys, in particular, was like 45 years old, shirtless, and dripping sweat. My shirt and shorts were completely soaked with this old man's sweat, and he kept putting his hand on my shoulders. Okay, if you're gonna protect me from getting smashed in the pit or something, her it's chivalrous, but if you're gonna try and use it to touch me a bunch and whatnot, than don't bother.
The other problem I have with guys protecting girls in the pit is that it makes us girls seem useless, fragile, and inferior. I get that most guys wouldn't want the girl they're dating to be taking guys down in a pit- it's not the most feminine display- but that doesn't mean we can't do it. Having a guy, that i don't know usually, automatically say that he'll protect me makes me feel inferior. I feel like he doesn't think that I can take care of myself. Probably, that's not true and he's just trying to be nice. But like I said before I put myself in that situation, so trust that I know what I'm doing and can take care of myself.
Then there's the flip-side of the equation. Those girls who go, usually with their boyfriends but they might enjoy it too, and get pissed that people are pushing against them. It's a fucking pit girlie, so if you don't want to be there then get out. If I hear one more girl in a pit complain that everyone keeps pushing them or that it's too hot, or anything else that shows that they don't want to be there, I'm going to punch them. And to make matters worse, they're boyfriends perpetuate the situation. They have the girl completely wrapped up in their arms and throw elbows at anyone who comes close to knocking against her- which I've seen start multiple fights. Couples should just not get into pits unless they can stand to get separated and take care of themselves.
So to all the protector guys out there: Let us be unless we get knocked unconscious or need some other medical help. If we're in the pit, especially by ourselves, assume we want to be there, know what is going to happen, and can take care of ourselves. I'm not saying don't be chivalrous or anything, like if a guy just randomly punches us in the face maybe you can hit him back, but besides that we can handle getting pushed around, and most of us can even throw some damn good elbows.
Give the girls credit, and as always, support your local scene.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Violent Sun, Billiards Music, and Tree Hut Kings
Sure these bands aren't metal, but even metal heads need a break sometimes. These three bands should definitely get checked out by everyone and are worth mentioning- even on a metal blog.
The Violent Sun is new on the scene. They announced that it was their second show, but they way they played would make you think otherwise. With a keyboardist, stand up bass, and a drum set, this band packs quite a punch with their unique sound. The bass was shaking the floor like thunder and the keys were the crack of lightning on top. the drums provided a nice dimension to the sound- when he was on top of his game at least. The singing is something you have to get used to. It's not bad, but it takes a while for you to get that it does blend with the style and music. The Violent Sun had smooth transitions from slower Decemberists meets James Blunt with some post-punk sound, to the faster groove rock.
They played a slow song, which is how they introduced it, and it was mesmerizing. I felt like I wanted to meditate, to just look back on my life and start judging my decisions and where they got me. With not a lot of singing during this song, you could really tell how talented all these musicians were. Then they played their "dance" song, and it definitely makes you want to move. With a good beat and a sort of Latin sound, but not quite as cheesy as Enrique Inglesias (I spelled this right on my first try and I'm not sure I know how to feel about it).
Next up was Billiards Music, and even though I've seen them multiple times, I still love every show. Personally, it was exactly what I needed after having a really rough week. Their chill stoner sound, Sublime meets Incubus vocals, and overall energy and performance made me forget about everything that has been clogging my mind and stressing me out, and just enjoy. Compared to some of their other shows, and most local shows I attend, there were quite a lot of people there, which allowed the energy escalate throughout the set, with the crowd singing along to almost every song.
Billiards' song "Feelin it' seems to be the crowd's favorite, I know it's mine. With a simple melody and heart felt lyrics, it's the perfect summer song and it's great to jam to any time you're in the car. They seemed to play a pretty long set, which is nice, and they ended it with my other favorite song, "But'er face." This song, well it's not really a full song, is hilarious. Everyone has seen someone that they have deemed a but'er face, but to hear a band turn it into a catchy tune makes it even better. "Someone should say/ you don't look too good," It's perfect.
Tree Hut Kings was up next, and will be playing every third Thursday (I believe) at the Loft. They were amazing. I had never seen them before, but they definitely earn to be a regular somewhere. Cody, conga player from Billiards, joined them for a few songs- and I was kind of upset when I learned that he wasn't part of it, or that they didn't have congas because it sounded really good. The bass player and drummer from Violent Sun were also a part of this jazz meets ska meets chill rock meets... all in all they are very eclectic in their sound and you can find many influences in their songs and lyrics that really blend nicely together.
The singer has this soulful voice and mixed with the old groove rock meets jazz sound, it could be played in so many different places,which would make Santana pleased (one of their influences). During their song "I want you so bad,"(might not be official name but that's how I'll remember it) the keys busted out a trumpet, adding to that ska-ish sound. And throughout the set they had someone playing an electronic clarinet, which is something I've never seen let alone in a band performing. All in all, check this band out because they're quite original and I don't think you'll be disappointed, it doesn't have to turn into your favorite, but it's nice to broaden your interests and influences.
As always, Check out and help support your local scene.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Cigarette Ban Hurts Fans and Bands
Now this might be a little bit of a stretch for some people to agree with, but if you go to as many shows as I do, it's something that you start to notice. Just keep it mind the next time you go see a show.
Often during a show people who smoke will go out for a cig during the intermissions between bands and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes people, who have a very strong craving, will leave during a bands set. Now this is where the problem lies. If you leave during a set you miss songs, and the band can lose listeners. There have been shows where a band is playing and I don't necessarily like the song that they are playing, so I say to myself, "Now is a good time for a cigarette." But what happens if the next song they played I would've loved, or the next few (depending on how long the songs are and how long it takes to smoke)? And there in lies the problem.
When people leave during sets or leave between bands (and possibly miss the start of the next band) it hurts the fans and the bands. Bands could easily lose potential fans because they are out having a cigarette. If people are constantly leaving the show to have a cigarette then how will they hear the band- and how will they decide if they really like a band or not?
So the next time you're at a show keep in mind when you go out for a cigarette cause you could miss hearing your next jam or your new favorite band.
Get out there and support your local scene.
Often during a show people who smoke will go out for a cig during the intermissions between bands and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes people, who have a very strong craving, will leave during a bands set. Now this is where the problem lies. If you leave during a set you miss songs, and the band can lose listeners. There have been shows where a band is playing and I don't necessarily like the song that they are playing, so I say to myself, "Now is a good time for a cigarette." But what happens if the next song they played I would've loved, or the next few (depending on how long the songs are and how long it takes to smoke)? And there in lies the problem.
When people leave during sets or leave between bands (and possibly miss the start of the next band) it hurts the fans and the bands. Bands could easily lose potential fans because they are out having a cigarette. If people are constantly leaving the show to have a cigarette then how will they hear the band- and how will they decide if they really like a band or not?
So the next time you're at a show keep in mind when you go out for a cigarette cause you could miss hearing your next jam or your new favorite band.
Get out there and support your local scene.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Death Valley Dragline Oct 9, 2010 at Macs
Death Valley Dragline is definitely one of my favorite local bands, and I just found out about them recently. Whenever they have played a show I am either already going to another show or I'm out of town, so when I found out they were playing Saturday night at Macs, I was super excited.
DVD was a three piece where the drummer was the singer before they found their new singer. I didn't even notice a difference because Joe just blends so well with the band. The band was saying that they have enough material for a new record which I am very excited about. Their metal sound reminds me of old school bands, with the screaming sounding like Billy Idol, starting from softer and increasing into that kind of cry, high pitched scream.
Death Valley has a great sound, one that can transcend the line between metal and more accessible music- not saying they should sell out to become "radio" metal, but they could definitely tap into more groups.
Suma, a band from Sweden (I believe), was a very weird band to watch. One thing that's cool is that they have the drums in the front of the stage and have the computer in that back, that makes some of the machine sounds voice echos that back the music. There was a little too much build-up before the first song truly started, it was cool at first but then it just kept going. The singer was doing weird hand movements through the whole set- it looked like a mix between magic tricks and Tai Chi... Later I decided that he was trippin' on acid because he started to pick things out of the air that did NOT exist.
Suma would be way better if the singer was different. His voice didn't really seem to match the other musicians, but it could have been because he has the sound guy turn up his vocals so it was too loud above the drums and guitar. Whatever it was it didn't seem to matter because there were a lot of people watching and listening, in fact most of the people at the bar were up by the stage. They definitely care about putting on a performance- the build-up, the dramatic hand movements, and working the songs into that sort of climatic-then-drop-off style.
Next up was Unearthly Trance from New York. The New York thing was epitomized in their punk meets metal type sound. They were bad ass. The band overall was nicely balanced- the drums didn't go over everything else, the guitars didn't take out the vocals and the singing feet perfectly with the music. They also used a recording of some sort to add those extra sounds that the musicians can't do.
Unearthly Trance's kind of off/syncopated punk style of singing and of the technical musicality was awesome to listen to. You can't anticipate what's going to happen, it doesn't just follow the same pattern through the whole song. And their transitions between a softer/chill sound and the punk/metal were smooth and came in the perfect parts. The drumming, however, was kind of "simple" compared to most metal bands and in a few parts he seemed to be a half beat behind or something, but it didn't ruin the band- in fact in some parts it added to the punk sound.
Calvacade was the last band and again the singing didn't seem to fit the music. With a more punk influence with indie-ish influence was paired with death-core screaming- a deep, dark, guttural scream. It just seemed off, I mean everyone can have the sound that they want and people can like whatever they want, but in mind the dissonance between the screaming and the music just doesn't work together. Their sound overall reminds me of some of the earlier Interpol records, but the singing can be heard on a lot of death and black metal records.
They played a new song that was dedicated to their "friends for hanging out cause it won't be perfect and neither are you." During this song the bassist used the mic stand to stretch his strings, which I've never really seen done before, so that was interesting. The bassist aids in singing in most of the songs also, and in my mind he should take over that responsibility full time.
DVD was a three piece where the drummer was the singer before they found their new singer. I didn't even notice a difference because Joe just blends so well with the band. The band was saying that they have enough material for a new record which I am very excited about. Their metal sound reminds me of old school bands, with the screaming sounding like Billy Idol, starting from softer and increasing into that kind of cry, high pitched scream.
Death Valley has a great sound, one that can transcend the line between metal and more accessible music- not saying they should sell out to become "radio" metal, but they could definitely tap into more groups.
Suma, a band from Sweden (I believe), was a very weird band to watch. One thing that's cool is that they have the drums in the front of the stage and have the computer in that back, that makes some of the machine sounds voice echos that back the music. There was a little too much build-up before the first song truly started, it was cool at first but then it just kept going. The singer was doing weird hand movements through the whole set- it looked like a mix between magic tricks and Tai Chi... Later I decided that he was trippin' on acid because he started to pick things out of the air that did NOT exist.
Suma would be way better if the singer was different. His voice didn't really seem to match the other musicians, but it could have been because he has the sound guy turn up his vocals so it was too loud above the drums and guitar. Whatever it was it didn't seem to matter because there were a lot of people watching and listening, in fact most of the people at the bar were up by the stage. They definitely care about putting on a performance- the build-up, the dramatic hand movements, and working the songs into that sort of climatic-then-drop-off style.
Next up was Unearthly Trance from New York. The New York thing was epitomized in their punk meets metal type sound. They were bad ass. The band overall was nicely balanced- the drums didn't go over everything else, the guitars didn't take out the vocals and the singing feet perfectly with the music. They also used a recording of some sort to add those extra sounds that the musicians can't do.
Unearthly Trance's kind of off/syncopated punk style of singing and of the technical musicality was awesome to listen to. You can't anticipate what's going to happen, it doesn't just follow the same pattern through the whole song. And their transitions between a softer/chill sound and the punk/metal were smooth and came in the perfect parts. The drumming, however, was kind of "simple" compared to most metal bands and in a few parts he seemed to be a half beat behind or something, but it didn't ruin the band- in fact in some parts it added to the punk sound.
Calvacade was the last band and again the singing didn't seem to fit the music. With a more punk influence with indie-ish influence was paired with death-core screaming- a deep, dark, guttural scream. It just seemed off, I mean everyone can have the sound that they want and people can like whatever they want, but in mind the dissonance between the screaming and the music just doesn't work together. Their sound overall reminds me of some of the earlier Interpol records, but the singing can be heard on a lot of death and black metal records.
They played a new song that was dedicated to their "friends for hanging out cause it won't be perfect and neither are you." During this song the bassist used the mic stand to stretch his strings, which I've never really seen done before, so that was interesting. The bassist aids in singing in most of the songs also, and in my mind he should take over that responsibility full time.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Blacktooth Brigade's City Tour Stop 2: Oades
Oade's is another good bar to go see some local bands play. Everyone in the local music scene is like a little family, you walk in and you are welcomed and every one knows everyone- it's just a nice place to spend time plus you get to hear some sweet music.
Hillside Barrier, Frank and Earnest, Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome, and Blacktooth Brigade lit up the stage Friday night.
Hillside Barrier went first. Even though I saw them the night before too, the show didn't seem to repeat itself and was still hard as hell. Hillside rocked out like they always do, hitting every riff and note and carrying their energy on through the end.
Frank and Earnest followed Hillside Barrier, which was quite a change of pace. As Hillside has the chugging metal sound, Frank and Earnest have more of an old school punk feel with some pop alternative thrown in. Their songs are really catchy and they do have a unique touch to their sound- I can't say it's different because it does sound like other bands out there, but there is something there which still makes it discernible.
Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome was the band that really made me want to go see this show. The name alone should intrigue you. Now, some people at the show were talking about how they weren't that good or whatever and that's their opinion. My opinion is that those people just didn't really like the style, but that does not mean they are not good. the singer was down on the floor with the people, getting them to dance and jump around. The singer had a good voice and he was backed up by the other 5 members. Some of their riffs are simple, but they're clean. With a mix of punk and rock thrown into the metal, it's a nice combo of music styles. You can hear the punk influences in the guitar lines and the singing, whereas the metal takes the forefront in the screaming and drums. And the merch store is great- I mean who wouldn't want a pair of underwear that says "I love Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome," cause I know I do.
Blacktooth Brigade played the end of the show and played just as hard as they had the night before at Uli's. This set was better than the night before- Clint stayed on top of his game and didn't randomly zone out and forget to start singing when he was supposed to. Also, they had the right people starting the right songs, although this only happened at Uli's, it was still nice to hear the song perfect from start to finish. As always Clint was doing his job and getting the crowd involved, even though there weren't that many left because it was 1:30 am. One of the things I love about these guys, and most of the other local Lansing bands, is that it never matters how many people are there, they are doing what they love and if you dig it and stick around great, if only a few people are left, they play with the same intensity as they would a packed house.
As always support your local music scene. Check out spartanedge.com for videos of these bands.
Hillside Barrier, Frank and Earnest, Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome, and Blacktooth Brigade lit up the stage Friday night.
Hillside Barrier went first. Even though I saw them the night before too, the show didn't seem to repeat itself and was still hard as hell. Hillside rocked out like they always do, hitting every riff and note and carrying their energy on through the end.
Frank and Earnest followed Hillside Barrier, which was quite a change of pace. As Hillside has the chugging metal sound, Frank and Earnest have more of an old school punk feel with some pop alternative thrown in. Their songs are really catchy and they do have a unique touch to their sound- I can't say it's different because it does sound like other bands out there, but there is something there which still makes it discernible.
Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome was the band that really made me want to go see this show. The name alone should intrigue you. Now, some people at the show were talking about how they weren't that good or whatever and that's their opinion. My opinion is that those people just didn't really like the style, but that does not mean they are not good. the singer was down on the floor with the people, getting them to dance and jump around. The singer had a good voice and he was backed up by the other 5 members. Some of their riffs are simple, but they're clean. With a mix of punk and rock thrown into the metal, it's a nice combo of music styles. You can hear the punk influences in the guitar lines and the singing, whereas the metal takes the forefront in the screaming and drums. And the merch store is great- I mean who wouldn't want a pair of underwear that says "I love Coke Dick Motorcycle Awesome," cause I know I do.
Blacktooth Brigade played the end of the show and played just as hard as they had the night before at Uli's. This set was better than the night before- Clint stayed on top of his game and didn't randomly zone out and forget to start singing when he was supposed to. Also, they had the right people starting the right songs, although this only happened at Uli's, it was still nice to hear the song perfect from start to finish. As always Clint was doing his job and getting the crowd involved, even though there weren't that many left because it was 1:30 am. One of the things I love about these guys, and most of the other local Lansing bands, is that it never matters how many people are there, they are doing what they love and if you dig it and stick around great, if only a few people are left, they play with the same intensity as they would a packed house.
As always support your local music scene. Check out spartanedge.com for videos of these bands.
Blacktooth Brigade's City Tour Stop 1: Uli's
As I sat in classes all week all I could think about was the weekend, and it did not let me down. Thursday at Uli's, Friday at Oade's, and finally Saturday at Mens Rea (formerly Cheetahs).
Ulis Haus of Rock is one of my favorite bars to go see shows at. The sound is good, the stage isn't tiny, and it's always a great mixture of people and bands. Bullet Punch started it off, and not on a very good note either. The singer was pretty much just a tool, probably one that likes Nickelback, and the band just didn't seem to mesh. The band was good, it had some true talent, but the style they played mixed with the singing was just off. Then the singer picked up a guitar for their "more instrumental" song and he looked oblivious. He just stared at the guitar player like he was trying to figure out the chords, he only moved his hand a few times, and if he was actually playing a cord, it was only one the whole time. To top it off, Bullet Punch covered "Killing in the Name." And by covered it I mean ruined it- the singer was half a beat behind, and the guitarist changed some parts, and the singer didn't even sing it the same way. I feel that this band has potential, they just have to figure out how to blend the music and singing more- and maybe stop doing covers.
Next up was Downward Affliction. I didn't really know what to expect with this band but it was not just a group of 17-year-olds with a band. They were playing death-core/metal and pulling it off. Although the singing isn't really my style, that really deep "death" screaming, the kid did it really well. They had a cute little fan club of their friends, who made t-shirts, and of their parents, who maybe had to drive them. There's not really a lot i can say about this band besides the fact that people should check them out. If you don't like the style you can at least see what I mean about them being talented.
If Blood Be the Price tore it up and maybe broke the milk crate. This band was awesome to watch. The band was talented and the singer puts on a great performance, although people were laughing a bit when he started throwing the milk crate around- but hey, at least he wasn't smashing something valuable. The hardcore-metal band plays all around, and if you see them on a bill somewhere definitely go check them out. I had a hard time not getting into their set, not like I was trying to deny it. Not only do they have the hardcore metal sound going, but there is a bit of that groove metal thrown in to most of their songs.
Hillside Barrier, who set up the show and asked If Blood Be the Price to come play, was up next. I've seen this band a few times but it never gets old. In fact, I got to see them again Friday night.They are metal through and through- with the chug sound, the drums hitting, and the screaming. The band is sweet to watch and has a good sound- luckily, most of the Lansing metal bands sound different, which is amazing. You can tell that some of their influences are Pantera, which i think it's every one's, Metallica, Lamb of God- so if you like some of those, you'll probably like Hillside Barrier.
Last, as usual, was Blacktooth Brigade. Seriously though, I've seen these guys play at least 10 times and except for like two times, they always play last and it's bullshit. By the time they are setting up their stuff on stage it's about 1 am, so most people have already left the bar. People do stay and they always have friends coming to support too, but they deserve to hear more people hear them. Dan Neff, guitarist, just shredded at Uli's. It was ridiculous, everyone was kind of surprised and even the other band members did a little look over that just said "huh... well fuck yeah." He was in a zone or something cause the solos he played were technically good and just good. Clint Cox, singer, messed up some of the words in "Way of the World" cause he was in a zone too, but not in the same way as Neff. Even though the bar wasn't packed the people that were still around were definitely into what BTB is doing.
As always support your local music scene- get out there, watch some bands, buy some demos or shirts or whatever. Without the locals there isn't a scene. And check out spartanedge.com for pictures of the show.
Ulis Haus of Rock is one of my favorite bars to go see shows at. The sound is good, the stage isn't tiny, and it's always a great mixture of people and bands. Bullet Punch started it off, and not on a very good note either. The singer was pretty much just a tool, probably one that likes Nickelback, and the band just didn't seem to mesh. The band was good, it had some true talent, but the style they played mixed with the singing was just off. Then the singer picked up a guitar for their "more instrumental" song and he looked oblivious. He just stared at the guitar player like he was trying to figure out the chords, he only moved his hand a few times, and if he was actually playing a cord, it was only one the whole time. To top it off, Bullet Punch covered "Killing in the Name." And by covered it I mean ruined it- the singer was half a beat behind, and the guitarist changed some parts, and the singer didn't even sing it the same way. I feel that this band has potential, they just have to figure out how to blend the music and singing more- and maybe stop doing covers.
Next up was Downward Affliction. I didn't really know what to expect with this band but it was not just a group of 17-year-olds with a band. They were playing death-core/metal and pulling it off. Although the singing isn't really my style, that really deep "death" screaming, the kid did it really well. They had a cute little fan club of their friends, who made t-shirts, and of their parents, who maybe had to drive them. There's not really a lot i can say about this band besides the fact that people should check them out. If you don't like the style you can at least see what I mean about them being talented.
If Blood Be the Price tore it up and maybe broke the milk crate. This band was awesome to watch. The band was talented and the singer puts on a great performance, although people were laughing a bit when he started throwing the milk crate around- but hey, at least he wasn't smashing something valuable. The hardcore-metal band plays all around, and if you see them on a bill somewhere definitely go check them out. I had a hard time not getting into their set, not like I was trying to deny it. Not only do they have the hardcore metal sound going, but there is a bit of that groove metal thrown in to most of their songs.
Hillside Barrier, who set up the show and asked If Blood Be the Price to come play, was up next. I've seen this band a few times but it never gets old. In fact, I got to see them again Friday night.They are metal through and through- with the chug sound, the drums hitting, and the screaming. The band is sweet to watch and has a good sound- luckily, most of the Lansing metal bands sound different, which is amazing. You can tell that some of their influences are Pantera, which i think it's every one's, Metallica, Lamb of God- so if you like some of those, you'll probably like Hillside Barrier.
Last, as usual, was Blacktooth Brigade. Seriously though, I've seen these guys play at least 10 times and except for like two times, they always play last and it's bullshit. By the time they are setting up their stuff on stage it's about 1 am, so most people have already left the bar. People do stay and they always have friends coming to support too, but they deserve to hear more people hear them. Dan Neff, guitarist, just shredded at Uli's. It was ridiculous, everyone was kind of surprised and even the other band members did a little look over that just said "huh... well fuck yeah." He was in a zone or something cause the solos he played were technically good and just good. Clint Cox, singer, messed up some of the words in "Way of the World" cause he was in a zone too, but not in the same way as Neff. Even though the bar wasn't packed the people that were still around were definitely into what BTB is doing.
As always support your local music scene- get out there, watch some bands, buy some demos or shirts or whatever. Without the locals there isn't a scene. And check out spartanedge.com for pictures of the show.
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