Even though it was a weird combination of bands playing a Oade's Hidden Camel Saturday night, they were all amazing so it didn't matter.
Billiards Music, as always, played a great set. Including a few new songs. If you know anything about me it's that I like metal, but Billiards Music is just that band that can transcend tastes and everyone enjoys them. "Loaded gun" is a new song and the gorgeous melody just entranced me. I couldn't take my eyes away from the guitar, and the lyrics just made it even better. They had a few problems with some reverberation from one of the drums, but the joke was that every girl just grabbed their crotch in ecstasy- always a fun time with them.
Next was The Violent Sun, and I would like to retract a comment I had made in an article I wrote about them. The singer's voice totally fits and it should not be changed. I don't know if it was just because the article was about their first show, or if the sound was different or what, but last night I just kept thinking how perfectly the singer goes with the melodies. The piano playing is amazing, and all I wanted to do was jump up and start playing because he made me remember how much I loved it and how many different things you can do on a piano.
Blacktooth Brigade closed up the show and thank god they were there last night. As I said in my last post I've been dealing with the loss of a close friend and BTB's "Way of the World" is a song that I love to blast when I'm going through a hard time. And last night was amazing. The band was in a zone, everyone was meshing with each other and smiling... they were on fire. It was one of the best sets I've seen from them, and their music allowed me to let out some of the emotions, that I've had built up inside, out. I was headbanging, singing, well screaming, and just having a great time.
As always support your local scene. Check out the bands I mention and any others that play around Lansing (or wherever you live).
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Pick me up
I have had a shitty last week or so. I've been dealing with some drama in my life and on top of that I just found out Saturday that a good friend passed away, and then her birthday was Sunday. Dealing with all this stuff has really dragged me down so of course I turned to music and one of the songs in specific is Blacktooth Brigade's "Way of the World."
This song is that perfect here's-how-the-world-goes-but-that-doesn't-mean-you-have-to-like-it. It starts off slow and somber and explains how it's the way of the world and it will not end well for us. It then starts to dominate and show the anger everyone has when things aren't going well.
It's hard to do this song justice. The 7 minutes of domination, the sweet guitar riffs and solos, the fighter attitude in the lyrics, it all adds together to make one of my favorite songs. The way I feel when I listen to it is hard to put into words, but if it can help me through a time like this then it's definitely worth everyone checking out.
As always, support your local scene. And don't be afraid to have one of your favorite songs be from a band everyone else hasn't heard of.
This song is that perfect here's-how-the-world-goes-but-that-doesn't-mean-you-have-to-like-it. It starts off slow and somber and explains how it's the way of the world and it will not end well for us. It then starts to dominate and show the anger everyone has when things aren't going well.
It's hard to do this song justice. The 7 minutes of domination, the sweet guitar riffs and solos, the fighter attitude in the lyrics, it all adds together to make one of my favorite songs. The way I feel when I listen to it is hard to put into words, but if it can help me through a time like this then it's definitely worth everyone checking out.
As always, support your local scene. And don't be afraid to have one of your favorite songs be from a band everyone else hasn't heard of.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Thursday Night at Uli's
After going to see the Filipino National Dance company perform I decided that a metal show was just what I needed to make my night normal- at least in my terms. And it never hurts when the show is free either.
Blacktooth Brigade and All Ends Black put on an impromptu show at Uli's Haus of Rock, or Pain according to Uli. Country Blacktooth played first and that was a little weird, mostly because it was actually good. Clint Cox, Daniel Neff, and Ian Smith entertained the crowd with some good ol' country music- not twangy, not poppy, just down home country. The set would have been a little better if they had actually spent time practicing with all of them, but other then the few mess ups with transitions they played well. And it had a great entertainment value nonetheless.
All Ends Black got up and rocked it out. Adam Ray's rap hands make me laugh, but they somehow fit with the scream metal they play. The set was perfect for letting out some rage or just enjoying some good music. Well setting up for their song "Last Laugh" Ray looked over at me and we were both laughing and he went on to say "if you don't know what this song is about go read spartan edge." I had covered the Halloween Metal on the River show, where they played, and in my article spoke of "Last Laugh" and how it was about Ray's old band, Endless Aisle. Some of EA's band mates saw the article and commented about the song, Ray was asking why I had to "sell him out"(but he wasn't actually mad) earlier in the night, so that's why we began laughing when they played it Thursday night.
Blacktooth Brigade closed the night off with a solid performance. I have seen them many times, but their songs still have the same effect on me, and now I know most of the words. Eric Wolfe's and Neff's solos were the icing on the metal cake, and as far as I could tell they didn't mess up. Halfway through the set Cox got a little preoccupied with ordering beers and kept asking if they were on the way, but he didn't let it interrupt the songs- just the time in between haha. Like always BTB put on a good set and the best part of it was that they enjoy playing those songs every time- whether or not they've played three shows in a row, or there are two people at the show, it just doesn't matter to them. They all love what they do which makes it easy for the crowd to love it too.
Blacktooth Brigade and All Ends Black put on an impromptu show at Uli's Haus of Rock, or Pain according to Uli. Country Blacktooth played first and that was a little weird, mostly because it was actually good. Clint Cox, Daniel Neff, and Ian Smith entertained the crowd with some good ol' country music- not twangy, not poppy, just down home country. The set would have been a little better if they had actually spent time practicing with all of them, but other then the few mess ups with transitions they played well. And it had a great entertainment value nonetheless.
All Ends Black got up and rocked it out. Adam Ray's rap hands make me laugh, but they somehow fit with the scream metal they play. The set was perfect for letting out some rage or just enjoying some good music. Well setting up for their song "Last Laugh" Ray looked over at me and we were both laughing and he went on to say "if you don't know what this song is about go read spartan edge." I had covered the Halloween Metal on the River show, where they played, and in my article spoke of "Last Laugh" and how it was about Ray's old band, Endless Aisle. Some of EA's band mates saw the article and commented about the song, Ray was asking why I had to "sell him out"(but he wasn't actually mad) earlier in the night, so that's why we began laughing when they played it Thursday night.
Blacktooth Brigade closed the night off with a solid performance. I have seen them many times, but their songs still have the same effect on me, and now I know most of the words. Eric Wolfe's and Neff's solos were the icing on the metal cake, and as far as I could tell they didn't mess up. Halfway through the set Cox got a little preoccupied with ordering beers and kept asking if they were on the way, but he didn't let it interrupt the songs- just the time in between haha. Like always BTB put on a good set and the best part of it was that they enjoy playing those songs every time- whether or not they've played three shows in a row, or there are two people at the show, it just doesn't matter to them. They all love what they do which makes it easy for the crowd to love it too.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Metal Girls
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.
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.
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.
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