Live at the magnificent Denver Botanic Gardens a jaw-dropping performance by Fitz and the Tantrums echoed jubilant jams throughout the Denver area. The group is well known in the pop scene from some of their major hits including but not limited to “Hands Clap”, “Out of My League”, and “I Just Wanna Shine”. They have a major following that is well deserved. The group has an energy that is sure to bring light to even the darkest days, and let me be the first to tell you, that same energy is even more remarkable in person.
This was my first outdoor venue concerts, and this was just the group to see in the magnificent outdoors of Colorful Colorado. Surrounded by the beauty of the vegetation of a summer in full effect, evoked even more joy into the lyrics of Fitz and the Tantrums. The crowd was an incredibly age diversified group which took me by surprise. They seem to have a sound that speaks to ages all alike. The group allowed for a small pit to be formed in front of the stage which is where I spent most of my time. There, fans watched in awe as the band performed to an audience that fully surrounded the stage in a full 360 degrees.
Fitz and the Tantrum’s music naturally puts a groove into your step, so it was no wonder the entire venue was standing, dancing, some even moshing, the entire night. Not just fans, but the group themselves put on not only a lyrical show, but a physical one as well. Keeping every corner of the venue engaged.
Going into this show I was already a casual fan of Fitz and the Tantrums, but after a delightfully captivating set, I not only have more songs to add to my personal playlist, but have found my anthems for the months to come. Be sure to check out Fitz’s new album Let Yourself Free if you are looking for the obligatory pick-me-up.
This could be one of the last few times I will get to write about performances at the FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine. It has been announced and planned that a new permanent outdoor venue will take its place. It is bittersweet news for me because while I am looking forward to seeing this get built, FivePoint will be done with, and it has been a great replacement for the original Irvine Amphitheatre. Anyway, what better way to start my summer concert series in Irvine than by seeing Disturbed stupify the Irvine metalheads. Celebrating the release of their 8th release Divisive, Disturbed wanted us to take back our lives with a headbanging tour along Ukraine metal warriors Jinjer and hard rock legends Breaking Benjamin. Rabit and I head over there along with Rockaholic, the Metal Samurai, and his lady Abbey, aka Lady Sinister, and did we get down with the sickness.
Jinjer was the first to go on and get the crowd pumped up. This metalcore outfit has been through a lot the past year and a half with their country’s ongoing war with Russia, but just like Ukraine, they showed resolve and strength on the stage. Frontwoman Tetiana Shmailyuk (aka Tati) exhumed her brutal screams to the fans, and they roared with approval. What I always found amazing about Tati is that not only can she throw down the hammer with her screams, but she can also move people’s souls with her heavenly singing. As always, Roman Ibramkhalilov (guitar), Eugene Abdukhanov (bass), and Vladi Ulasevich (drums) brought metalcore enthusiasm and excitement that reminded us why Jinjer is amazing. From “Perennial” to “Call Me a Symbol,” “Vortex,” “I Speak Astronomy,” “Copycat,” and “As I Boil Ice,” we saw the fighting spirit of Ukrainian metal. Jinjer conquered their performance and Irvine was all fired up. (Fight on Ukraine!)
Up next was Pennsylvania’s Breaking Benjamin. Seeing them always brings me back to my high school days when Saturate dropped 25 years ago and brought much need excitement in the world of alternative hard rock. Frontman/rhythm guitarist and founder Benjamin Burley is still one of the best alternative singers in the game, jumping between death growling and tenor singing. He knows how to draw the audience into his angst and feel his anger & sorrow. Since the release of 2015’s Dark Before Dawn, Breaking Benjamin has been hotter with their current lineup of nearly 10 years. The guitar duo attack of Jasen Rauch (lead) and Keith Wallen (rhythm) is always a sight to behold, while Aaron Bruch (bass) and Shaun Frost (drums) were laser focused on alternative perfection. A majority of their setlist came from Phobia and We Are Not Alone, tunes old school Breaking Benjamin fans love to take in. Songs like “Breath” “Dance With the Devil,” “The Diary of Jane,” “Until the End,” “Follow,” “Simple Design,” “So Cold,” and “Sooner or Later” ignited the high schooler inside all of us. Other tunes that we enjoyed hearing included “Failure,” “I Will Not Bow,” “Red Cold River,” “Polyamorous, and “Blow Me Away.” This was a trip down memory lane, and Breaking Benjamin did not disappoint.
After a 30 intermission and arousing introduction from the Metal Ambassador himself Jose Magnin, the mighty Disturbed took to the stage. Starting things off with their hit lead single off Divisive, “Hey You,” and did that song get everyone into the right mood. Frontman David Draiman has one of the greatest voices in music today, not just metal. That night, it showed no signs of aging. He still can hit those operatic baritone notes like nobody’s business. As Draiman was slaying the lyrics, guitarist Dan Donegan shredded up a storm with his signature hammer-on and “flick off” technique. Drummer Mike Wengren wailed and hammered with all his might, showing us why he is considered one of the best modern metal drummers around, and bassist John Moyer brought the roaring boom that lifts Disturbed up to the Heavens. What was awesome to see was all the players showing off their skills with their own solo spots, and did they dazzle us. While many of their songs from that evening came from The Sickness, a good portion also came from Divisive. The Disturbed loyalists really enjoyed the songs like “Stupify,” “Ten Thousand Fists,” “Prayer,” “Are You Ready,” Genesis’ “Land of Confusion,” “Droppin’ Plates,” “The Game,” “Indestructible,” “The Light,” and “Stricken.” Their best came from their calm, booming ballads like “A Reason to Fight” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence,” which were both dedicated to the depressed and those we lost (including Chris Cornell & Chester Bennington). As someone who at times battles depression, those songs meant something to me. So Disturbed, thank you for that. After a brief break, they returned for a 3-song encore that included “Unstoppable,” “Down With the Sickness,” and “Inside the Fire.” For those tunes, I let my metal side go into overdrive.
That was a fun night to be at FivePoint. Disturbed gave us an electrified performance that involved a lot of pyro technics and fire pits. Talk about bringing in a ring of fire. Breaking Benjamin brought exciting rock and Jinjer lit up the feelings in all of us to keep on fighting for the right reasons. I do not know how long it will be until the new venue is built, but I will continue to enjoy FivePoint’s performances for as long as it is around. To Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Jinjer, I salute you. Horns up!!!
Photos by: Matt 'Rabit' Martinez
Few 20-year-olds are doing life in the fast lane like multi-instrumentalist, electronic music producer, and artist Lamorn. After dropping his debut album Forever on mau5trap on 6/2/2023, Lamorn would embark on an 18-date tour across the country to promote the project and introduce himself to the world. The Los Angeles show at The Echo was a sold-out affair and he was joined by Molly Otto, Linney, and Latroit. I gave Forever a few spins before the show to get familiar with the music he’d be dropping but no matter how much time I had with the project, there was no way I was prepared for the live show he put on. Let’s hop into it.
Up first was Molly Otto. I wasn’t too familiar with Molly Otto’s music besides the song “Sonic” with Lamorn that was released on mau5trap. Molly lived up to the hype. Setting the “live” music tone for the night, she strummed her guitar through her catalog and got the crowd into the zone.
Rocking the stage second was Linney. Known for her work on “Line In The Sand” with KILL SCRIPT and “In My Dreamz” with Champagne Drip, Linney is emerging as one of the new voices across the electronic music landscape. Her powerful voice and honest lyrics really pack a punch over the beats she’s chosen to sing over. Her live set was no different. Armed with a mic in each hand, she took everyone in The Echo down for an emotional ride through her greatest hits to date.
Finally, before handing off the stage to the main draw, the fans were in for a real treat with the next act. Grammy Award winning electronic dance producer and DJ Latroit took to the stage to the rock the crowd at The Echo. Assisted by several (and I mean several!) vocalists, Latroit kept the party grooving deep into the night. My favorite Latroit collab was “Someday” that he performed with frequent collaborator Brea Bunevacz. Latroit’s beats and Brea’s voice epitomize the best of electronic dance music. Despite having so many accolades of his own, Latroit ended his set gracefully and let the crowd know that years from now, everyone who attended that night would look back and think about how crazy it was to have the opportunity to see Lamorn in such an intimate venue like The Echo.
Finally, after much anticipation, Lamorn took to the stage. Prior to jumping into his set, Lamorn grabbed the mic and thanked the crowd for making it out to his sold-out night. It was a real human moment, and I could tell he was humbled by the successes he’s found as a young artist. He then wasted little time as he jumped into his set. Twisting knobs and sliding levelers, Lamorn took the crowd on a sonic journey. On this journey, he encompassed the entire spectrum of electronic music, from euphoric trancey moments to dirty dubstep. My favorite moment was when Lamorn grabbed the mic and sang the vocals to his hit “Armed”. It dawned on me only at this moment that it was him singing on many of his songs. In addition to having an amazing voice, Lamorn picked up the guitar and stummed along to his production giving the show a heavier live music feel than you would normally expect from a DJ set.
Lamorn absolutely knocked this one out of the park. On my drive home, Latroit’s words stuck with me. It was absolutely nuts that I got to see Lamorn in such an intimate venue. I’ve been chatting non-stop about this one to everyone I talk to. Check out Lamorn the next time you get the opportunity to while you can still see him in intimate venues. Soon, he’ll be graduating to only playing big venues and you’ll wish you listened to me. This kid is it.
Music is mostly consumed through headphones or the radio listening to a pre-recorded song. And though this is a great way to connect with some of your favorite artists, there are some bands I have just never been able to get into through their records. I don’t want to write these bands off as bad, because I believe you must experience a live show of a band to truly experience what their music is trying to say before you write them off. One of these bands to me is Nickelback. I have never disliked this band, but I will admit I have jumped on the hate bandwagon for the sake of a Nickelback joke often enough. None the less, I knew I had to see them live at least once and have a true Nickelback experience. So, when the Get Rollin’ Tour was announced with Brantley Gilbert and Joss Ross at the Kia Forum, I knew it was time to give one of the most notorious bands a true chance.
Opening the night was Joss Ross, who is a country artist opening for a hard rock band. This did seem like a strange choice of an opener, but as Joss launched into his set, the crowd was feeling the country vibes and were ready to rock out. Opening with “Tall Boys,” Joss’s country twang had its own rock feel to it that got me bopping in my seat. With the next song “Before I Loved You,” Joss stepped behind an acoustic guitar to add some more flare to his performance. Looking around the venue, you could see Joss was winning over the crowd with each song, as the Forum audience was swaying back and forth with every song that he played including “Red Flags,” “First Taste of Gone,” “Iris,” “Ain’t Doin’ Jack,” “Trouble,” and ending with “On a Different Night.” Joss Ross got the show rollin’ and jamming, and we were all ready for what was to come this night.
Up next was another country artist that brought a lot more edge and flare to the country aesthetic, that being Brantley Gilbert. Even though Gilbert wasn’t the headliner this night, he brought a stage show that could have headlined any arena. With pyro blasting off all over the stage, the country vibe was injected with steroids to get to new heights. With a strong back beat by the band and distorted electric guitars, Gilbert might play country, but he walks the line of a metal artist. He wants to make you feel that heavy bass in your soul, while headbanging to country music. Even throwing out some hats to the crowd just to win over even more people. Brantley Gilbert got a full hour long set and he made it count by fitting 17 songs into his time. Featuring songs like “Kick It In The Sticks,” “The Weekend,” “My Kinda Party,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” “Bury Me Upside Down,” “Son of the Dirty South,” “Blue on Black,” “Country Must be Country Wide,” “Bottoms Up,” “Take it Outside,” and ending with “Read Me My Rights.” Gilbert loves his country and he’s not ashamed to share that love in his music and win any patron over with how much fun his show is.
Finally, it was time for one of the most notorious bands in the music industry to play live. Nickelback hit the stage opening their set with a new song called “San Quentin” and the crowd erupted with excitement. Even though this was a new song off their latest album Get Rollin’ the fans were quick to jump in singing along with the band. Singer and lead guitarist Chad Kroeger commands the stage and the audience’s attention, and they are more than willing to feed their energy back to him. Something I didn’t realize until seeing Nickelback live was just how much backing vocals rhythm guitarist Ryan Peake adds to the band. He doesn’t just add flavor to Chads vocal lines, he is almost a full second vocalist for the band and crushing the job. Bassist Mike Kroeger and drummer Daniel Adair are a dynamic duo of a low end in the band, creating the heaviness that lets the fans go crazy and bang their heads so hard they get a neck injury.
Not only are these four men impressive performers, but the stage show they bring makes every person in attendance feel welcome. Chad Kroeger finds time to talk to the crowd between almost every song, really cementing a connection with the fans. He’s also not one to shy away from their notoriety online, as he made his own jokes about the “Look at this Photograph” meme before playing the song “Photograph.” The band even hosted a radio competition that provided the winner with the chance to come on stage to sing “Rockstar” with the whole band. Sadly, I do not recall the winners name, but she had a beautiful voice that added a new level of charm to the song. Nickelback filled a two hour set with 17 songs that had fans singing throughout the night, including classics like “Savin’ Me,” “Far Way,” “Animals,” “Someday,” “Worthy to Say,” “Hero,” “Too Bad,” “How You Remind Me,” and a two song encore with “Gitta Be Somebody,” & “Burn it to the Ground.” Nickelback was a force to be reckoned with and could not be held back from bring joy and happiness to each fan that night.
Something that caught my attention before Nickelback even hit the stage, for as much hate as they get, the Kia Forum was sold out! According to the internet this band sucks, but there is a hardcore diehard fan base of people that will continue to show up for this band, and after finally seeing them live, I get it. You’re not just a fan that paid money to see four people play some instruments and sing for a couple hours. Nickelback may have written these songs, but they have a connection with their fans that truly makes it feel like these songs belong to us. The music has elevated past what the band could have ever imagined, and it is Nickelbacks honor to perform these songs for the fans. As an official new fan to the band, I was made to feel special to have the honor of owning this music in my life now.
#491 One word, EPIC!
The night was ablaze as Hunnypot residency Fencer took the stage, unleashing an explosive performance that matched the intensity of the grandest festivals. Their high-octane energy was unparalleled, making it a must-see show before festival prices come knocking! The excitement surged as queer, alt-pop sensation X. Ari rocked the crowd, leaving everyone on their feet and wanting more.
But the surprises didn't end there! The closing act, Electric Lecture, brought a special twist with none other than Hunnypot's own Jeff Gray joining in for a groovy collaboration. Their 70's style Americana music had the entire room swaying and moving, while their thought-provoking songs on crucial cultural topics struck a chord with the audience.
A heartfelt thank you to Tara Finegan from Cutting Edge for co-hosting this magical night and sharing her vast industry knowledge. With each show like #491, we're inching closer to the momentous milestone of #500. This night was truly EPIC, leaving a lasting impression and setting the bar high for future Hunnypot Live shows! #WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Tara Finegan is the Chief Operating Officer of Cutting Edge Group, the Grammy-award-winning music financier, record label, publisher, and services provider for film, television, advertising, and games.
In 2008, CEG launched the first ever-private equity fund focused solely on financing the music associated with feature films and television programs in exchange for the associated music copyrights. CEG has worked with the most significant media music composers in the world and has been involved with over 2000 feature films, television shows and video games to date, which have regularly featured in the Academy, Emmy and Grammy Awards, garnering 76 wins and 201 nominations. CEG’s divisions include Lakeshore Records (Record Label), Cutting Edge Music Publishing (Specialized Publisher), Music, Film (Music Licensing Platform), White Stork (Custom Music), Broadway Records (Musical Theater Label), Conduct (Asset Management) and CEG Analytics (Royalty Tracking & Analysis).
Fencer, the self-defined garage opera band, is leading a new era of rock music with their own undeniably, dynamic sound. The Los Angeles-based trio consists of vocalist and guitarist Field Cate, bassist Scott Sauve, and drummer Cameron Sauve. Only two years after their inception, they became fan-favorite openers for notable acts such as Badflower, The Wrecks, and Dead Poet Society.
Tackling the stigma surrounding mental health and its struggles, Field’s emotive and frenetic vulnerability resonates with listeners to further solidify the band’s electric presence. The trio have racked up an impressive 2 million listens across all streaming platforms, despite having not even released their debut album. Field’s synesthesia (seeing music in color), Scott’s vigorous bass lines, and Cameron’s expertise in self-producing flow together to create an eccentric style that is certain to become rock’s newest novelty.
X. ARI is a female Greek Jewish Canadian queer alt-pop singer-songwriter, mental health advocate, public speaker, and founder of non-profit WisdoMania Foundation from Toronto living in Los Angeles. Her life motto is all about turning “Pain Into Power” through art and self-care. Having comorbid mental health challenges is not her identity, but her superpower. X. ARI’s visceral lyrics transmit messages of hope as often as they ponder tragedy. Her sound comes to life in the middle. X. ARI just released two collaborations for Pride Month -Cheeriosft. DEVMO &Punching Bagft. Savage Nightingale. Her 7th EP “Songs for Dancers” is slated to release on September 15, 2023.
It is X. ARI’s mission is to use creativity to empower and raise awareness by using her platform to encourage others to turn their Pain into Power by finding their conduit for healing. Her goal is to make a global impact by spreading her message, light, and self-care tips to help heal the world by teaming up with others to make a meaningful impact.
Electric Lecture are the combined creative forces of Greg Ansin, Bronson Taalbi and Anthony J. Resta The story of Electric Lecture started in 1991, in Massachusetts. Before Bronson was even born., the third member of the group, produced a record called “Secede” for a band called Sleight of Hand. Greg played guitar in that group. They have been friends and making music since that time. Fast forward to 2019, at a Los Angeles club where Ansin asked Bronson “if he had rehearsal space?” Bronson said, “No.” So the journey began in what would become Electric Lecture and their debut album due out this fall. Compelled by impossible forces, guided by convictions of indifference, the three musicians are about to give a lecture... and it's going to be....... ELECTRIC.
This single “What If,” off the forthcoming self-titled album, out this fall, started from a guitar riff Anthony played one night and recorded on his phone and is a tongue-in-cheek look at conspiracy theories and the terror of “What if....” it all actually worked out. “We try to not take ourselves too seriously,” Greg explains about the songwriting process. “But it's hard not to sometimes. We just want to speak up. So we try to keep the words light with an underlying message.”
The music is a mix of XTC, Tom Petty, and Beck. Each member of the group plays multiple instruments. Bronson handles the lead vocals while Anthony and Greg lend in the background. Recorded at their practice space in Lawndale and Laurel Canyon where there is always music in the air.
The diverse backgrounds of the three musicians are the key ingredient in what gives Electric Lecture its unique flavor. Resta is a multi-instrumental musician having earned twelve RIAA-certified gold and multi-platinum awards for bands such as Duran Duran, Collective Soul, and Shawn Mullins. Ansin is a prolific songwriter and film producer, having produced numerous documentaries and horror films including Drive-In Horrorshow and Infinite Santa 8000. Bronson is a multi-instrumentalist and master guitarist. He along with his brother, Preston, are the “Taalbi Brothers.” Their energetic music has been featured in shows such as Dancing with the Stars, and has been the musical narration in of the most iconic scenes in Breaking Bad.
“ I grew up listening to the Beatles, Tom Petty, the Beach Boys, especially Pet Sounds,” says Resta. I love adventurous sonic innovators like Beck and Bjork. I feel like Electric Lecture is a wonderful vehicle for me to express myself in the purest musical way I can. It's all a dream really.”
The first time I heard Tycho was in my buddy’s college dorm room back in 2010. As you can imagine, those early college years are formative in one’s development and growth. Part of that whole college experience was pushing myself to expand my palate of tastes, interests, and passions. One weekend, my friends and I decided we were going to embark on a musical journey to seek new perspectives and push horizons. The most memorable moment of that day was when Tycho’s “Dictaphone’s Lament” came on. Coming from a musical palette primarily consisting of house music and rap music, I had limited exposure to modern music that could take you on a captivating, ethereal, ambient journey. That song and moment stuck with me, and I’ve been a fan ever since, exploring the rest of his catalog only to be wowed by each new project the same way I was the first time. Fast forward to 2023, Tycho was playing Los Angeles’s brand-new mid-sized venue, The Bellwether. As a matter of fact, it was the third show the venue hosted. I knew this one was not to be missed. Let’s hop into it.
Up first to kick off the night was Vancouver’s own Vandelux. The genre-bending artist took the stage to an eagerly awaiting and receptive crowd. Vandelux immediately captivated the crowd and set them in a trance as each song reverberated through the venue. Like what was expected of Tycho, Vandelux’s live show was structured with a baseline of electronic production with layers of live instrumentation on top. Each instrument added depth and richness to the final product. Despite knowing Tycho was up next, I heard a few expressions of “that’s it?” and “aww” when Vandelux wrapped up his set.
After a brief intermission, Tycho took to the stage. Fronted by Scott Hansen, the ambient electronic producer took his place behind two synthesizers and his laptop. Behind him, his supporting band assumed positions and they readied themselves to carry the crowd through an immersive sonic journey. Through the music, Tycho reverberated the crowd with a dreamlike hypnotic ambiance. The crowd swayed back and forth to the rhythms and got lost in the melodies. The music was truly mesmerizing. Each track started off like the slow build of the beginning of a roller coaster, but by the time each song was in full swing, the drums were pounding, and the grooving bass lines kept the crowd moving. The live sound engineering was topnotch. The integration of live instrumentation on top of studio versions of each song pushed the bounds of what we’ve come to expect of traditional live performances.
Tycho’s live show was a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. By fusing ambient electronic music and live instrumentation, the band harnessed the emotive power of music and delivered a multi sensorial affair. Whenever Tycho drops by a venue by you, you know it’s one not to be missed.
As the saying goes – “If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It” . . . and that is exactly what New Jersey Thrash Masters Overkill are doing. The band recently toured Europe in April 2023 with fellow thrash royalty Exhorder and Heathen as supporting acts and they have included them on their current “Scorching the Earth US Tour” that made a stop in Anaheim, CA on Friday July 14 at City National Grove. The weather was scorching in the low 90’s and the band was ready to play the 2nd night of the tour supporting their April 2023 release (and 20th studio album) Scorched.
There is nothing better than a classic thrash metal show on a hot summer’s night and the Anaheim metal community assembled at The Grove for a night of good old fashioned break-neck thrash-metal. Sunlord a 3-piece thrash attack from New York were added as tour openers last minute and started the show a little after 7:00pm as fans were still making their way into the venue.
Things now were about to get crazy as a band from the original Bay Area Thrash Metal scene took the stage . . . Heathen opened the show with “The Blight” from their 2020 release Empire of the Blind and had the mosh pits going right from the start. These thrash veterans brought a beatdown to Anaheim over the next 40 minutes as vocalist David White led the band through 6 songs from all four of their albums. While original (and Exodus) guitarist Lee Altus was not on this tour, the dual guitar attack of Kyle Edissi along with longtime member Kragen Lum provided some tasty guitar shredding. Lum you may recognize as the guitarist who filled in for Gary Holt in Exodus when Holt was out with Slayer is a total crunch master and one of thrash-metal’s most under-rated axe slingers. The rhythm section was rounded out with bassist Jason Mirza and an unknown drummer who was a total beast on the kit. Heathen is firing on all cylinders live and raised the bar for the remainder of the night.
Exhorder goes way back to 1985 . . . those around during that time know the legacy of these southern boys while the younger generation seemed a bit unclear who this band was. Well once vocalist/guitarist Kyle Thomas, bass player Jason Viebrooks, drummer Sasha Horn and guitarist Pat O’Brien (YES the Pat O’Brien formerly of Cannibal Corpse) hit the stage and began their onslaught it was apparent Exhorder was the real deal. Their 1990 debut album Slaughter in the Vatican is a fierce, aggressive and pissed off masterpiece of groove-oriented thrash metal and they proved they are still that band.
Still out supporting their September 2019 release Mourn the Southern Skies, Exhorder is out for blood with their live shows. The band opened with the instrumental “Incontinence” and Thomas took the crowd through such brutal cuts as “Slaughter in the Vatican”, and “Desecrator” from the first album. It’s great to see Exhorder on stage to expose their brutality to a new generation of metal heads. The addition of Pat O’Brien to the band adds that additional element of brutality as he is one of the premier extreme metal guitarists and songwriters. Oddly enough bassist Jason Viebrooks was previously a member of Heathen – a true family affiar. Exhorder picked up right were Heathen left off and now ¾ of the way through the night the anticipation for Overkill was extreme . . .
Overkill is immediately mentioned in any conversation regarding thrash metal – yes there is the Big 4 (Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth & Anthrax) but bands like Exodus, Testament, Kreator, Death Angel and Overkill have kept the thrash metal flag waving often in much more of an authentic thrash sound in recent years. Having released some of the bands best music since 2010’s Ironbound, Overkill is better than ever in 2023 as proven by the new album Scorched.
Hitting the stage and opening with the title track off Scorched, New Jersey’s finest export delivered 90 minutes of chaos that had the first two tiers at The Grove turned into a giant mosh pit the entire night with lots of crowd surfers. Front man Bobby “Blitz” Ellsworth is animated and full of energy as he belts out his trademark gravely high-pitched vocals and his stage presence is huge with his constant movement, hand gestures and facial expressions. His one liners in between songs are classic and on this night included, “Look at You Motherfuckers – Bless this Mess”, never a dull moment when “Blitz” talks.
Bassist D.D. Verni, cool, calm and collective brought the thunder on his low hanging bass. Verni is without a doubt one of the premier bass players in the thrash genre and certainly a fan favorite. The guitar duo of Derek Tailer and Dave Linsk have been together in Overkill for over 14 years now and trade off riffs and solos while the new kid on the block, drummer Jason Bittner blasts away behind his giant kit. Bittner a fellow east coaster was a big Overkill fan his entire life and with the end of Shadows Fall, Bittner is now living the dream with Overkill and is certainly the perfect drummer for the job.
Song highlights included the classics “Coma” and “Horrorscope” and the main set ended with the breakneck thrasher “Elimination”. The encore included the mandatory “Rotten to the Core” and of course a cover of the Subhumans “Fuck You” to end the night.
The world is a better place with new Overkill music and having them tour again and again is a thrash metal fans dream. Long live these Garden State thrash masters! The “Scorching the Earth US Tour” runs through July 30 where the band finishes up on the East Coast in New York.
If I had to pick just one…I think it would be The Royale. It’s one of those venues that has an entry that you can easily just drive right past, a cozy intimate feel that still has room to breathe, and it was the stage for an exhilarating and boundary-pushing performance by the enigmatic British collective, Black MIDI.
Before their set however, opening act PIERI had the daunting task of getting the crowd warmed up – a task she did effortlessly. Packed with so much energy, a BOOMING bass that shook the floor, and an overall energy that you couldn’t help but dance to. The way she bounced from stage left to stage right while the backing tracks were played live on stage was truly captivating, and although this was my first encounter with her, I’d be quite surprised if it was my last.
But then…it was time. As the lights went down, and they were introduced to the stage by an announcer who had to have been straight out of the WWE, Black MIDI emerged, launching into their set with a burst of raw energy. From the first moments of the opening track, the crowd was moshing in the pit like at a hardcore show. While it will come as no surprise to the people that known and listen to Black MIDI already, the setlist was a carefully curated journey through their unconventional catalog, blending elements of post-punk, math rock, and avant-garde experimentalism with a hint of jazz.
The band effortlessly navigated complex time signatures, intricate arrangements, and unexpected shifts in dynamics with Geordie Greep's distinctive vocals and virtuosic guitar work leading it all. The interplay between Greep's jagged guitar lines, Cameron Picton's pulsating bass grooves, and Morgan Simpson's relentless drumming was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The crowd was entranced as Black MIDI weaved their way through a diverse array of sonic landscapes. From the hypnotic and haunting "Near DT, MI" (my introduction to MIDI), to the frenetic chaos of "bmbmbm," the band displayed a remarkable ability to captivate and challenge their audience. The musicians seamlessly transitioned between moments of ethereal beauty and explosive intensity, leaving no doubt about their technical proficiency and versatility. One of the standout moments of the evening was the performance of "Welcome Home" - a track that showcased Black MIDI's ability to create an atmosphere of tension and release. The song started with a slow-building, brooding ambiance that was one-part discordant chords, one-part jazz groove, and so much more that gradually intensified, culminating in a cathartic explosion of sound. The crowd responded with ecstatic cheers, fully immersed in the sonic experience.
The minimalistic stage setup allowed the focus to remain on the musicians themselves, who commanded the space with their sheer presence and musicianship. Throughout the evening, Black MIDI's stage presence was enigmatic and magnetic. Greep's eccentric and idiosyncratic performance style, combined with the band's synchronized movements, added an element of intrigue and unpredictability. Their presence on stage was simple and calm, yet somehow still exuded a raw energy that infected everyone in attendance – I don’t think I saw the pit stop moshing once.
For a group I had come across by way of a Mario Kart Twitch streamer, seeing Black MIDI live defied all of my expectations and pushed the boundaries of musical experimentation. Their show at the Royale was a testament to their unique vision and unwavering commitment to artistic exploration. The band's technical precision, combined with their enigmatic stage presence, created an unforgettable experience for all in attendance. Black MIDI continues to be a beacon of innovation in the music industry, and their live performances are not to be missed.
There are some bands that you hear for the first time, and you fall instantly in love with them. The opening notes to any song can play and it has you screaming in your car while hearing it on the radio, and before you know it you are turned into a lifelong fan. This was not the case for me the first time I heard Fall Out Boy. I don’t shy away from the fact that I was a music gatekeeper in my high school days when the peak of pop punk and emo music was around. However, over time, I have warmed up to more modern music and consider myself a late-stage emo as that is some of my favorite music now. When Fall Out Boy announced a two day show at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, it was time to stop being a hater and see why people are so dedicated to this band.
Getting the show started early was Royal & The Serpent, who were not going to let the bright sun or the slowly trickling in fans slow them down. Singer Ryan Santiago made sure to engage the crowd as much as possible to pull them into their show. Following them was The Academy Is… who re-united only last year and was such a fan favorite band of the night, as they made BMO Stadium feel like the old Warped Tour days. Closing out the opening bands was Bring Me the Horizon who created a special moment with the fans when singer Oli Sykes walked through the crowd to the back of the floor seating area during the song “Drown.” Sykes found an elevated platform and stage dove into the flash mob of people that was following him wherever he went. Bring Me the Horizon could have headlined their own show at this stadium, but graciously helped build the excitement of Fall Out Boy to come.
Finally, it was time for Fall Out Boy. Within the opening few songs like “Love From the Other Side,” “The Phoenix,” “Sugar, We’re Going Down,” and “Uma Thurman,” Fall Out Boy wowed and dazzled the crowd with fireworks, ice canons, smoke machines, and pyrotechnics that blasted 20+ feet in the air! I fully expected a solid performance from the band members themselves, as you don’t amass a following like they have or play venues like a stadium without being proficient performers. But I was left speechless at just how spectacular the start of their show was. Bassist Pete Wentz had a fire canon strapped to his bass that launched fire straight over the crowd as he played. Something unique that the band did, was during their song “Grand Theft Autumn/Where Is Your Boy” they wanted to turn the massive BMO Stadium stage into a club setting. Bringing down a roof fixture that hung just a couple feet over their heads with bad lighting, it was as if we were transported back to the early days of Fall out Boy performing in dive bars.
A special moment was the live debut of their song “I’ve Got All This Ringing In My Ears and None On My Fingers” which was performed by vocalist Patrick Stump, who brought out a grand piano to accompany himself on this solo performance. The second night also got another special moment with the live debut of “Bang the Doldrums,” and the crowd could not hold back singing along to these two deep cuts. The night was filled with amazing songs from Fall Out Boys discography including “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, a Little More "Touch Me",” “Calm Before the Storm,” “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s a Arms Race,” “Heaven, Iowa,” “Sophomore Slump or Comeback of the Year,” “The Last of the Real Ones,” “Baby Annihilation,” “Dance, Dance,” “The (After) Life of the Party,” “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up),” “Thnks fr the Mmrs,” “Centuries,” and ending the night with “Saturday.” Pete Wentz even jumped onto the barricade for the final song, re-igniting all the teenage love the fans in the front row have always had for him.
I have countless friends that have preached the word of Fall out Boy as gospel and continue to play their music on loop for me. So through out the show, I unexpectedly caught myself singing word for word some of the songs. Songs which, I didn’t think I knew. But this just goes to show how much Fall Out Boy’s music has permeated the music scene and pop culture. Any person could attend this show, and I guarantee there would be at least one song that they would find themselves singing a long to. Even if they didn’t know any other songs, the stage show itself would excite and astonish any person who walks into a Fall Out Boy concert, like myself. As I left the venue, the biggest smile could not disappear from across my face from just how much joy these four people were able to pull out of me.
Photos courtesy of Elliot Ingham
Introducing the electrifying new single "Power" by Them Vibes! With an explosive blend of rock 'n' roll and soul, this high-voltage anthem ignites the senses and sets the stage ablaze. Boasting a relentless rhythm section, searing guitar riffs, and soaring vocals that exude raw intensity, "Power" propels listeners into a sonic journey of liberation and resilience. Embracing the essence of unbridled energy, this powerhouse track captures the spirit of rock at its finest. Prepare to be electrified when "Power" by Them Vibes surges through your speakers, redefining what it means to rock with unstoppable force!
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Formed and honed in East Nashville, TN by lead singer Brother Love and guitarist Alex Haddad, Them Vibes shook the foundations of Music City with their blitzkrieg live show and soulful songwriting. Inflected with the rhythmic sway of The Faces and T-Rex, the raw energy of the Rolling Stones and the Black Crowes, and the whiplash funk of Sly And The Family Stone and James Brown, Them Vibes has risen to a sonic experience all of their own.
The band has opened for household names like Cage the Elephant, Cheap Trick, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and The Flaming Lips. With four records under their belt- Shine On, TV, Electric Fever, Why The Funk Not- their songs have been featured on CBS's NCIS: LA, ABC's The Rookie, Showtime's Shameless, Amazon's Sneaky Pete, Netflix's The Ranch, and a National T-Mobile campaign. America's number one independent radio station, Lightning 100 WRLT, ranked their self-titled single, Electric Fever, number 22 in the Top 200 Songs of The Year and Top 4 Best Shows To See Live! A Year later their funk-heavy cut, Right On, was ranked number 4, rising above innumerable major label acts. "Funky Family" made the Top 100 Songs of 2022 in Nashville's Lightning 100 Radio.
Last year, Them Vibes toured the USA with soul artist Maggie Rose, bringing their explosive live show to theaters, clubs and festivals from coast to coast. Now, with a brand new studio tan, the band is hitting the American highway in support of a new album slated to be released in the fall. Until you can spin it, get yourself a ticket- your soul will thank you.