Category: Reviews

Show Number One: Bruce Springsteen in Albany
I’m not sure how it took me this long to see him, but it did and it was fully worth the wait. Bruce Springsteen puts on an amazing show, has incredible showmanship and presence on stage, and even played some wildcard audience requests look like they were part of the plan for the night. This was far from a greatest hits show and I found a few new favorite songs throughout the night. Here’s my take away from my first Bruce Springsteen show, at The Times Union Center in Albany on May 13th.
- The crowd was comprised of everyone from little kids to grandparents, and everyone in between. Bruce spans all generations.
- “Don’t Change” and “My Love will not Let You Down” were a good 1-2 punch of to open the show. Never heard either before, let alone expected an INXS cover to start a Bruce show.
- Tom Morello on guitar was a treat. Didn’t know he would be playing with Bruce, let alone that Little Steven wasn’t playing. Fair trade for me.
- “Death to my Hometown” was tribal as hell.
- I couldn’t tell if it was a standard show, or if there were bustouts. It didn’t matter either way. This show wasn’t defined by the setlist.
- The audience interaction could have gotten old fast, and usually it does. Bruce is WAY more patient with the audience and the audience doesn’t seem to be pushy when it comes to getting him things to read or signs for songs they want to hear. Good band-audience relationship.
- Reading a Mother’s Day card, then dancing with the mom in question was pretty cool. Your Mother’s Day gift is weak by comparison.
- “Better Days” – new favorite tune. “Seaside Bar Song” and “Meet me at Mary’s Place” as well.
- When an audience member requests “Stayin’ Alive”, it seemed like it wouldn’t happen. Then Bruce throws on the acoustic and this happens. “Stayin’ Alive” is one helluva a song when Bruce plays it. Stripped of Disco!
- Seriously 17 band members? Glenn Miller Orchestra I saw last week had 19. But the sound for Bruce was worth it, just surprised to see 17 on stage.
- “Shackled and Drawn” – HUGE song. Love this song, the Celtic-ness to it, although a bass line here would have been perfect. Good choreography as well.
- “The Ghost of Tom Joad” – I imagine Pete Seeger looks down from heaven and smiles whenever Bruce plays this one. Major highlight for me.
- I joked before the show with a few friends that I hope he plays “Born in the U.S.A.”, which was likely my first Bruce song growing up in the early 80s. I was pretty shocked to hear it, thinking it was a song he shelved for a long time.
- “Born to Run”! Born->Born.
- The crowd hung on every song and knew them all. Energetic and focused and not there just for the party – they wanted to hang on every note. Reminds me of Pearl Jam and Phish crowds.
- Bruce’s intro for the E Street Band – never heard that before and damn it’s a good one.
- Jake Clemons, Clarence Clemons nephew, has filled some very big shoes, and the tribute on the screen during intros was very touching.
- The whole ‘not leaving the stage for an encore’ is confusing when most bands I see do that. Explains why the lights came on around 1030, if not earlier.
- Russ Lawton looks like a young max Weinberg.
Sure, there were some songs I wish I heard – “Growing Up”, “Because the Night”, “Atlantic City” and “Rosalita” – but I’m not disappointed I didn’t see them. It just means I need to go and see him more, chasing those tunes. What an amazing first show!

Check out Bruce’s Notes from the Road
May 15, 2014
Fozzy Rocks in First Appearance in Poughkeepsie at the Chance Theater

A very diverse crowd of roughly 200 people came to the Chance Theater in Poughkeepsie on Friday May 9. Some people there were huge WWE fans there to support their idol Chris Jericho. Some people were hardcore Hatebreed fans there to support Jaime Jasta’s side project. Others were there for a killer rock show. Whatever the case was, doesn’t change the fact that Fozzy, Jasta, and Kyng blew the roof of the Chance Theater.

This was actually my first time at the venue. The place may be a little run down, however, the sound is great, the staff is personable, and there is not one bad view of the stage from anywhere in the building.

After a set from local Anti-Mortem, Kyng played a loud 40 minute set around 8:40. With their new release Burn The Serum out, Kyng is continues to play songs off the album very hard and loud, and of course never afraid to give the crowd a good laugh between songs. Couple of highlights of their set was their latest radio hit “Electric Halo” and their cover of Van Halen’s “Hot for the Teacher.” And of course it’s not a Kyng show without someone being picked on that’s standing there with their arms crossed.

Jasta stormed the stage around 9:50. This was my first time seeing Jasta’s solo project. Let me be the first to point out that it’s NOTHING like Hatebreed and it’s NOT hardcore. It’s a different side of Jasta. It’s more of the melodic metal side of him. I actually found it pretty amazing that outside his hardcore grunts, screams, and brutal vocals that we are used to hearing, he’s actually a damn good singer. In this band he really showcased that. He even joked to the crowd saying “oh my god, the Hatebreed guy can actually sing a note or two!” He also stated to the crowd that this was only his twelfth time EVER, that he played live with this solo project. His set consisted of his solo CD Jasta, (which was released summer 2011.) with songs like “Something You Should Know,” “Scream From The Sanctuary,” and “Enslaved, Dead, Or Depraved.” Also, props to his solo band. Jasta confirmed that they got together just this one show and really didn’t rehearse much. No one ever would have known that if it wasn’t pointed out. The band was so on key and so clutch that it felt like they were together for years. Towards the end of the set, Jasta played Kingdom of Sorrow’s “Enlightened to Extinction” which I thought was the best part of the show. Closing the show, Jasta aimed to please the wrestling crowd by playing the Hatebreed song “Last Breath” which they dedicated to The Ultimate Warrior, who just passed away recently. Overall an awesome set from Jasta. Hopefully Jasta will get the chance to do a full tour with this outing soon.

Fozzy finally graced the stage around 11:15PM. Frontman and WWE Superstar Chris Jericho had his famous jacket on with all the lights on it. Fozzy opened up with 2 new songs “Do You Wanna Start a War?” and “Lights Go Out” which is off their upcoming album Do You Wanna Start a War?, due out in July. At first it almost seemed the vocals were overpowered by the loudness of the band but the sound crew adjusted accordingly. Jericho is a very charismatic frontman, and Rich “The Duke” Ward and the rest of band looked like they were having a blast on stage. Throughout the entire set, the crowd kept chanting “Fozzy!” over and over so the band was feeding off of that. Most of their set consisted of songs from “Sin and Bones” which the band toured heavily for the last couple of years. Highlights from their set include “To Kill a Stranger” and my personal favorite, “Martyr No More.” Another fun moment during the set, Jericho demanded crowd participation for “God Pounds His Nails.” The band wrapped up their set with their anthem “Enemy” and “Sin and Bones.” But came back for a two song encore of their radio hit “Sandpaper” and a cover of Krokus’s “Eat The Rich.” A very stellar 13 song set from Fozzy. They’re rapidly growing as a band and seem to breaking the mainstream rock and metal scene with the more material they are releasing. I also believe that Chris Jericho is slowly becoming known for the frontman for Fozzy than the WWE Superstar.

Overall, a great show. Kind of an odd combination of bands, but that’s what made the experience much more unique and exciting.

May 15, 2014
Turning Stone Showroom Rocks Out with Bret Michaels Life Rocks Tour

The Bret Michaels Life Rocks Tour rocked Central NY to a sold out crowd April 30th at the Turning Stone Casino Showroom. Currently touring across America, Bret Michaels Band took the stage with an energy level of high-octane and continued as the crowd fed the momentum.

Bret Michaels – Turning Stone

Bret Michaels Life Rocks Tour, formerly of the band Poison and well-known musician and reality star, is touring the country raising awareness while rocking audiences. A community-oriented performer, Bret Michaels is well-known for his support in causes such as American Diabetes Association, Operation Homefront, and PetSmart Charities. His appreciation of his fans was apparent as he reached out to touch, smile, and point to the audience as he performed. I was pleasantly surprised at this rock stars behavior as I learned about how he dedicates so much time to helping others. Although it wasn’t necessary, it definitely upped his sexy level which was already pretty high. Check out Bret’s new single “A Beautiful Soul” which sums up this rock star’s heart when it comes to his audiences and his dedication to helping others.

May 14, 2014
Black Label Society, Down, Devil You Know, and Butcher Babies rock sold out Upstate Concert Hall

It’s clear that metal is not dead in Upstate New York as Black Label Society lead the Revolver Golden Gods Tour along with Down, Devil You Know, and Butcher Babies leveled Upstate Concert Hall to a sold out crowd this past Monday night. This would mark the first time in roughly a decade that Black Label Society played at Upstate Concert Hall. The overall production was fantastic. The sound was incredible. The insanity was nonstop. And the concert security brought their A game as the old school metal fans unleashed their energy right back to the bands.

Doors opened a little late which may have hurt the opening set from Butcher Babies. Butcher Babies started their set at 7:23 as there still was a long line out the door. They played a 30 minute set with an overall positive crowd response and did a meet and greet at their merch table after their set.

Devil You Know graced the stage a little after 8. Devil You Know features former Killswitch Engage frontman Howard Jones, who made his return to the stage after retiring from music a few years back. Jones has never sounded better with his brutal vocals and charismatic stage presence. On top of that, Jones has rediscovered his passion for metal music and he made that clear to the crowd. Three songs into their set the mosh pit opened up the floor. The rest of the band was tight, brutal, and clearly having a good time on stage together. Their 30 minute set contained songs off their newly released debut album The Beauty of Destruction. No Killswitch material at all. I don’t think the crowd had a problem with that which proved how great the band was. Devil You Know is out to prove they are a force to reckon with.

Down started their heavy and hostile set that caused the floor to erupt. Mosh pits and body surfers galore. Phil Anselmo at his veteran status is clearly STILL the best frontman in metal. Still has the intimidating stage presence and brutal vocals that are always imitated but NEVER duplicated. New guitarist Pat Bruders replaced longtime guitarist Kirk Windstein, however, his guitar style and backing vocals were so clutch. If you were blind, you never would have known Down had a different lineup. The crowd erupted before Down got to their first song “Eyes of the South.” Most of their set consisted of songs from NOLA, with a very little newer material sprinkled into their set. They didn’t play anything from their upcoming EP Down IV Part Two. I would say “Lifer,” which the band dedicated to the late and great Dimebag Darrell was the highlight of the set. Down closed their set with the melodic “Stone the Crows” and the heavy trademark anthem “Bury Me in Smoke.” It was a damn shame that Down only played for 45 minutes. If you were present at this show, some may argue that Down could have headlined.

Zakk Wylde and the newly revamped line up of Black Label Society swarmed the stage around 10:30 opening with their latest single “My Dying Time.” Wylde, one of the best guitarist in music and the king of pinch harmonics used many different guitars throughout the set including his trademark Bullseye Les Paul, the Randy Rhoads Flying V, Hybrid Flying V/Les Paul, and Gibson EDS 1275 double neck guitar. The production of their set was amazing with use of laser lights and smoke machines to really make the experience a huge spectacle which captured everyone’s attention because there were no more mosh pits. Half way through the set, Wylde unleashed a powerful seven minute long guitar solo that really showcased his fast shredding ability. A couple of songs later, they went into the mellower songs starting with “Angel of Mercy” with new guitarist (who Wylde jokingly claimed to the crowd that they traded 3 first round draft picks to Lizzy Borden to get him) Dario Lorina hopped on the piano that really showcased the entire bands talent. Soon after, Lorina switched to lead guitar and Wylde sat behind the piano for a really powerful rendition of Black Label Society’s most iconic ballad “In This River.” It was really moving to hear both of those ballads back to back. Then Wylde unleashed the Gibson EDS 1275 double neck guitar to play the fan favorite “The Blessed Hellride.” Black Label Society unleashed a swarm of Black Label beach balls into the crowd during the super-heavy “Suicide Messiah” and “Concrete Jungle” before closing the entire set with “Stillborn.” Overall, one of the best shows from Black Label Society. There was no encore or a Pantera jam with Phil Anselmo.

This concert was by far one of the best metal tours of the year. Hopefully the capital region won’t have to wait another decade for Black Label Society to slay the Upstate Concert Hall again.

SDMF!

May 14, 2014
Caustic Method Returns to Syracuse at Mac’s Bad Art Bar

New York natives Caustic Method, performed in Syracuse to promote their new album The Virus. They joined RUINATION, Killaton, Elevator Death Squad, Diamond Plate, and East of the Wall, at Mac’s Bad Art Bar on April 6th.

Caustic’s long awaited return brought new members as well as new material. The new lineup has been working well for the guys with the production of the bands third album and their very first video for the single, “The Virus”. The latest album is the first with the new members and speaks volumes to the bands dedication to their music. When they were unimpressed with the first cut of this album, after several hours and money spent, they threw it out and started fresh. The band decided to do things their way the second time around. The whole album, with the exception of “The Virus”, is improvised. Said Matt Caustic, “Everyone was like, ‘Caustic is back’, I didn’t know we went anywhere.”

Performing songs like “12 Step Suicide” and “The Virus”, the band brings new life to metal music. In a genre that makes it difficult to stand out, Caustic is not a band you can forget, and Matt will argue that point. “You can’t try to sound like anyone, you just have to do your own thing”, and they are doing just that. Matt Caustic’s years of experience shine through while he is on stage. He is powerful while still being understood. Darrin Scott on the guitar brings a rock star quality that few metal bands have. He is a seasoned artist whose value to this band is very clear as soon as he begins to play. Angel Rivera on the drums is incredibly talented with his unique style. Bass player and newest member, Eric Maliszewski, plays flawlessly with the band as if he has been playing with these guys for years. I have been a Caustic Method fan for years and have seen several different members in this band. Something clicks when these guys are on stage. This is it – they have finally found the perfect combination of talent. Matt Caustic being the only original member believes they have finally made the band he has been looking for. “When I look to my right I know he has my back, to my left, he has my back. That was missing before.”

These guys are not only talented but they are also the kind of musicians you can respect. Their dedication to the music they play is inspiring. At the end of the night, before performing “Anti-hero”, Matt proclaims, “The world needs more metal heroes”. I think he is right, and I think the members of Caustic Method are the perfect candidates. They sure have my vote.

Check out Caustic this summer and look them up on Facebook!

May 11^th The Cove. Geneva, OH

June 6^th Trishstock 2014. Locke, NY

June 15^th Montage Music Hall. Rochester,NY

June 19th Three Fat Guys Bar. Syracuse, NY

June 28^th Macs Bad Art Bar. Mattydale, NY

July 6^th American Legion Post 80. Binghamton, NY

May 13, 2014
Trace’s Closes Out In Style

Trace’s Bar and Grill in Rome, New York has been one of the single sources of live entertainment for Romans for the past three years. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Trace’s will be closing their doors. Heathre and Phillip Price, owners, have been supportive of local musicians over the years and in true form decided to celebrate by hosting a “Farewell Party” on April 25th and 26th.

With a full lineup planned for both evenings, patrons packed the pub to say their farewells to the establishment as well as show their support for live music in the area. Friday’s line up included local bands Turn the Tide, Armed with Valor, After the Clearing, Mole and the Level Antz, Enemy Down, and Omnipresent.

While Saturday’s shows included Wet Bread, Dark Passenger, The Last Tree, Item 6, Fight for Rome, and last but not least, No Complyance.

No Complyance – Trace’s first and last band to grace the stage at the venue

It was bittersweet for No Complyance to be the final band to play the venue after three years, but fitting as they were also the very first to ever play the venue. We thank Trace’s for always supporting the local music scene, and urge our readers to continue to go out and support your local musicians in these venues to keep them flourishing for years to come.

May 13, 2014
Hearing Aide: The Blurry Nights Bend Musical Boundaries in New EP

Picture if you will, early 90’s Alice in Chains, mixed with the hipster sound possessed by The Strokes, covered over with Henry Rollins singing while Marc Brownstein throws in a couple of electronic beats just to keep it hip. You follow that? Not many would. Somehow however The Blurry Nights, formerly, Sonic Spank, have taken this sound and made it theirs.

The opening track “Beekeeper”, off their self titled debut EP, is a a hard ripping track where the lyrics are not that clear, but yet the tune gets stuck in the listeners head, and the droning sound lingers all day. Trying to make sense out of it however, may be a struggle. A shredding guitar solo in the middle by Benjamin Karp, brings the song a White Lion feel, while going right back into Ian McGuire singing about the “Beekeeper.” A catchy opening track, for the right reason? You can be the judge.

“Checked Out”, the next track has a groovy beach vibe, with lyrics about being, well, checked out. A feeling that many rock stars claim to have known, or felt at some point during their career, but with this laid back chill tune you can feel vocalist McGuire, really has checked out and does not want anyone to harsh his mellow. This is a song for any hipster who just wants to be cool, have his day in the sun and chill. “Hours to Kill”, the next track is similar to “Beekeeper”, catchy, heavy making little sense, but all and all good hard rocking fun. The track of the EP is “Don’t Need 3”, with the drums at the beginning of the song, played by new comer Jeremy Worthington, set off a sweet beat that leads to great things. A fast beat layered with a sweet high pitched guitar gets the listeners attention for the story about to be told. The songs tells the tale of a guy trying to get comfortable with his lady friend and all of a sudden she wants to bring another dude into the mix! Not for this guy! He may be singing this song as if he’s Julian Casablancas, but he is not down for the swingster way of life; that’s not for him. (not that Julian is, but, who knows).

The EP ends with “Cant Have a Fun Alone”, showing more of the Sonic Spank sound than the previous songs did. With extended jams and build ups that would transfer quite well in a live setting. Which can be seen as the band has their offical EP release party on Saturday May, 17 at Bourbon and Branch in Philadelphia. This is a time of experimental rock that should not be missed by anyone into any type of music.

Key Tracks: Checked out, Don’t Need 3, Can’t Have Fun Alone

May 13, 2014
Glenn Miller Orchestra Turns the Clock Back at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall

Inside one of the Capital District’s oldest music venues, the Glenn Miller Orchestra brought back the RCA Records sound of the 1930s and 40s amid the pastel pink, green and white interior of Troy Savings Bank Music Hall. While there are no original members, an observation bandleader Nick Hilscher made, eliciting a ripple of laughter from the crowd, they are workhorses, performing 48 weeks a year on tour with typically five shows each week. Honed and polished, the band was the sound of perfection in their extensive catalog of hits from the Big Band era of American music.

With conductor/singer Hilscher, who was classy and decked out in a suit, the 16-piece band played a brief “Moonlight Serenade” to open the show, establishing the most notable Glenn Miller song’s smooth jazz as the theme of the evening. “Caribbean Clipper” and “Tuxedo Junction” followed, with intermittent applause after each orchestra member’s solo. Derbys, plungers, wah-wah and solo-tone mutes were used at various times by the four trombonists – George Reinert, John Tyler, Joe Zeigenfus and Jason Bennett – altering the sound to that of big bands from the pre-World War II era. Following “Serenade in Blue” from the 1941 film Sun Valley Serenade, featured singer Natalie Angst came out to sing “String of Pearls” and “Church on Time”, a golden voice that sounded like it had lept from the movie musicals from the same era.

Glenn Miller, having enlisted in the war effort, he formed a band in the Army Air Force, from which the classic “Begin the Beguine” originated. Alternating brass and woodwinds were featured on “The White Cliffs of Dover”, particularly by Christopher Hearld and Kevin Sheehan whose clarinet was a soothing presence.

Recalling the Modernaires, a vocal group who performed with Glenn Miller in the 30s and 40s, today’s Glenn Miller Orchestra has the Moonlight Serenaders, including Natalie Angst and band members Joe Zeigenfus, Kevin Sheehan and Ian O’Beirne, along with Nick Hilscher. Singing “Chattanooga Choo Choo”, (the first ever gold record with 1.2 million sales), the audience was moved to sway and sing along with the American classic. A unique comedy/parody tune, “Conchita Marquita Lolita Pepita Rosita Juanita Lopez” from the movie Priorities on Parade, fit the Moonlight Serenaders perfectly. The first set ended with “The American Patrol”, dedicated to the veterans in the audience, who stood up at Hilscher’s request, making up roughly 10% of the men in the audience.

After a short break, the band returned to continue the night with a “Pennsylvania 6-5000”, “Pennies from Heaven” and “The Lady is a Tramp”. These three familiar numbers put the Music Hall’s incredible acoustics front and center, which have been experienced by thousands since opening in 1875. With big bands having played the room since over the past 140 years, the Glenn Miller Orchestra was well aware of the fabled legends that had preceded them. Closing with “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree”, “In the Mood” and a full version of “Moonlight Serenade”, as well as an encore of Eddie Durham’s “The Tiger Rag”, a speedy club jazz number, featuring piano from James Navan, the current incarnation of the Glenn Miller Orchestra brought a sound from the 20th century and reintroduced it into the American music catalog of the 21st century.

May 12, 2014
Grand Opening Celebration of Grandma’s Studio & The Albany Barn

The Capital District welcomed the newest addition to the music community on Friday, May 2nd, with the grand opening of Grandma’s Studio at The Albany Barn.

The recently renovated St. Joseph’s Academy building was turned into a 22 low-cost live/work residence for artists in the area with the concept of creating affordable living and wide open, creative work space. The idea for bringing a community together to work towards the goal of building art, music and relationships gifted the appropriate title, The Barn. Within the walls of the new venue, Bryan Brundige owns and operates the multi-track recording studio, Grandma’s, dedicated to the creation and capturing of music in comfort.

The fresh new venue has bright, white walls that were lit up with multi-colored changing bulbs and were the perfect highlight for the local art on display throughout the two floored area. The first concert at the new performance space kicked off with Palatypus, Kimono Dragons, Le Rubb and PJ Katz & the Fat Buckle Band. Guests could enjoy the music from the main floor in front of the grand stage or with the open aired, walkway of the second floor. New to the scene and already set to perform at this year’s Tulipfest, the Kimono Dragons bring a much need surfer rock vibe to land lovers in Albany with fast riding riffs and rhythmic swells. Le Rubb is a unique quintet that brilliantly fuses electronica and jazz creating their own sound with echoes of digital turntables, horns and wind instruments with the classic percussion set up and bass. PJ Katz, multi-instrumentalist and producer, joined forces with the Fat Buckle Band for a high energy rocking set to close out the event.

There’s nothing like the thrill of a new venue opening that can send the heart racing with hope and imagination. Just think of all the new show possibilities that are now plausible. is a strong supporter for the growth of music in Upstate New York and beyond. We congratulate and thank Grandma’s Studio and The Albany Barn on their opening and efforts to create a space for artists to “live, work and inspire.”

May 9, 2014
The Continental holds 2nd Annual Reunion

On April 26th, SUNY Fredonia Professor Elmer Ploetz, myself and another volunteer made our way towards the back entrance of the Town Ballroom in downtown Buffalo on April 26th. It was to play host to the second annual Continental Reunion Show and I had volunteered to help Prof. Ploetz record and interview people. At this year’s reunion, 11 bands were set to perform. I thought it would be like any other rock show. I was dead wrong.

The Continental, located on 212 Franklin Street, was Buffalo’s largest goth and punk scene in the late ’80s before ultimately closing down in 2005. Last year’s reunion had nearly 1,000 people showing up for the event.

The clock on the wall struck seven and the doors opened with a wave of people in leather, fishnets, heavy make up, corsets. Soon after, the slight smell of cannabis filled the arena. I stayed behind my set up tripod on the upper level of the venue while I waited for the bands to take stage.

Bob James’ band started out the night with his first single “Lorraine.” The crowd bobbed their heads to the music as they came in with drink in hand to prepare for the rest of the evening. Each band was set to play for approximately 20 minutes. Even between the short amounts of time, the atmosphere was great and the fans cheered and rooted as bands brought up old memories.

The band that caught my attention was The Kevin K Band. With my camera, I zoomed in on the singer who wore purple glasses with a bright vest. The band rocked out one song after another and I found myself singing along to the chorus of each song, cheering loudly as they finished. With their loud and hard guitars and fast beats, they were the definition of an old school punk band.

I was told the bands that everyone was looking forward to were Tension and The Enemies. That night was the first time that Tension played in 25 years and I heard non-stop talk about them performing. The Enemies caused an equal amount of buzz between fans, as they were to perform with two of the original members.

Between sets, I got the opportunity to take a break behind the camera and venture out into the bar area to interview people. For an older, edgier crowd, people had smiles on their faces and were hugging one another in remembrance of The Continental.

I heard stories about The Continental being a safe haven and a place where misfits went and felt like they belonged. A person from our crew sparked a conversation with a man, who as he spoke, painted an image of young, goth girls looking in the mirror, fixing their make up. The interview turned quite a loop when be mentioned that he was blind, something I failed to initially observe. In an instant, he pulled on a leash he had in his hand and a woman immediately came to his side. She had a collar around her neck and my eyes could not stop looking at her golden eye make up. She introduced herself as his “Seeing-eye Bitch.” I was thrown off guard at the sight of the two of them but that gave me a realization that The Continental was all about the strange and the unusual.

And, I was part of it.

Tension and The Enemies took the stage toward the end of the night, and that was the most I heard the crowd cheer. Some people starred in awe since it was years since they saw the bands play. My professor was even rocking out to the music along with the people who waited for the reunion to happen. I, along with two other girls from our crew, went to the front of the stage to watch the two bands perform. From our vantage point, I saw older faces light up and young rock ‘n’ roll hearts unleashed again. We then just let everything loose, threw up the classic horns with our hands and screamed after each song. We didn’t know the words, but the excitement and the feeling of the drums rocking our bodies made us want to be part of the crowd. After their sets, we took our sweaty selves up near the tripods and cameras. We all babbled about how awesome the bands were and almost forgot that two more bands were set to perform.

We watched as the stage was prepared for the next act. A black banner with red, bloody letters read, “SKINBOUND.” We knew the next band was not going to be some classic punk band. The lights dimmed and a red light surrounded the stage. Everyone looked confused when over the speakers they heard the sound of eerie church music and suddenly, the band came out with rough guitars and pounding drums. The singer came out with harsh growls and screams.

At first, I was taken back by the band. I was like, ‘Who would have a heavy metal band at a punk show?’ But, in a heartbeat, the three of us made our way to the stage again and we followed suit with the crowd, heads banging to the beat of the guitars. We yelled and once more threw up the horns. I gasped a few times as I watched the keyboard player do backflips while he stood on stage. “We are going to play Coldplay’s, ‘Viva La Vida’ because we like to piss them off,” the singer announced, and the band proceeded into a metal version, complete with deep growls. It made a lasting impression as I knew I would never listen to the original song without the image of a band dressed in black, a keyboard player doing backflips, and a tattooed covered singer doing intense vocals. As much as the band was intimidating on stage, I met them after the show and observed young guys with humbled hearts as they were asked to take pictures and sign autographs.

Progressively fewer people made their way towards the stage as the last band started to play, which was not until after midnight. Industry of Life Divine took the stage with pink and black balloons filling the stage. We made our way back to the camera and video area and watched as the stage filled with half-naked women in leather, carrying whips. The scene distracted from the music, the music that came through the band sounded like a poppy version of Marilyn Manson, with a psychedelic rock. On the corner of the stage was a girl who twirled around a light up, rainbow hula-hoop and I mentally gave her props for being able to twirl it around her neck, legs and hips. But, that was the only real entertainment on the stage.

All our equipment was packed and our crew got out of the venue before the total chaos of traffic could happen. My ears rang, my throat was dry and the back of my neck sore. I came in there not knowing what to expect and I came out with a real acceptance of what The Continental was: it was a home for the people who were told they did not belong anywhere else. It was a place for the misfits to show their true colors. It was a true punk rock family.

May 8, 2014