Witty Statehood Title
If Rock Club had a house band, it'd probably be our well bearded friends, Statehood.
While this was the first official Rock Club show for Statehood, we've seen almost every show they've played. In fact, RC has been represented at 60% of all the shows they've ever played (that's 3 out of 5 for you math whizzes). Their first show was at Fort Reno this past summer (back in Rock Club's salad days). At the time, they had pre-recorded all the guitar parts, leaving Clark to focus on his singing duties. They later ditched the machine and had Clark play guitar AND sing at the same time. The experiment was a success and all the people rejoiced. However, something was still missing. On Saturday night they added a second guitarist and again there was success and rejoicing.
I
t's been interesting to see the band evolve. The songs have become tighter, harder, faster, and more punk. Clark's singing has really grown on me and the band emphasis on "the kick-ass rock" is clear. Songs such as "Disconnect" and "Giants" rained down upon us with great vengeance and furious anger. The highlight of the evening was when their new guitarist joined them onstage and the band launched into "Plexi". The second guitarist took the song "to eleven". It balanced out the sound with the band's stellar rhythm section and added more a harder feel. Needless to say, I think their sound is getting better and better.
While the songs are certainly getting better, the crowd on Saturday was underwhelmed. Eric even pointed it out during the show. Maybe it's b/c the songs tended to sound similar due to Clark's singing style. Whatever the reason, I don't think the crowd reaction was an accurate measure of the performance. I expect the band to continue to progress into a rock juggernaut. At least I hope so. Rock Club needs a killer house band.
Rock Club Rating: 6.8
Since I bailed on the Radio 4 show and missed what apparently was a great show, I'll finish with some comments on the Rock & Roll Hotel. It was our first visit there and collectively Rock Club was impressed.
We in Rock Club appreciate the finer things in life. We swim in pools of champagne, dine on meals of fresh horse, and sip crude oil from a twisty straw. We demand nothing but the finest, which is why the R & R Hotel could become the unofficial home of Rock Club. Five reasons why we'll be returning to the R&R Hotel:
1. Music and lounge areas are on separate floors so you can escape and hang out if you want
2. The upstairs is divided into cool rooms w/ rock-inspired décor (and not the cheesy Hard Rock Café type of crap)
3. Let's just say if Potsy showed some initiative, he'd have a decent chance of crushing some ass
4. Ample Parking
5. Good beer selection, cheap booze
Comments on the Radio 4 show are welcome.
Yahoo
3 comments:
While I'm supposed to be working right now, I'm compelled to comment as I've been anxious to see this review appear. Anxious, mostly because I have noticed Rock Club slipping into pseudo-hybernation. Just because Christmakah is approaching, doesn't mean we can't rock. Ever hear of "Jingle Bell Rock," or "Rockin Around The Christmas Tree?" And of course there's the Sandler "Hannukah Song" for TJ (but that song kinda blows now). Any how, they invented Christmas songs that rock, just to keep the race music racing.
Back on topic, I see that Jumbo Slice saved the best for last. Nice job of spell checking and proof reading. If only there were a Torkie for "most improved." Excellent review, although I think the new guitarist for SH could use a bit of a performance coach. It's clear he is struggling with his performance identity. Is a Pete Townshend on stage? Or is he an Ian from Art Brut, doing his thing without too much fanfare? But what can you do when you're thrust into the middle of the stage on your first night?
As for Radio 4, had there been anyone at the shwag table, I would have made a purchase. I liked them. A lot. They had a very high energy and well engineered sound. They kept me happy, and that's pretty good for a band I've never seen nor heard before. They also inspired the two homeless-looking guys standing in front of me to dance. If you call it dancing. Twitching. Whatever. They rocked. I'd see them again. Bang Bang Bang should take note note note.
and yes, I dig the Rock & Roll Hotel. If they actually had rooms for rent, I'd be showing more initiative...
Radio 4 were excellent, I'd just like to chime in with that as well. Good band.
Good review but you get marked down for two omissions, Danimal:
1--Failure to mention that the new Statehood guitarist looked like a dark-haired version of the singer. You brought this up during the show so additional minus points for not utilizing your own humor. Fucking idiot.
2--Failure to mention the dude who barfed, and how all those people walked through the barf, including Erin.
Don't let it happen again.
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