Dreams of Coming Up - Drastik

I am all about the live music scene in Austin. I try to focus on the local bands and tell you about the venue. I try to convey how awesome or lame the live performance of said band was.

BUT.... Here is the combo deal.

I have seen Lynn Drastik performing with the band Drastik IV in the past. Now,  the lead singer has struck out on his own with his solo project, and dropped it for the world to hear and experience.

Drastik - Dreams of Coming Up is a radical departure from the hard Rock sound (that reminded me of Rage Against the Machine) that was his band Drastik IV.

Dreams of Coming Up is rap. It is pretty much rap at its best. The album is sewn together very well. With the bass laden tracks throughout, it leaves no room for doubt that Lynn Drastik has found the formula for a head bobbing, smile inducing record.

From the opening track 'God's plan' there is no doubt Drastik is confident and solid. Dreams weaves in and out. Drastik is both pushing you with his lyrical ferocity, and pulling you in with his love and respect for the one above! It is a strength that is very striking, putting both the street and God on the same plate. But it is the truth and it is real.

My favorite on the album is 'My M.o.' with the line dropped about "co-starring Halle Berry"! The man's got balls.

See you at a show soon. Pick up the album online,  find Drastik on Facebook!

Laters

Saturday afternoon smoke

Something new in more than one way.

Down at The Salt Lick (http://www.saltlickbbq.com/) with new friends, family, great food, and great music. It's always good to introduce something new to someone new and have them really enjoy it.

So I made new friends within my fiance's family. Coming to visit us for the weekend from Dallas and Monterrey, we decided on BBQ. Since we have never been let down by the drive, the atmosphere, or the food, The Salt Lick was the only choice and the right one.

Although we have been many times, no one else in the party of 11 had experienced the joy of smoke and BBQ like this. EVERYBODY thoroughly enjoyed the food. I was even told by my fiance's cousin it was the BEST BBQ he has ever had. DAMN and well done Salt Lick! What was better than the smiles and the enjoyment of everyone having some damn good BBQ? MUSIC! Not just music, but good music.

Sitting in the grove, under the beautiful oaks, we had another new experience. An acoustic performance by The Bruce Smith Band (https://m.facebook.com/BruceSmithBand?_rdr).

Bruce Smith was doing the acoustic guitar with some very smooth vocals. His lead guitar player was doing his best to try and set the place on fire with some very amazing slide guitar work. Cool and mellow is the best way to describe his Texas Country sound. Perfect for a Saturday afternoon at the foot of the Texas Hill County. Damn beautiful stuff.

Bruce was doing a few covers, lots of originals, and plenty of appreciation from the hungry crowd. I especially fell in love with his song 'Another Day In Paradise'. Wow! Instant recognition on a song I have never heard before. Bruce even teased the crowd with some music from his currently un-released next album.

I can't wait and I eagerly await another opportunity to catch The Bruce Smith Band in their full glory. Even better would be to catch them at one of our great, local Texas dance halls. Hope to see you there.

Laters

Good time Memories

The Dirty Dog (https://www.facebook.com/Dirty6th) on 6th Street, Austin, Texas is nearing it's 10th Anniversary.  I can see big things on the horizon and I can't wait, and all you need to do is keep your eyes open.

The Dirty Dog is more than just and 'Extreme Sports Bar', it is a destination for local music.  From Rap to rock, Death metal to local singer/songwriter sounds, it can all be found on this stage most nights. From free shows to touring shows with a cover, it is never short on a good time here at the Dirty Dog.

The bar itself is set up for a small local crowd to a hella packed house. In the fun entry there are a few arcade games and even a pole that I have seen used more than once. There is a very large 'U' shaped bar for service all the way around. The stage is optimally located for a small local crowd all the way up to a rowdy mosh pit crowd. The bathrooms to the back behind the stage and another bar to the right.

Tonight was a rock night with local band Ayleanne (http://www.ayleanne.com). Coming onstage with little hurrah, just the crunch of the guitars and 'whoosh' we were taken away. Although I don't like to describe a  band or their music,  because that's not what you hear or what 'they' think. Here is the short take on these guys. The music had a definitive late 90's rock sound. I won't name any of they really good bands that came out at that time, but pick your favorite and Ayleanne will probably compare.

Yes, Ayleanne is current, modern and exciting. The lead singer's vocals were freaking spot on and controlled. The proof of the cool little set these guys pulled off was in the crowd. Eyes on them, conversation down, and heads forward. Yup, everyone was paying attention. The only voices I heard were in-between songs. I kept hearing my girlfriend and her friend excited about how awesome Ayleanne was, how they loved the sound, and the memories the band evoked. Seemed liked the crowd agreed.

All said and done here, I will dl or buy a hard  copy of their album and look forward to running into their set again.


-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0-----0---

Memory of a Melody (http://www.memoryofamelody.com) set up, did a quick sound check and then launched into their set. San Antoino Music Award winners for Band of the Year, not only came out ready to rock, but knew how to play to an audience. The Austin crowd swelled and pushed forward for these rockers. It was a pleasure to be around a band that not only rocked this hard, but played to the crowd - for the crowd.

























Here is proof of a band just pouring out everything they have onstage...the drummer busted his snare. Talk about giving it all at a show, Yup! Thanks to the guys from Ayleanne, the night was saved and the show carried on. This was all good for me and everyone in attendance.  Lead singer Mario, big smile and all, allowed the crowd to wish him and an audience a member Happy Birthday. Besides the S H O R T delay for the snare and the happy delay for wishes, this was a non stop set.

With remote control lighting and effects on stage, it was a show as much as it was a live performance. No doubt the Band of the Year title is earned here. C'mon...there were women in the Austin crowd yelling at Memory of a Melody they wanted to hear "Things that make you Scream!" Definitely a crowd pleaser and I look forward to making that short drive down IH-35 to see Memory of a Melody on their home turf with a rowdy hometown crowd!

Laters