some of that 'Southern Hostility' for me please

I don't usually do reviews that are not based on a live music experience or without some photos to back up the words. But I'll do it for the www to read and know. 

I have had the wonderful experience of seeing Upon A Burning Body  (https://www.facebook.com/uponaburningbody/) perform a few times. Definitely one of my favorites. Knowing they are from down the road in San Antonio and their mark on the metal scene, it is a pleasure to listen to and drop my opinion of their release 'Southern Hostility'. No, it's not a brand new release, but it is their newest.

So, lucky me. I was able to grab the limited release vinyl and get a copy of the disc. Well worth every damn dollar. Waited for the mailman to drop that shit off. Checked my camera EVERY DAY. I wasn't even home when it came in, but sent a neighbor over to grab the package when it was placed on my doorstep. 

I got home, opened it up.Admired the simple statement of the cover artwork, pure UABB. It was righteous. Then I put that fine piece of aural abuse on full volume.

Danny, Ruben, and the guys have stepped up created one of their finest works to date. ABSOLUTELY stunning, gut punching, nut kicking, ear bleeding masterpiece. The opening track doesn't really set the tone for the rest of the album, but that son of a bitch gets your attention instantly. It is great and demands that you shut the fuck up and listen!

Listening to the album on repeat several times moved me past the "Fuck yeah!" fist and middle finger in the air feeling on the first go round. To shouting along to lyrics on the second and third time. Yelling and thrashing about so much in my house the dogs were scared shitless and went outside and wouldn't come back in. 

Some where around the fourth listen something wonderful happened. I started hearing the music. The backing vocals. The choruses. I realized these boys from San Antonio didn't just put together another banger of an album. No, for fucks sake, they grew up. They just fully embraced the current sound and scene and made sure their music was still theirs, but knew how to stay absolutely relevant. Dare I say...mainstream. No! I am not saying radio airplay bullshit. But just simply, the music has moved to another level of badassery! I am not just talking about the legions of fans they have all over the world. I am saying this album easily moves them to a main stage. To crossing over a line where it's not just the long time fans listening, buying, and going to the shows. Southern Hostility has the sound, production, anger, and adrenaline producing ability to create smiles - show your teeth - to a wider and broader base of metal fans.

No. I didn't not critique the individual tracks on this album. I have just laid out for you a feeling it creates. Told you a story on how it made me feel. And simply explained to you....buy it, download it, and more importantly go to a show!

Laters

Upon A Burning Body - Mayhem Fest 2014

Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival 2014 rolled through Dallas, Texas. There were just a couple of acts proud to be rocking the home state crowd. I will talk about one of the others later, but for now...

Upon A Burning Body (http://www.facebook.com/uponaburningbody) [a.k.a. - UABB]! The last time I saw these guys from San Antonio, they were tearing shit up on a stage for South By South West [SXSW], in Austin, TX about 3 yrs ago. My how things have changed and remained the same. A little bit older, maybe a bit more hardened by the road, but doing it like NO ONE ELSE on the Mayhem Stages.

If the music doesn't make you think twice about UABB or take notice as they first hit the stage, it would be the unmistakable style. Balls, pride, and confidence to drop the music as hard as they do, looking as good as they do. And best of all, I don't think anyone, in any band, could do it as good in the Texas heat. Fuck all the fakers. 

Although lead singer Danny does a masterful job of controlling the crowd, it is without a doubt, the bands energy as a whole, that whips the crowd into a frenzy. C'mon, it is seriously the most unbelievable sight and sound when you have a hardcore metal band like UABB, do some corny ass shit - like sing the state song in 'Texas Blood Money' - and the crowd is not just singing along, but moving as one giant, thrashing organism. That is some cool ass shit to experience! 

I feel blessed and lucky enough to have spent a few minutes with singer Danny and guitarist Ruben before they went onstage. Although the interview was fun (and I think it was a good moment for them to step away from themselves before going onstage), the live performance of UABB is something altogether stellar to behold.

Ruben's final words that wrapped our interview, are some words I love and think will stick in the heart of every Texan, metal fan, and UABB fan out there. - "As long as they got our back, we got theirs!" -

Here is a link to the audio interview, enjoy it and the photos! (https://soundcloud.com/livemusicinaustin/ruben-danny-uabb)

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.


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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

I think I was amused

So what is currently happening around town is the battle of the bands for the Bmused III Festival that runs concurrent to SXSW. This particular night at the Dirty Dog was round two.

The Dirty Dog ( http://dirtydogbar.com/ ) is another of my many favorites. A great place to go have some drinks, watch some sports on one of their MANY TVs, and/or listen to some bands. There have been many performances here, from all sorts of genres of music, and this night was no exception.

Boys On the Inside ( http://www.myspace.com/ryankelsey06 ) was first up and without the drummer in tow (apparently ABI claimed another luggage victim, HA!). So sans the drummer the duo preformed a very nice set. Some covers mixed in with the originals was enough to have some in the light audience singing along. Would be nice to actually attend a performance with the full band, but on the whole, it was still an entertaining performance.

 

Jansen Hawkins ( http://www.facebook.com/jansenhawkins ) may not be the name of the band that was up next, but this is who was onstage. With a guitar and a cello, myself and a friend, were decidedly perplexed at how this would sound or turn out. Very singer songwriter style, a Sunday afternoon out in the backyard with a glass of wine on a beautiful fall day. What totally and without question BLEW me away was the cellist (sp?). This guy had an amazing ear and was able to rock the cello so good it went beyond bad ass to almost jaw dropping. What a very fun performance.

Destruction Evolution ( http://www.destructionevolution.com/home.html ) were standing around all night gnashing their teeth and pacing the floor, anxious to jump up and take the night to a new level! With a larger crowd in attendance, they started it hard and fast and ended it hard and fast. It was fucking relentless!  Although it was the first time I have seen these guys perform (after a previously missed opportunity) I am glad I took advantage of this one. The sound felt familiar, but still fresh and fun. Speaking of fun, the lead singer 'Sin', did an awesome job of running the show. There he is onstage and I swear to you the moment I blinked or looked away, he was off the stage and roaming through the crowd. He did this several times and I swear it surprised me each time. I would look up and there he was right next to someone in the audience screaming into the mic and leaning on them like they were lifelong pals. What a great showman. I will let you in on their next appearance and I hope to see you there!

Don't quite remember the name of the band that hit the stage last, but they had all the energy of rabbits jacked up on Red Bull. These kids were ALL OVER THE place.

Laters

It's my blog DAMMIT!

I can write about what I want Dammit!!! This is not a show I am writing about, but after hearing this album, I am looking forward to them coming to town (and hoping that they will perform and make it a show). So below the chat about the album is the link to the band, get on their mailing list and beat'em over the internet head to get them here to Austin. Otherewise option #2 is outlined in the end of the blog as well.

I just got my ears sonic-ly assualted by the album from Destruction Evolution - Relentless. Effin powerful, driving, and (of course) relentless! Vocals cross between that growl of 'I've gargled with glass this morning' to old fashioned southern rock and rebellion vocals. No yelling and shrieking here, just listen and you will understand. Better yet, make it to there show when they hit town and enjoy, I'll be there for damn sure (showing my metal roots), so dont be shy...get fuckin dirty and sweat it out...be RELENTLESS!

http://www.destructionevolution.com/main.asp , BTW, I dont see a damn Austin date on here...WTF...somebody cough a back yard, a P.A. and a keg so we can get these boys here so we can get this shindig started! LOL