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

not on that other shit

It's on The Mothership. I took a ride on this ship when it sailed with "Now you can Boo me" and here we are with...

Nite Owl (https://www.niteowlhiphop.com/home) Hip Hop to make you proud. What I mean is this...IF you like Hip Hop and Rap, the real classic shit. The kind with the bass that makes you nod your head like your neck is broke. The lyrical story telling, clear and sharp. Fun beats and rhymes, with the whole dance floor jumping...

Then you need to pick up "When the Smoke Clear" - by Nite Owl here - https://niteowlhiphop.com/album/653369/when-the-smoke-clear This album starts out clean with the opening track "Who am I" which carries a surprise in the middle of the track. Excellent music writing and scoring. I had to listen to the track twice before I realized it was one track not two short ones. Genius and tricky.

Running right into the "Same old Story" we get straight into the deep. The passion and the story telling of Nite Owl. No, there isn't really any anger in this track but you feel his confusion and pain. Speaking of events and tragedies in the recent past. It is the track that anchors and directs the feel for the rest of the album.

"Here We Go" and "The Mothership" bring that fun vibe back to the album. OH! and then you get to that O N E track. THAT track. The laid back piece, with that nice little groove, and then the cool flow of Nite Owls voice is only topped by the cool sexy voice that does the chorus. This shit is gold.

This second half of the CD is not stop story telling of life, youth relived, and a movement and issues I will never understand but can appreciate. "BLM" nearly melted my speakers. "Once Again" and "Time" culminate into "Something Brand New".  And finally Nite Owl tells it all in "Current Affairs".

Let me lay my opinion on you like this  - when Jay Z was young and had stories to tell with wicked smart rhymes and amazing beats. When Eminem was young and angry and trying to prove himself.
Nite Owl is neither but the soul of true Rap and Hip Hop lies within him!

Is this your 'Wake Up Call'

I have only done a couple of album reviews. Primarily because I don't do album reviews. But when it is something exciting and the album turns out to be beyond expectations and greater than the sum of all its parts...yes I will tell you about it.

Michael Dillard Band's - Wake Up Call  (https://www.facebook.com/MichaelDillardMusic/) could be referred to as a breakthrough album. It's luscious melodies, powerful riffs, and haunting melodies, make it a beautiful walk on air.

I won't break down the entire album, that is for you to do and enjoy, but there were some things that struck me in which I have to share. My highlights that I want you to know about. Piece together the story and movie in your head when you listen to it, but let some of what I say guide you.

The whole album plays like a movie. Some lost soul little boy, young and trying to find his way. His innocence shattered and the reality of adulthood brings the light. Not necessarily happiness, but enlightenment.



Unexpected! The greatest way to describe the opening track - Blind lead the blind. Never, ever would I have expected the sounds that came from my speakers. The string arrangement was as I described - luscious. Then voice of Michael Dillard has progressed and as you hear it on this first track, it provides just a little growl with his passion. Then the chorus vocals kick in - haunting. Definitely an impressive opening to the album.

This theme and sound runs into the second track - Sunrise. An instrumental of sorts. As interesting as it is, I can see where the band may have had difficulty deciding which track to the open with, Ultimately after listening and re listening, they did good.

By no small margin, the third track (and title track) - Wake up call, is explosive. It is a powerful piece, that ebbs and flows through you mind. Take your your time and ponder what the lyrics of Wake up call means to you.

The fun and technically brilliance continues with the masterful drum tracks, a ukulele, stings, and keyboard arrangements. The next couple of tracks hold their own with unique sounds and catchy riffs. Post productions with the vocals is just mind blowing.

The whole album does move like the tides sweetly from the slower darker tracks in the middle of the album to the bright and shiny Desert Rose and finally ending with the crescendo of The Beast. With its echoing and strange story telling with the lone trumpet....fade to black.

Laters

The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn

The new full length album from 'The Roosevelts'. This is a Nashville group with their feet firmly planted in that Americana sound. 

On the first track, and throughout the album you hear the amazing harmonies between lead singer/rhythm guitar player, James Mason, and lead guitar/mandolin wizard, Jason Kloess.

'The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn' is a wonderful and fun story telling of love,  love lost,  and whiskey. From the fun, up tempo hit song 'This is Life' to the longing and forlorn track 'Ashes', James and Jason simply weave a tapestry of some truly sing along songs on this 35 minute journey.

'Tell only lies' is it that fearful track of a one night stand? Only to be followed with the spirited and lustful track 'Belly of the beast'. The entire story laid out before your ears is only capped off by the tongue and cheek track 'Peaches'. What a great and danceable track,  begging you to enjoy that fruit everyone always seems captivated by. Just grab your honey,  pull them close and tell them to give it to you...Baby!

'Runaround' has that pop sound you would swear you heard on the radio before. In all, I leave to you several other well written and gracious tracks to explore for yourself.

This album, by The Roosevelts, is that beautiful spring day or fall evening soundtrack to our lives. 'The Greatest Thing You'll Ever Learn' is the sit around the fire pit with your friends, and toast to the wonderfulness of life type of album.

Available online everywhere April 2016.

Enjoy

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

R.E.K. was in effect

Have I told you the story of the young man who liked to play music and write music and grew up to be one of the best musical story tellers around? Didn't think so! Not gonna...go watch E! True Hollywood Story and watch somebodies else's story, this is about Robert Earl Keen!

Antones ( http://www.antones.net/ ) IS home of the blues. Clifford did good. and apparently most everyone around knows it as well. I have enjoyed performances here that were beyond belief and excitement (The Scabs), that were for a good cause (H.A.A.M. Corporate Battle of the Bands), and full of fun (BoomBoxATX) as well as a few others along the way.

This place is so bad ass that Robert Earl Keen ( http://www.robertearlkeen.com/ ) decided to have a big ol', 500 people, invite only, CD Release party for his newest brain child "Ready For Confetti"!

The CD is what you and of course I would like, love, and expect from a Texas great. It moves from the rockin sounds to the country two stepping and have all of the musical swells in between,

R.E.K. does exactly what seems formulaic for all folk, country artists...that VH1 storytellers thing. BUT this is not a bad thing. I personally like the artist to be on stage and telling me what they were thinking when they wrote a song, where it came from, why. The personalized performance is indicative of many shows for the bigger local guys. If I wanted to have them just play the music, then i would sit at home and play the CD loud.

Robert does a masterful job of weaving his story with laughs and understanding for the audience. This talent really draws the crowd in. To see the crowd cheering, raising their beers in toast, and dancing to each song is an exciting time.

Someone in the crowd said this and I laughed but then thought about it holding true: the point of an encore is what...self gratification...ego boosting? You know they came to see you. We paid to see you (or bought your album. You know DAMN WELL that we ALL want to here that 1 song. Whatever it is...just tell us you are gonna get a beer/water/pee break, come back and rock that shit out. Play it for the love of the music.

R.E.K. did the 50 second break, the crowd cheered and yelled, and then he played a BAD ASS uptempo version of 'The Road Goes on Forever'! I left smiling and satisfied. It was 'Another Great Performance'.

Laters

I TOLD YOU SO!!!

 The prequel to the One2One blog is this. The actual blog about the performances that night before the drama.

Like I have said before, go to the One2One ( http://www.one2onebar.com/ ) and support them, the time is right.

Michael Dillard ( http://michaeldillardmusic.com/ ) was the special guest for this particular evening. He was great. It has been a while since I have since Michael perform, and by his own admission, he hasn't performed as often as we'd like, but here he was. Absolutely brilliant performance. The addition of the keys has really filled in the set well. It is danceable, singable, and totally likable...the music and the performance is just totally 'able.

From conversation it seems that the full length album is still in the works and coming closer to fruition. For now get your hands on an EP at a show or check out his website. It would be a great performance to sit and enjoy, might even put a smile on your face.

Fremen ( http://www.facebook.com/FremenATX ) were the men of the hour. Talk about a phoenix rising from the ashes, with the release of this CD it solidifies what I said a year or more ago. This is absolutely the smoothest sound I have heard for hip/hop. The band is just rock solid during the live production. The interaction with the audience is very fun. They are not shy about rounding up special guests to jump up on stage and just knock your socks off.

I said that this was "Sunday morning hangover music" a while back. Well you know what, I was right! Pick up a copy of the CD at the next opportunity you get. The laid back vibe to the album is much like the sound you get live. Drop this shit in on a Sunday morning, after that banging Saturday night in Austin, and you will know it's true, the rhythm with the smooth vocal flow is just dynamite. Not to loud and brash for the pounding headache, but hellified good to make you get up and start movin around.

If you like hip hop and love live music, as opposed to a DJ infused performance, the dueling vocals with these guys is they way to go. The album may have that mellow feel, but the energy from the performance will carry you. So throw your blunts in the air and wave'm  like ya just dont care!

Laters

Hot Sauce and Moonlight Social

Have I told you about MoMo's ( http://www.momosclub.com/ )? Yes I have. Go check out the club. Albeit, this is probably the shittiest time of the year to hang out on any deck outside (unless it is 10:00 at night), it is still a gorgeous deck that allows a decent view of the stage across most of the deck.

Moonlight Social ( http://www.moonlightsocialmusic.com/#!__home ) mounted the stage at MoMo's opening for EPMB. What caught my attention was the apparent age of the band members and a female lead singer? Not a rarity here in Austin (cause we have our fare share of great female singers), but not generaly in this twenty something age group.

When the music started and I heard this voice, I thought it was the reincarnation of Natalie Merchant...and she's not even dead! It is that sweet, soulful, husky voice. You see the lead singer then you hear her voice and it definitely makes you do a double take and then stare. Musically it was cute and would make you want to hold you gf's hand. The uptempo stuff was, well, uptempo. There is definitely a chemistry onstage with the lead singer and the guitarist/ male lead vocals that makes it fun to watch. The band as a whole really seems to be having a good time. 

There is some polish that needs to be put on the live performance, but if these kids keep their heads on straight and keep that amazing voice front and center ...watch out. They may end up doing wonderful things.

Like winning contests and performing at the Hot Sauce Festival (http://www.austinchronicle.com/Market/HotSauce/)!

Keep it up, look forward to checking them out again and watch them grow up and hopefully blow up!

Laters

They did it!

 
The CD release party for Aimless Gun ( http://www.aimlessgun.com/main.php ) happened at The Parish ( http://www.theparishaustin.com/ ). A great place to have a show. Lots of room, great bar staff, and awesome location, tucked away in an upstairs location overlooking 6th.

Three bands for thrice the fun and entertainment. Bombing Stassney, Michael Dillard, and of course Aimless Gun.

Bombing Stassney ( http://www.myspace.com/BombingStassney) was blowing it up when I walked in (HA!) and it was a completely different sound than the two bands to follow. Bolder and heavier but with vocals to counter balance their heavy sound, it was wonderful. I was so very sad that Angelina was not there with me this particular evening to enjoy, as this sound is very much what she is digging into right about now. I did get to pick up a copy of the EP/Demo but was very surprised...as the music on the CD is one sound, live these guys are very, VERY different. I do mean that in a good way also as I will say that I am glad I heard them live first before listening to the disc. So, on any evening that you want to feel your blood pumping but enjoy actually hearing and understanding the lead singer, Bombing Stassney is a must!

Michael Dillard ( http://michaeldillardmusic.com/ ) mounted the stage next and really did a beautiful job with the presentation of his new material on the upcoming full length CD. With the presentation of new material was also a slightly new line up, the addition of onstage keyboards. I didn't think he was missing anything before, but now it's WOW! Can't wait for the release. BTW I was on YouTube last night and watched his bootleg video of 'Crazy' (https://youtu.be/RAVOLZKfw3s), you've really got to look at this and then make a point to see Dillard live and in person!




And now for the masters of the evening...Aimless Gun! Looking polished and ready to go and sounding better than that. They definitely revved it up and took to the open road this evening. They were definitely not 'Burning Low' (available on itunes and on their website), but smoking hot! You would have to go back quiet a ways, and maybe even to my lost blogs before Blogspot, to see how I've been chronicling these guys. BUT it is funny and yet great to see how comfortable they are and have become onstage. They are not hamming it up, but they are having a great time. They are not controlling the audience, but they are definitely running the show. The proof was in their mid show mash up of some great and fun 90's songs...(even had AJ Vallejo nodding his head and singing along). They have definitely stumbled into that screaming girl area of Austin music as witnessed by all in attendance. They even got called out at the end of the show to do there own stunning version of 'Hey Ya!', and rightly so, as they now own this song in they way that it is performed! Can't wait until they really break out and end up with a song on some soundtrack and a #1 video. Yup! Austin will still be here waiting... and call you there new prodigal sons.

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

The Doc is IN and Dillard is OUTta sight

Beso Cantina ( http://www.besocantina.com/ ), 07/15, Michael Dillard Cd release party...and yes it was a party! The stars came out tonite for one of the newest, hottest kids to make his mark on the Austin music scene and reach for the world. Reppin all sorts of talent and music genres was Smackola from the Dirty Wormz, Ryan Harkrider, MC Overlord, guys from EPMB, some of the Aimless Gun boys, Will Harris from the Fremen, G Clef, Bobby Bookout, and damn if you were there and I didn't give you props...it's your own damn fault for not letting me know you were in the house HA!

Doc Deuce ( http://www.myspace.com/docdeuce ), well shit this guy is a Brain Ninja. He has crazy, deep, intelligent rhymes like you wouldn't believe or conceive. You can't see Hip Hop/Rap like this anywhere else...the only similarity that I will draw is that Twista used a violin for some of his music. The sound and the uniqueness is pure ATX love! The crowd (and I will say that I was Hella impressed with the size of the crowd this early on a Thurs nite) was totally moving and being moved by the music out of the gate. I mean REALLY, a violin in a LIVE hip hop performance. NO turntables here just pure, unadulterated, rhythmic ecstasy. Everyone was smiling and you will be too! Now we really know who Runs This Town, you gotta see this and be part of it. Doc Deuce went from a quiet start to a roaring finish, so please go out and catch what the Doc is giving...you will be enlightened and have fun!

 and now for the man of the hour Michael Dillard ( http://michaeldillardmusic.com/ ) and this CD release party was definitely a fun time for ALL! Why haven't you seen him perform yet? Okay, there will be a few more chances between now and when the big record labels show up, but dammit you better hurry. The crowd at Beso was just hyped for this performance, you felt it as soon as Michael strummed his guitar the first time. The crowd pushed forward to the stage and sardined in like you wouldn't believe. No Chance of moving so you had to stay there and enjoy, and no doubt everyone did. Still say it's the panty droppin voice, but I really say that it is obvious Dillard has what the crowd wants and gives it freely. Yup, I have seen a few Dillard performances now and he has more fun each time and it translates out into the audience every time. So for those of you who didn't make it (Miguel the cops love ya, sorry you were detained on the way to the show) the end of this performance was a rare and spontaneous treat as Dillard had MC Overlord (whose appearance on stage was awe inspiring), Doc Deuce, and Will Harris to finish out the show. UNBELIEVABLE! I Don't think there will be a next time for that, but you better make it next time to be a part of the ride up.

Laters

Enough Metal for the Airport detectors

Saturday nite at the Red Eyed Fly. The Kids, myself and 4 1/2 hrs of metal. Although we did not make it in time for the first band we still had 4 more bands with plenty of kick to make us forget! Cannon ATX, Butcherwhite, Holy Hell Rod, AND Snake Skin Prison! The variation of metal was the sounds of maybe some old Judas Priest and Metallica (ala Cliff) to Pantera and Lamb of God. Not all together that different, but different enough that I think every one was pleased, and as a metal fan (if you are) any one of these groups would be good enough to stand on their own and be a worthwhile $5 for some fun and thrashing.

Cannon ATX ( http://www.myspace.com/cannonatx ), so these guys are from right here in the ATX and as in the forward, these were the guys that seemed  (IMHO) to have a very old school Metallica sound. NOT the vocals, but the sound, and it was definitely mixed with some other influences that escape me, but it was thoroughly enjoyable. Lead singers voice was totally unexpected and had a quite lyrical quality to it. There was actually a decent crowd enjoying, a mixture of the musicians from the other bands as well as fans. So if ya got a couple o'bucks or there is a no cover night when you happen upon a club where they are playing, stop in, have a beer and a listen.

Butcherwhite ( http://www.myspace.com/butcherwhite ) was up next and of the three bands prior to SSP, these guys kicked it the way I like to hear it. DO NOT give me any shit about this comparison as it is my own and it is what I heard ( it has NOTHING to do with the fact that the lead singer is follicley [sp?] challenged, LOL). This was a very Judas Priest - British Steel kind of sound, of course their Austin originality shines through, but it was awesome with the dueling lead guitars. Just a great old school metal sound. I had a lot of fun listening to this band and apparently this is where Billy started to get his second wind, got up and started enjoying and moving through the crowd. Even here, the crowd remained consistent and showed that they were definitely down with this sound too. These guys will have my couple of bucks anytime I get to catch them around town, for sure!

Holy Hell Rod ( http://www.myspace.com/holyhellrod ) is from Houston and I, as well as Angelina and some other crazy boys in the audience, were definitely up for this. Somewhat of a cross between Pantera and Lamb of God, these guys really blew this shit up. At one point the lead singer even apologized for being so different and heavy...WTF! Dude we may be in Austin and keeping it weird but we STILL know how to rock. Angel really, really liked this band for the night and even commented that the vocals were reminiscent of Devil Wears Prada, I guess, but I think she was just hearing the singing from the throat. Hopefully they will be able to make some other shows here in Austin. Holy Hell, I think they could support a show as a headliner. SO, in Houston go find a rock bar, and if they are playing, step in and you will thoroughly enjoy.

With all of that said, Snake Skin Prison ( http://www.snakeskinprison.com/index2.html ) was the specialty on the plate for the night. As irony would have it, I heard an interview with these guys on the radio about a year ago and heard some of their songs, yup I was imprisoned, HA! Anyway, after BS'ing with a buddy at work, he totally snapped and put Matt (lead singer and guitarist) of SSP and I together on Facebook. So to you Dave TeeVee ( http://www.rawtime.com/ ), los ninos y yo salute you. Thanks for the heads up and we all three loved the performance. Matt to you and your bad ass fuckin hillbilly accent, can't wait til you break out and become a rock god. IN the meantime for the rest of you reading this, you HAVE TO go see SSP when you get a chance. From the looks of the crowd and all the damn SSP shirts, they already have a helluva following, but you can join TOO! Matt makes a baddassss story teller onstage, makes it completely fun for the audience. The bass player makes a point of getting down, roaming the crowd, and being completely interactive. The music was like this...a mix of Molly Hatchet and Matts own brain farts...so it was awesome. You don't have to know any of the songs because by the chorus you would be screaming along with the rest of the audience. Just awesome!

all photos by: Angel Skye and Billy

Laters

the other half of the 3rd

So, as reading this, you realize and know that Angel Skye (my beautiful and talented daughter) wrote up the Aimless Gun performance from Carlos n Charlies 3rd of July Beach Bash. If you didn't read it or didn't know, your a douche bag and should now stop reading this, scroll back to the earlier post, and check it out. Because Angel Skye was so diligently watching ALL of the performances she will be assisting me with this entire blog, so enjoy and see if ya can tell where her input is vs mine.

Aimless Gun, The Will Evans Project, Eyes Burn Electric, Mothers Anthem, Hebegebee's, and Vallejo. REALLY, and you weren't there. C'mon y'all it was the 3rd of July, not the 4th. None the less it was a hot, humid day on the beach, the sun was out and the crowd was beautiful. People on the upper outside deck, the lower outside deck, and a few brave souls out early on the beach. As the evening drew on, the crowd did get bigger on the beach right up to the Hebegebee's, then the fireworks, and then (OF COURSE) Vallejo exploded onto the stage. The selection of music was so different and eclectic that everyone HAD TO have a good time. An amazing day turned into great evening.

Aimless Gun was up first (see http://livemusicinaustin.blogspot.com/2010/07/greatest-4th-of-july-on-3rd-ever.html ) and then Will Evans Project ( http://www.willevansproject.com/home.html ), here again we have some unassuming guys take the stage and really light it up. Will Evans Project has more of an Alt rock feel than Aimless, but very fun. They really came onto the stage and proved how eager they were to play for the crowd by firing it up right away. What made them so impressive was that they didn't seem like they were playing for the crowd but for the love of playing the music. More great tuneage for hanging at the lake (or on a boat as Angel Skye so eloquently put it earlier). Here we really got to see a little more of the early evening crowd that enjoyed Aimless swaying and rockin to the beat of WEP. Good thing that the beer was a flowin this evening because DAMN! it was getting hotter with the music and the sun. Check out the Will Evans Project page for club/appearances in Austin and the surrounding area. Here is a link to the video shot from the show ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPMu3JO0uRo ).

Eyes Burn Electric really stepped it up another notch with their performance. Not really hard rock but was something with more of an edge to it. This is where the audience really started participating singing along and dancing to the music. A few covers thrown in with their upbeat groovable originals, but the performance was the hook that proved these guys are audience worthy (undoubtedly). The power of these guys were enough to have the rain gods let it all out after their rendition of 'Billie Jean'. And like some signal from the unknown, it poured (damn the rain felt good too)  but right on Que it stopped with the end of their performance...these guys are Voodoo good.

Mothers Anthem - in Angels humble opinion, they brought in the biggest crowd of the evening (outside of Vallejo). The energy and intensity of the lead singer was contagious and showed that they were about the show and performance for the audience. To leave the stage and have everybody remember their name really seemed like their goal. "And i think they did a great job because they had tons of people lined up at the merch booth getting autographs and taking pictures." The lead singers voice was powerful and smooth, almost an "edgy R&B sound" and it's proven in the song "God Save the Queen". These guys really rounded out the evening for the first three bands to this. I think that whenever they perform here in town you HAVE TO check out a show AT LEAST one show, then maybe more if you really get the fever for Mothers Anthem.

Now for the real Latin rhythm and performance, the Hebegebees just stole it from the other kids and didn't give back the lollipop. The dual vocals were so perfectly matched it can't even be described, an R&B Latin mash up that you can't wait to hear. The crowd now filled the beach and swayed to such a smooth groove, here is where ya danced with the ladies!

OK! This is written after the fact. I saw the C & C fireworks and then saw the fireworks @ Auditorium Shores. UHHMMM, C & C was way WAY better...and I am just talking about the fireworks, nothing to do with performances just the fireworks presentation...WOW!

and now for the meat of the evening, a first for both Angel Skye AND me! Vallejo!!! From hearing these boys practice in South Austin, listening to the albums, watching the video performances, and hearing friends talk shit about how great they are live....HERE WE WERE! Got to spend some time hanging out with Omar during the day, great story teller and a genuine and friendly guy (you know the truth is he's with Vallejo and is a Vallejo so he could be a dick, but uh-uh!). Angels description was almost in tears. The music is so amazing, the performance is so energizing, the audience participation is there. They ARE showman! and not just front man A.J., but all of them, hamming it up, laying it out, and baring their souls to all of us. The variety and selection of music is breathtaking and stunning. Shit you know, stuff you didn't know you knew, and new things to make you believe in music and live performances again! Angel described that being down in front (and she was literally DOWN IN FRONT) was so powerful an that she really had to fight back the urge to jump onstage. WHOA girl, daddy ain't got bail money for a 14 year old stage crasher, LOL. To sum it up for the Vallejo performance, it was something for the generations...in fact THREE generations to be exact as I found my father in the audience enjoying the show, my daughter at the stage, and I was just grateful to be there.

Thanks Omar and A.J. for a lifetime of memories!


photos by: Angelina Tompkins and her daddy
special thanks to Angel Skye for her invaluable input in the writing of this piece. Love you baby girl.

Laters

Where the hell am I?

Really the wonderful, great thing about Austin is simply that...go downtown, go to a club/bar you've NEVER gone into before, and WHOA! have a good time.

The Ghost Room on 4th and Lavaca ( http://theghostroom.com/tgr/home.html ) is a really nice place. Pool table just inside the door, comfy seating across from the table with a tv, a little deck out front, and a HUGE seating area outback. The stage is set off to one corner with plenty of room for dancing or sitting and enjoying the band.

Tonight, as coincidence would have it, was the CD release party for Hollywood Gossip ( http://www.myspace.com/hollywoodgossipband ) so I was doubly blessed - new club and new music. This is definitely different than my normal fair and wish there was a young lady there that I would've tore it up with.

This is a kind of infectious groovy dance band (I am not talking about top 40 either, maybe B52's ish). Non-stop, for their whole set...very fun. They even did a great job of making it interactive with the audience with one of their more popular, fun songs (handing out confetti poppers - I am sure the bar was digging that later, HA!). In fact, so fun, that while I am standing there enjoying the music some hottie comes off the dance floor and decides to give me a big smack on the arse as she was heading to the bar. WOW! OK now I REALLY like this club, too bad she doesn't read this blog (sigh).

SO for something new and different one night hit The Ghost Room. For some fun and funky music that'll get your chick up and dancing (and be prepared yourself fool) check out Hollywood Gossip! Good times, great fun!

Later

Knew there would be Nights Like This

A HOT Thursday night at Momo's ( http://www.momosclub.com/ ) was a really great musical evening in Austin. Would've been hotter to share it with someone, but I'll take this group on any weeknight for the fun and frivolity that they provide. Actually was able to catch 4 acts tonite (that's right, count'em FOUR bands, and 3 of them I haven't reviewed before...so there William Harris, LOL).

Patrick Davis -  ( http://patrickdavismusic.com/bio/ ) Singer and songwriter extrordinare! A man and his guitar (and apparently a huge fan of his right in front, because she sang every damn song as if it was her own, HA!). Patrick was very cool, nice country sound. As a performer he was top notch in talking to the audience and keeping us drawn into the music. As a songwriter he is top notch because he has several notable songs that have ended up on albums and/or radio play. Thanks Patrick for a nice start to a great night.

Meggan Carney - ( http://www.facebook.com/people/Meggan-Carney/600021280 )Well this petite young woman has a hella good voice, plays a great acoustic set, and can mesmerize with some very old, classic music and the two piece behind her. Seemed to be a crowd favorite and had some folks get up and swing to her charms. Her talent and fans have apparently done her well as she will be making regular appearances at Momo's every Thursday in July. Go grab an amazing sandwich Downstairs then go to the top and enjoy a nice evening with some good music and a great voice! Even in the hot July heat, this would be so cool!

Jungleset - ( http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jungleset/374368256409?v=info ) Hot Damn, this was completely different and amazing, very unexpected treat for the night. These guys (and girl - Meggan Carney pulling double duty and playing keyboard and doing vocals here after her set!) had so much energy it was crazy infectious. Just bad ass! You don't have to like my description, but I do this so you can picture it all in your head. So try this one on size for your noggin...
Remember the band No doubt (nope they don't sound like them)
Remember the song 'Don't Speak' (NO, they did not cover it)
Remember the video for that song (NO! they did not have it showing in the back ground), BUT in video it was a somewhat down tempo song (and a good one too, don't get me wrong). The video has several cut scenes where the band appears to be onstage live, rockin out, and thrashing around in slo-mo. THIS IS WHAT I WANT YOU TO PICTURE. Jungelset had that much energy and vigor on stage, regardless of the tempo of the song, they were having an absolute blast and you could feel it and see it.
Sadly they will be on hiatus for a couple of months as their drummer will be off doing his own thing. When they are back, check them out here, there, or anywhere.

Ryan Harkrider - ( http://www.ryanharkrider.com/ ) one of his last local gigs before he jumps off to a Nor'easter tour supporting "Days Like This" album (much luck and love to ya, brother). Oh! and what fun it was (Dianna, sorry you missed it due to the hour, so I owe you one)! Tonite these guys were so very loose and yet amazingly tight at the same time. Ryan was doing his best at being a VH1 storyteller, Johhny Branch was keeping them in their seats ("Where the hell ya'll going...Katz's never Kloses!"), and Mothra was apparently trying to eat the keyboardist. We all had fun, the band was hot, the music was right on the money...Oh and the Lakers won!
Take the time and enjoy when you get the chance.

Later

The party of the Year?

Dirty Dog ( http://dirtydogbar.com/ ) on a Sunday night in the Heart of Austin, Texas, U.S.A. The end of the R.O.T. rally, and obviously the beginning of of something new for Bobby Bookout ( http://bobbybookout.com/ ).

So after approx two years (give or take) I saw this kid open for MC Overlord ( http://www.overlordmusic.com/ ) at the Dirty Dog on a Thursday night. Enamoured by his performance then, stunned now, it was Bobby Bookout.
Ovey did do a knockout job, best GD performance from him and the boys I have seen in years. They really did have fun onstage this night, even did a track I don't believe I've heard him do before.

Fast forward and this is why MC Overlord is not the godfather of Live Austin Hip-Hop music, but the pimp daddy of all that is hot and new in Austin. He paid if forward and opened for Bobby Bookout on his night of nights.

The debut CD dropped on this night (Sunday, June 13th, 2010) and although I have been to the Dog on many occasions (even on Overlords CD release party) this crowd was un-effin-believable. I did my part and invited some friends, and they were absolutely blown away by Bobby's performance (looks like you have some new fans Bobby).

See, I tell all of you about these guys, and do ya'll listen... SO, for those in attendance, THANKS, it is appreciated by all! I won't bore you with talk of the show, it was what it was and everyone in attendance knows and enjoyed. The crowd was stellar, lots of local talent supporting like always, the women were beautiful (Gianna was in the house). The guys were all pimpin the hats (happy I wore my new top...although it looked WAYYYYY better on Matt Slagels gf - HOT).

This was really a great time and fun for all. We even snuck away for a few minutes to go visit the Aimless Gun boys down the street (sorry Bobby), which was fun in itself and I think much appreciated by them. (Thanks for the shout out Cody - you guys got some new fans as well from my entourage [Mike and Steve]).

My hope is that I write this shit, and you read it, dig it, and can picture it in your head. If you were there I hope you remember it and/or see it from someone else's perspective, if you weren't I hope you can picture it in your head and wish you had been there.

My friend from The Fremen, William Harris, did a good job busting my balls in reference to writing about the same bands over and over again. Yes, I know, and do you know how hard it is to make it fun and interesting every time I do this. Ehhh, I love it anyway! Thanks for checking me on that William. I do plan on hitting up some new stuff. So all be prepared and be forewarned, gonna try and take this to the next level.

All of your help is asked and appreciated. Forward this link to someone, anyone...post on your bands page (under media - tour - band info, fuckin whatever), post it on your FB or MyspaceMusic.

Later

Another shot from Aimless Gun

So here is ptII you were promised. Although this particular blog isn't really about 'Another Great Performance' it is kind of about that other great performance I saw Sat night and posted earlier.

So I wake up LATE Sunday morning after crawling in at about 3:30 a.m. from the Aimless Gun performance Sat night (nice!), and J asks me about how MC Overlord got tied to this band. Like 'Shock and Awe' I sat there, stunned for a moment, and realized "that is such a bad ass question." You know, I really dont ever want to take advantage of my friendship with Ovey, nor do I EVER want to sound like a REAL journalist, but I had to ask.

As "early" as it was on a Sunday morning after a show I shot him a text, "Yo big poppa, gotta chat witcha for just a couple of minutes before I start/post my blog. Just info on you and the bands ties."
"A little early to be texting Overlord", J stated. My reply.."nah. He'll probably call later, he's still asleep." WRONG...two minutes later my phones busting with "see you at the crossroads" (Oveys ringtone). WTF your kidding me right.

O - "sup killa?"
me - "uhmm, your up kinda early"
O - "about to hit the studio with the boys"
me - "NO SHIT!"

So here is the dirt, MC Overlord had this crazy cool fan (props to Dale Daugherty) that went to all of the Thursday night gigs at the 'Dirty Dog'. "He kept bugging me for like three weeks to check out this band. After about a month I finally broke and gave the boys a listen online (their MySpace music page @ http://www.myspace.com/aimlessgun). Had to sign 'em sight unseen, put them up as an MC Overlord presents: headlining." Several gigs, an EP (GO GET IT, fuckers), a CD release party, and a gig at The Saxon Pub, here we are.

I hear that the boys will be working with Vallejo for their full length LP (WOW! I am impressed)!

To Shea, - keep up the good work. Remember I got security for ya.
To Doc, - keep those boys feet on the ground, even when their heads are in the clouds, or they'll hear about in print, lol!
To Ovey, - to be able to "Pay it forward" is the greatest gift any one man can do to leave his legacy and have all remember him no matter what. Don't worry, I know your work ain't done yet (still got that boy from Laredo who needs a big guiding hand like yours)!
To Mike Dill, - GET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE! I got to meet Mike muthafuckin Dill. That was some cool ass shit. Mike, gimmee a shout for your next gig, love to put it in print.

Hope ya'll enjoyed the inside info!!!

Later