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Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Fight Night! Ahhh!

So the Lakeshore Lanes show on Feb. 23 was a bit crazy. The night started off with a lot of drama but luckily No Shelter and The Last Chance Boyz were able to save the night and I had a great time anyway! I'll break down the night in segments so that those of you that weren't able to be there will get the full experience anyway.

Rai Lazerc- I've seen these guys twice now and unfortunately both times I wasn't able to fully listen to them. The first time I got to the show in the middle of the last song they played. This time there was some "set interruptions".
I was standing at the bar ready to grab another beer when I saw the drummer get up and leave mid song angrily followed by the bassist. I don't really know exactly what happened. Everything that I've heard about the incident seems to be rumor and speculation so I'm not going to act like I have the facts about it. I don't know if there was a fight before the show or if they just had a wee bit too much to drink.
 I do have to give the singer a TON of credit for carrying on all by himself though. He continued on  level headed strumming and singing away even with pieces of a shattered bass littering the floor, and the drummer yelling telling everyone to fuck themselves. Even though I just got to hear him solo he sounded amazing!
The aftermath. Poor bass....
Rai Lazerc has posted on Facebook that life has gotten the better of them and they will be taking a break from live shows for a little while but will be back in the future. Hopefully they can pull it together so I can actually hear these guys soon.

Unlucky Stars: These South Bend natives seemed like they had their shit together. They had a pretty flashy set up and my first thought about them was "Hey, these guys look promising...". Well... I was wrong! The music wasn't really my style but I can recognize talent when I see it and it just wasn't there. Musically they weren't terrible and could keep decent time but I don't know what the vocalist was going for. The vocals were screechy and strained. Lyrically I classify them in what I like to call "Slut Rock". Think about the lyrics to Theory of a Dead Man's song "Bad Girlfriend" and nearly every Nickleback song. They are pointless words that happen to rhyme, void of heartfelt emotion, and written to just rile all the big tit bimbos in the crowd to hop on the nearest guys shoulders, whip their shirt off, and throw a condom at the stage.

It became clear to me that these guys are all about flash and glory of being a "rock band". They had the look of a cliche rock band down pat with their perfectly gelled messy hair, tight fit button up shirts, fedoras, and snug boot cut jeans, but how you look doesn't make you sound pretty to my ears. These guys seemed to put way too much energy into their personal look and the appearance of their set. If they would stop focusing on the flair and stop trying flirt it up with people reviewing them, they might have time to practice or write a decent song.

The singer called me out during their slot and asked "Hey kitty cat are those pictures you're taking for professional use?" I told him yes I was reviewing the show that night. As soon as I said that he kept winking at my friend and I and started to get crazier with the showy things he was doing. He even climbed on an amp and posed for a picture. I don't know if the fact that I was reviewing them and all the flirtation had any connection but I can't help but realize that right after he found out he started being all showy. Which by the way did not enhance the way they sounded or my opinion of them.

Yes, I expect to be entertained at a show but you should be entertaining the crowd as a whole not just me!

I'm going to stop and state something here and this is just my opinion. From the outside this whole crowd of hooligans that I'm a part of might seem like we live by the cliche saying of "Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll". I think that some people take that mentality as a rite of passage into the rock scene. I completely disagree. This "scene" especially at a show is about the MUSIC! Everyone at these shows share at least this one thing in common. We love the music, we are there for the music, and we want to see it performed live around like minded people. So much of the rock industry has been pioneered by people that march to their own beat. That's what drew me into the music and the whole scene when I was younger. I didn't look like everyone else, I didn't write music that sounded like everyone else's, and I didn't see the world in the same way either. I loved that no matter what you were into whether you were a punk, a metalhead, a hardcore kid, or a classic rock lover you had a place somewhere in music. It's a place for the unique, the strange, and the crazy. Yes, we are loud, we get rowdy, and we think that running in a circle elbowing each other is fun. The drinking, the fighting, and the drugs are all a matter of choice and you do have the right to do those things but some people take it too far. They give my fellow headbangers a bad name.

That being said the guys from Unlucky Stars take the rock mentality to the extreme and live up to it's stereotypes. They started at least two fights in the parking lot while packing up their equipment, one of which interrupted No Shelter's slot. I also found out that they like to throw the N word about. In my eyes these guys are a bunch of racist wannabes that are under some delusion where they think they are famous enough to get away with being ass holes. If they are reading this they need to know that that was a highly unprofessional way to highlight themselves. I'm not afraid to give a bad review and reveal what you really are no matter how many times you endearingly call me kitty cat. I hope that you can get it together in the future and one day you can trash a hotel and snort coke off Pamela Anderson's fake rack.

Moving on to the highlights of the night! Shout out to No Shelter and The Last Chance Boyz! I love you guys!
No Shelter


No Shelter- This alternative metal band is based in Michigan City. They had a couple interruptions during their slot but pushed through them like they were pros. Unlucky Stars caused one of these interruptions with a beat down in the parking lot but it only caused a slight pause. No Shelter quickly picked up the song after an announcement by frustrated drummer Gunsmoke Gene. I don't have a direct quote but it was something to the effect of , "from now on tonight is about the MUSIC and if you don't like that then you can get the fuck out". There was only a few people left inside because most people had cleared out to see what drama was going down in the parking lot, so after they picked up the song singer Jose decided to drag his mic outside and try to persuade the crowd to come inside by giving them a quick serenade. At some point in time during their set (can't remember if this happened before or after the fight) the lights went out. These guys acted like nothing happened and it was amazing! You couldn't see much and the amps were temporarily down but you could feel the beat through your chest as Gene heated up on the drums and Jose yelled the lyrics at the crowd. Luckily the lights quickly got back in order and No Shelter was able to carry on and rock their hearts out. If you haven't had the opportunity to see these guys you really need to. Guitarist Frank told me before the show that they always rock their hardest whether they are putting on a small bar show or are playing in front of 500 people. They have proven that every time I've seen them and you can tell that they genuinely love what they are doing. They are a really down to earth group of guys and really appreciate their fans. They are definitely a must see if you are in the area. So get out there and you might see guitarist John looking like a dapper young lad in his shirt and tie and bassist Joe will most definitely be flailing around that burly beard!

Rockin' hard!



The Last Chance Boyz!
The Last Chance Boyz- As always these scoundrels go on last but they made it count and whipped the crowd into a frenzy. After the events of the night I was ready to skank across the floor, run into people, and drink another beer. They did not disappoint me! They had over half the people in the bar on the floor ramming into each other. You know people are having fun when you get slammed so hard in the boob that your bandanna flies right off your head! (yeah, that happened to me) The two bands sound nothing alike but I think No Shelter and The Last Chance Boyz make an awesome night when paired in the same show. I can rock out with to No Shelter and then right after that go nuts and get stupid with The Last Chance Boyz. They definitely know how to lighten a mood with their music and showmanship. I love how they don't take themselves terribly seriously. They will make fun of you and themselves at the same time and it gets the crowd involved in their shows. They are loud and they are offensive but that's their whole dynamic and I love it! It's obvious that the crowd loves it too. They had a girl so hyped up she climbed a beam and swung herself around on the rafters of the ceiling. (High five to you girly!)
 Just by knowing these guys I'm pretty sure they were all drunk (I know lead singer Jake was for sure). But being intoxicated really works for these guys. They sounded awesome that night and are really improving as a band. I got to hear the new song Masticator Masturbator when I interviewed them but it was awesome to hear it live. Jake ended the show with a writhing simulated orgasm on the floor and Tony soon joined in to have a gang bang with his guitar. I can't wait to see what these guys come up with in the future. I'm going to another one of their shows on Saturday so that should be fun. They are another must see if you're around. Just make sure you're ready to mosh your heart out and not stand in a corner because I WILL drag you into the pit!

From Left to Right: My best friend Brittany, El dios bastardos de cocaina of The Last Chance Boyz, and  Me! 



So that's it. The night was filled with ups and downs but it ended on a good note. I can't wait to see you guys at the shows!


Go like these people on Facebook and find out when the next show is!
The Last Chance Boyz
http://www.facebook.com/The.Last.Chance.Boyz

No Shelter
http://www.facebook.com/noshelterband?fref=ts

Rai Lazerc
http://www.facebook.com/railazercmusic?fref=ts












Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Device!

I've loved Disturbed since I was a wee lass so I was highly upset when I found out that the band would be taking a break. However, I was pee my pants excited when David Draiman, frontman of Disturbed, announced that he has been working on a little side project called Device.
The trio is made up of Disturbed frontman David Draiman, Rock of Ages guitarist Virus, and Evanescence drummer Will Hunt.  Geno Lenardo, former guitarist of Filter, decided to remain a studio collaborator and will not be touring with them although he did participate in the recording of the album.

The music video premier for their first single, "Vilify" dropped yesterday and I love it! Some people have been hating on Device saying that they sound just like Disturbed....   Well no shit! David Draiman has one of the most identifiable voices in rock today. If you are listening to the song expecting him not to sound like him then you're probably delusional. Vocally the song does have a Disturbed feel to it. Disturbed's music is more hard in your face heavy rock where I think Device has a more industrial rock feel. The band is based in hard rock but they took it to a more futuristic electronica level. So yes there are similarities but if you liked Disturbed in the first place wouldn't you like this too?

Device's self titled album comes out on April 9th! I can't wait to review that for you guys too. There are tons of featured rock artist on the album too! Draiman says that he took a page from the hip hop guys out there that always have everyone and their mother featured on their album. Here's a run down of the featured artists.

Black Sabbath Bassist- Geezer Butler
System of a Down Frontman- Serj Tankian
Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave Guitarist- Tom Morello
Avenged Sevenfold Frontman- M. Shadows
Deep Purple Vocalist- Glenn Hughes 
Halestorm Frontwoman- Lzzy Hale

Again I can't wait for this star studded album! Device is also starting a tour in April and I'm hoping they're going to be near by so I can possibly review a show too. 

If you guys haven't heard "Vilify" yet you need to!  Check out these links.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Hanging out with my (metaphorical) wang out!

Hey Guys! So in about a week I'm going to be reviewing a show at Lakeshore Lanes in Michigan City and I'm getting pretty pumped!
Source 
Tickets are $8.00 at the door but No Shelter and The Last Chance Boyz have pre-sale tickets for only 5 BUCKS! Yup, they're cheaper and they guarantee you entry! You don't wanna be that loser that waited too long and gets rejected at the door do ya?  There's links at the bottom of this post so that you can hit them up to get your tickets. Sorry to you youngsters but it's only 21 and up because some people need to get their drink on!   So if you're in the area get off your lazy ass and come chug some beer before The Last Chance Boyz drink the taps dry!

I'll be there reviewing No Shelter and the Last Chance Boyz sets so come on down and let's hang out with our wangs out!

Getchyotickets!
http://www.facebook.com/The.Last.Chance.Boyz
http://www.facebook.com/noshelterband?fref=ts

See ya there!

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Infiltrating Band Practice


Last night I got to chat up a few crazy bastards that like to call themselves The Last Chance Boyz. They're a punk band based out of Michigan City, Indiana. If you're cool enough to go to one of their shows be prepared to get insulted, bloodied in a mosh pit, and possibly get hit in the face with a guitar...(That girl may or may not be missing a molar). 

I walked into their band practice thinking that I would be doing a standard sit down interview with them. (What the hell was I thinking?) Instead we sat there drinking beer, doing shots of whiskey, arguing about female genital mutilation, and discussing racial slurs. By the way "cracker" is not derived from the appearance of saltines. (Drunk Tony). But in between the chaotic chit chat and frequent urination they were able to actually answer some questions. 

Song Writing Process: With songs titled things like Murder Bitch and Lick My Dick how could I not be curious as to how these lyrics come about.  They said usually someone will come up with a riff and then they will move on from there. The lyrics more often than not come last and I found out that Jake lefteye Lawless writes most of these angry and offensive words. He says he shoots for offensive lyrics, just things that most people don't really want to hear. " I try to make them nasty.....but in a poetic way." - Jake Lawless 

Pre-show Rituals: I always like to find out what bands do before they play a show. The Last Chance Boyz kind of stumbled upon their pre-show ritual. "We basically just get drunk and play." Of course it helps that they are always the last band to go on at the end of the night so they have plenty of time to carry this out. "We wanted to act like those drunken punk scumbags and it just so happened that we got a group of alcoholics together." - Drunk Tony 

Musical Influences: Alcoholism may be one of the only things that The Last Chance Boyz have in common. The members of the band have very different musical backgrounds. Their taste in music bounces from old school punk to metal to classic rock to hardcore. I think that's what makes them work well together though. Everybody brings something different into their chaotic creative process. 

Upbringing: As the night progressed and the beer started to flood everyone's brain the conversation took a turn to religion and higher power. I found out that most if not all of them grew up in christian households. However, they all took "a turn for the worst" and became disturbed anarchists and atheists that get off on offending other people by writing poetically nasty lyrics. Yes they are the spawn of Satan and yes all christian parents fear that their music will corrupt their children if it ever reaches their sweet innocent ears. 

Future Projects: All you Last Chance Boyz fans out there will be excited to hear that they will be recording this weekend! I had the privilege of hearing a few new things that they have been working on such as a song called Masticator Masturbater and something featuring a...harmonica?  They said they've been working on broadening their musical horizons and trying to break the mold of a cliche "punk sound". 

They like to share their shows with like minded people so sorry but no straight edge kids or "pop punk pussies" are allowed. If you happen to see a girl sitting down and covering her ears by all means do the band a favor, take her by her arms and legs, and whip her into the center of all the plaid clad, mohawk sporting, mosh pit hogs.  

The bottom line is you just need to get out and see these guys! Jake may ask you to "lick his dick", Tony might wear another thong on his head, Dave will probably pee in your drink, Gumba may anally probe you with a drumstick, and Chris can explain why he has BI branded into his leg, but hey by the end of the night you'll be glad you had a few laughs, drank a few beers, and shared a toilet with these guys.  
"It's like a big nasty orgy"- Jake Lawless

Make sure to like their page and listen to them here:

Thank you to Jennifer Moss and The Last Chance Boyz for the images. 

Monday, February 4, 2013

Howdy Y'all!

Hey there Ladies and Gents! Welcome to my humble little blog. It's a place for me to voice my musical opinions, and hopefully you'll give me some feedback and voice yours too!
I'll be writing show and album reviews, news from noteworthy bands, bios, and interviews as well has helping some great local bands get their name out there.