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Hillbilly Nightmare with The Science
Fiction Idols
The Beachland Tavern
07-30-05
This was a CD release show for Grand Rapids, MI band
Hillbilly Nightmare. So why have it in Cleveland? Because their
album, 'Dirt Rock Demons', is on Cleveland based indie label Sonic Swirl
Records. Works for me.
Science Fiction Idols from Pittsburgh got things
started with a set of Stones/Dolls/eighties metal style rock n roll.
They were sort of reminiscent of the commercial metal bands who came out at
the tail end of the eighties in the wake of Guns N Roses. If you like
that kind of stuff, you'll like the Science Fiction Idols. The band
had good catchy tunes, two above average vocalists, and played tight.
In addition to their originals, the band did a fun cover of The Cars "I Need
You Tonight".
With a name like Hillbilly Nightmare you might expect a
psychobilly band, but these guys are more in the Nashville Pussy/Supersuckers/Zeke
vein. It's a pretty crowded subgenre these days, but I think Hillbilly
Nightmare might just have what it takes to stand out. The vocals were
strong and, although still pretty raw, possessed of some genuine melody.
That alone sets this band apart from a lot of similar groups I've heard.
All in all a solid, rocking live band. Have to listen to the album a
couple times first, but based on this show the material came across as
catchy and fun. Call me crazy, but that's what I like.
I took off after Hillbilly Nightmare, so I didn't see A
Dozen Dead Roses. Hopefully I'll catch 'em sometime soon. (Bob Ignizio)
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