|
this is exploding with EXO and Vanity
Crash
The Pirates Cove
03-04-04
I showed up at 9pm just as Vanity Crash were a couple
songs into their set. I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about this band, and
they lived up to the hype. If you like seventies glam rock ala Ziggy
Stardust/Aladdin Sane period Bowie, this band delivers the goods. They’ve
got the look, the stage presence, and the talent. For you younger readers
out there, think The Darkness, only good. It may have been done before, but
these guys are good enough to make me not care.
EXO were up next. This band is from Chicago, and I
honestly had no idea what to expect. When I saw them at first, the shaved
heads of two members had me wondering if a hardcore skinhead band were about
to play. Not even close. EXO play some top notch modern rock with lots of
hooks and interesting guitar parts. They get a little experimental at
times, but always keep the emphasis on the songs. If you like early Nirvana
or Helmet you might dig these guys. A special salute should go out to the
band’s drummer, an extremely skinny dude who hits the kit way harder than
you’d ever expect.
This was the last show for this is exploding guitarist
Nick Tolla, and the first for the new guy (sorry, can’t remember his name).
I was somewhat lukewarm on this band’s demo CD when I reviewed it, but live
it’s another story. For the most part, the band focused more on energetic
rockers than the slow, melancholy numbers that made up a disproportionate
amount of their disc. Also, while the Weezer influence is still evident,
most of the songs show a band that is clearly coming into its own. All the
band members are excellent musicians, and they write some catchy modern rock
tunes. For the last few songs Nick Tolla handed over the guitar duties to
the new guy (sorry again). The band didn't miss a beat, so don't
expect this is exploding to slow down any time soon. (Bob Ignizio)
For pictures click
here.
 |
