Wow…Battle of the Bands. Always a fun time in Rensselear. Hidden talent can show itself without remorse. Faces can be melted. Copious amounts of second-hand stogie smoke are ingested. And those of us who are musicians can sit around and watch, and be horrified at the atrocity of it all at one moment, and at the next be so amazed we have but to throw in the towel. A night in review:
Siege – Overall, a very good set. Tight musically, heavy and full of energy. Other than a minor amp problem, a good show. Particularly good version of Three Cheers. Jesse was tight, Joey was tight. Hayden’s solos were kickin’ and Ryan’s voice was right on. I love these guys for their musicality and diversity, and because live they can truly bring it. A phenomenal, down to earth band. 9.82464 out of 10
Amending Yesterday - I wasn’t around much when they played. (Note, circus thing was a bit of a turn off) However, I did hear some of it. Pop-punk must not be my thing, because I was not digging it at all. Take yourselves much less seriously and I’ll pay more attention. 4 out of 10.
Stereo Strikes Back – Very cool 60’s vibe, I dug the keyboard bass thing going on, tight drummer, cool JET-Esq vocals. Some technical difficulties, but no big. However, lacked some diversity. But hey, Im not one to nitpick. Cool stuff. 7 out of 10
The Salty Catfish – Sweet mother of Lichtenstein, these guys are good. If The White Stripes, The Black Keys, and JET all pooled together to make one baby, this is it, but on crack. And I quote “It was liquid sex”….enough said. 9.1268764 out of 10
Relapse – I wasn’t in there for the whole set. For the most part, I would say that lots of shredding and even some talk box doesn’t make up for everything. Some pretty good musicians in the bunch though. 6 out of 10.
Tomorrow Ends Today – N/A, Conviction to Lies – N/A
…I’m not much of a nothing-but-screaming fan, so i chilled in the parking lot…
Theanti – Very cool stuff. It’s like I told Ryan: “I’m not on anything, so i can’t really understand it, but I do like to watch it.” Full of crazy amounts of angst and energy. I think that if I knew/had the lyrics I could have gotten more out of it. I’m not quite sure what all they we’re pissed at, but it made for some enlightening, unique, and pleasantly surprising tonez. 8 out of 10
3rd Time Around – Wow, they had one hell of a guitar player and a tight drummer. But the bassist was also the vocalist, problem is he wouldn’t do both at the same time. Sorry guys, but for as good as you are, the bass player has to be able to hit some changes and sing at the same time. However, it was some very cool stuff, although the final, metal-y song didn’t seem to suit you guys. Overall, good effort, cant wait to see these guys in a year or two. Strong potential. 7.546873613668731567 out of 10
The Sweeps – N/A
