This past weekend I had the chance to see 5 bands live. All of them kicked some ass, so I'm going to tell you about it.
Robert Earl Keen and his band played the WOW Hall on Friday, January 20th and one fine aspect of this show? No opener! I got to arrive, have a quick beverage downstairs at the WOW, and get right up front to enjoy the show. I like to think that it was some of the crowd navigating muscles that I've developed through going to so many metal shows that helped me hold that spot through the show. In actuality, I'm not that tough, so it was probably really just the mellowness of the crowd out that evening to see R.E.K. In any event, the show was thoroughly entertaining and seeing this band from right in front was possibly a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Keen is not the most technical guitar player I've seen, but I knew that going in as I've seen him before with Lyle Lovett. That show was just the two of them on a stage with acoustic guitars, not quite the same experience as this show, featuring the full band. R.E.K.'s songs hit the familiar combo of G, C, and D over and over, but his song writing is terrific and his voice is as good as it has ever been. Despite the obvious road weary of the band, they delivered. Keen makes up for the fact that he's not going to shred your face off by surrounding himself with a top notch band. The drums were solid and the young fiddle player got his job done. What really shined, though, was the guitar, lap steel, and mandolin. The guitar player, from Texas, brought all his chops and added an electricity to each song that honestly would have been enough even if the rest of the band wasn't there. But, he traded off solos with the lap steel player who solidified the experience as "country", but the kind that nobody complains about. This band is what you always hope will be playing when your friend gets into some new music, that's country... instead of "new country". The mandolin player, from Australia, was also quite the master of his craft. So, there. I totally recommend seeing Robert Earl Keen with his band on tour this year if you get the chance... even if you're not a fan yet... or think you don't like country.
Sanctifyre opened up the show at Old Nick's last night, Sunday January 22. This band from Eugene keeps getting better and better, and they're outgrowing the boundaries of this little town. They're too good. I've seen them many times since members were still in Dark Confidant and the potential they had back then has grown into a professionalism and polished quality that outmatches anything else I've heard from Eugene in a long time. They have two songs on bandcamp and are rumored to release a full length sometime in the not too distant future. I'm looking forward to it. Influences from Iron Maiden and Judas Priest are undeniable, along with that quality of "we're keeping classic metal alive", that is infectious. So, many good things to come. They played well last night... as is to be expected from dudes who practice this much.
Toxic Witch was next on the list at Old Nick's. I'm going to be honest and say, after hearing this band twice, I still can't get into them. However, that's not say they're not worth checking out. Each of the musicians is very good. The lead guitar has unmistakable Dave Mustane influence and it is a shred fest. Also, the drumming is interesting enough to keep you watching. The vocalist, who plays the second guitar, is pretty darn good too and when the two guitarists riff together, it's pretty cool. The bass is solid, as well, so no complaints on the band. I feel like they have potential that hasn't been realized yet and I'm excited to see where they might go.
Weresquatch came down from Portland to join this metal melee. This was the second time I've seen them and they're super good. I typically can't get into harsh vocals, but I get into these. They fit the music. Also, for a three piece, each member makes sure their presence is felt in the perfect way to compliment the music. If you haven't already heard their album "Frozen Void", it's a must listen. They seem to be in step with some of my other favorite bands from the North West, such as Brain Dead and Toxic Holocaust. If you like those, check out Weresquatch. The live performance songs were short and to the point, and didn't waste your time. The solos were solid and didn't try to do too much. Also, on stage the band has tremendous personality.
Striker was the headliner, from Alberta, Canada, at Old Nick's. These guys immediately evoked the energy of the 80s (at least what I imagine a metal show would have felt like back then) and they have their set down. Unfortunately, I thought the sound lacked a bit for their set, but that's not their fault. Also, they had a bigger setup than most bands I've seen at Old Nick's, so maybe that had something to do with it. It still sounded decent. The band was solid all the way through, despite their individual songs lacking a distinct quality. They are a polished road band, in look and sound. It was also somewhat refreshing to hear a clean vocalist, singing something kinda cheesy. I like that style of metal and it seems to not be as popular right now, unless it's way way overdone. This was not overdone. I think fans of Dokken would appreciate this kind of thing.
So, overall, a great weekend for live music.
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