November 2005

Space age for all ages

Eddie November 24, 2005 No Comments

Some Sacramentans complain that live music is boring or stale. Those same folks should take in at least one Phenomenauts show before making any more snide comments. Formed almost six years ago, this Bay Area-based band has earned a reputation as one of the hardest-working bands in Northern California. The group coined the term “rocket roll” to describe its blend of rockabilly, surf, pop and onstage antics. If you’re looking for a band whose attention is dedicated to sci-fi and whose members aren’t afraid to wear commando outfits, look no further. Fans of the Groovie Ghoulies, Devo and old-school surf rock should seek out the band’s albums in addition to making a trek to the newly opened all-ages club Junta. Not since Mark Mothersbaugh revamped the Devo lineup has there been a more exciting live event. The Phenomenauts play Junta, located at 719 K Street, with the Knockoffs, Dynamite 8, the Walking Dead and Ashtray, on Friday at 7 p.m. The cover is $8. Visit www.phenomenauts.com for more info.

(SN&R)

A dash of aggro

Eddie November 17, 2005 No Comments

Trapt’s first album for Warner Bros. sold an amazing 2 million records. The members of this Los Gatos-bred quartet toured their collective asses off and watched their single, “Headstrong,” become one of 2003’s biggest rock anthems. Even though these South Bay transplants can’t spell correctly, they continue to hit the stages in support of their sophomore album, Someone In Control. Of course, Trapt is already a household name in these parts, since the band cut its teeth playing at The Boardwalk. If you like melodic rock replete with tempo changes and a dash of aggro, you can’t go wrong with Trapt. (Spell check, boys?) The band rocks the Empire Events Center, located at 15th and R streets, on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $18.50 in advance and $20 at the door. Also on the bill are Blindside and newcomers Aphasia. All ages are welcome. Visit www.empireeventscenter.com for more info.
(SN&R)

The BellRays toll for thee

Eddie November 10, 2005 No Comments

In the last six months, Sacramento has been treated to a plethora of touring musical talent that rivals most major cities’ concert options. One such band, the BellRays, will do its best to bring back R&B and garage rock ’n’ roll in the same performance this Friday night. Take any R&B diva (Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, et al.) and imagine her singing over the ruckus of an adept garage band (not necessarily an oxymoron), and you’re halfway there. Also on the bill are local legends Sonic Love Affair, whose last full-length reminded us why the major labels have been reissuing the Stooges’ records. San Francisco’s Chow Nasty opens the show. The show begins at 8 p.m., at The Library, located at 7042 Folsom Boulevard. Admission is $10. 21 and over only. Visit www.abstractpresents.com for more info.

(SN&R)

Jello uber alles

Eddie November 3, 2005 No Comments

Ex-Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra endured great hardship in a much-publicized lawsuit against his bandmates (they sued and won rights to the band’s entire back catalog), but he has maintained a steady release schedule on his Alternative Tentacles label. From politically fused releases like Robert F. Williams’ Freedom Archives and several works by Noam Chomsky to albums by Japanese rock-gods Ex-Girl, his label is wholly and utterly unclassifiable. The merger of Biafra with sonic-dissonance kings the Melvins is now captured (again) in all its splendor on Sieg Howdy, the artists’ second commercially released collaboration to date. If the last Dead Kennedys incarnation made you nauseous, a steady diet of this super group should make you smile. On their latest platter, the band tear through a cover of Alice Cooper’s “Halo of Flies” and even manage to update the Kennedys’ classic “California Uber Alles.” Jello Biafra and the Melvins play the Boardwalk, located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. Th’ Losin Streaks open the all-ages show. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 on the day of the show. Visit www.boardwalkrocks.com for info.
(SN&R)