April 2006

Pop at bargain prices

Eddie April 27, 2006 No Comments

Why do people like hearing their favorite songs played by anyone but the original artists? Perhaps we can blame the skyrocketing concert-ticket prices of artists like the Rolling Stones, Madonna and Sir Paul McCartney. After all, who wants to spend triple-digit sums for arena seating? Bay Area cover band Pop Rocks regularly plays the nightclubs in these parts. With a set list that includes Whitesnake’s “Still of the Night,” Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone,” Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near),” and the Time’s “Jungle Love,” these bad boys deliver on all fronts. Whether dressed in police uniforms or cheesy plaid suits, they’re sure to bombard you with an overwhelming sense of belonging (and stupidity). Admission to Friday’s 9:30 p.m. show at the Powerhouse Pub, located at 614 Sutter Street in Folsom, is a mere $10. I have a request for the band: Please play the Scorpions’ “Rock You Like A Hurricane.”
(SN&R)

Spazz on stage

Eddie April 20, 2006 No Comments

Though there’s a plethora of events scheduled on weekends, it’s difficult to find live music during the off nights. Unless you’re a fan of DJ dancing or open-mic affairs, the choices are limited. Thank goodness for the KDVS Tuesday-night showcases at the G Street Pub, located at 228 G Street in Davis. Most of the featured national and local acts are more than a little left-of-center, and perhaps that’s the allure. This week’s show starts Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. and features Who’s Your Favorite Son God (WYFSG), a noise/spazz trio from Pollock Pines. Fans of Hella’s first demo, the Advantage (which shares a member with WYFSG) and anything from Scenery Audio Archive will appreciate the tracks found at www.myspace.com/whosyourfavoritesongod. If “Beelzebubble” doesn’t incite spasms of unknown origin or, at the very least, a second listen, perhaps you’d best keep to the club’s weekend calendar. These noise merchants stray from the normal verse-chorus-verse structure with great effect. Also on the bill is Brooklyn’s Parts and Labor. Visit www.kdvs.org for info.

(SN&R)

Long live Will Haven

Eddie April 13, 2006 No Comments

Will Haven is back. After a lengthy hiatus, the five boys completed a successful U.K. tour with sludge kings Crowbar, in addition to playing a special reunion show at The Boardwalk last November. For the uninitiated, this hardcore/metal/noise combo cut its teeth doing shows in the Sacramento Valley and Southern California. Even though the band has played as direct support for the Deftones and donned the cover of British magazine Kerrang!, it has never received the accolades it so deserves in the United States. The band remains without a proper record deal in the States, but its hard-to-find catalog on Revelation Records is worth seeking out. The band doesn’t play too often, so Friday’s show at The Boardwalk likely will draw fans from Los Angeles and Chico. The return of vocalist Grady Avenell is worth the $12 price of admission alone. Will Haven plays with Eightfourseven, Death Valley High, Red With Envy and One Dying Secret at 8:30 p.m. All ages are welcome at The Boardwalk, located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale. Visit www.boardwalkrocks.com for more information.
(SN&R)

Music inspired by murder

Eddie April 6, 2006 No Comments

Finland metal merchants Children Of Bodom, named after the now-infamous murders at Lake Bodom, are finally coming to Sacramento. Make no mistake; the hype is warranted. Fueled by the best elements of power, speed and death metal, this fearsome quintet’s latest album, Are You Dead Yet?, has already caught fire on these shores. If 2000’s Follow The Reaper or 1999’s Hatebreeder aren’t in your collection, perhaps a brief sojourn down to 3522 Stockton Boulevard is in order. The Colonial Theatre may be a little off the radar, but it has become the home for hard-rock shows too large for The Boardwalk. Also on Friday’s bill are God Forbid and Through the Eyes of the Dead. The show begins at 8 p.m., and tickets are $20 for all ages. Headbangers unite; it’s gonna be a long night. Visit www.cobhc.com for more information.
(SN&R)