Writer: Jaye Buxton from
Animal MotherPhotography: Dave Morrison from
dMoPhotoEditor: Kelly Roberts
This bright and breezy Sunday afternoon, I'm quite satisfied that my visitor friend Jimmy from AZ was right: Michigan musicians display incredibly original and imaginative song writing skills. In his brief visit last month, he stated he's been from Boston to L.A. checking out bands, and he's found the most diverse talent right here in his old stomping grounds of mid-Michigan. Yes, you may have to weed through some budding (and some lazily egomaniac bands who believe they're already the shit) that go out & attempt to claim a territory. It's easy to tell who they are –- even if you're not a musical aficionado – because you find yourself conversing loudly over them, glad when they're finished. "Just another band" was muttered in my ear. But...when the big dogs bark, you listen, consumed in their moment of power and glory. In my humble opinion, out of the five bands that played last night, three were Great Danes, whose bark should not be confused or taken lightly. They brought their “A” game. Sleek, well groomed, well fed, and ready to shred in friendly competition with their peers. That said, I also know from experience that bands NEVER get really good until they get out & play their songs in front of audiences…until they experience the "crowd crickets" and wonder what went wrong. The really smart ones get videos of their performances to scrutinize. Hint, hint....Let’s continue about the three bands that really tore it up. They are absolutely ready for their next big leap. I really hope they get the chance to go there. They deserve it.
Circle of CrowsBeau Joblonski-guitar
Cody Lewis-guitar
Mario McFadden-bass
Jon Oakley-drums
Brandon Navin-vocals
I have an overabundance of exaggerated enthusiasm for this band. Watching them grow over the past few years has been like watching a story of underdog to wonderdog. Here's an example of a drummer who has put his heart and backbone into his job: He's gone from a deer in headlights, worried about every single hit, to playing with a state of confidence and solid meter, bringing with ease a certain undeniable style to his craft.
The songwriting just keeps getting better and better. Now top that off with two adept guitarists in the pocket, a bass player who is also an intense showman, and a new singer – whose modern style takes them to a whole new level. I've heard it said that he doesn't fit the Crows. I disagree. They were not truly a Circle of Crows until this strong, influential front man took that job. Ok, technically they were always that, but didn't become a tight knit flock until that moment. Just my opinion…but certainly an honest one. Really catchy riffs guys – thanks from every ear in the Palace.
Circle of Crows know how to perform and not lose composure when weird shit happens on stage (cuz it does, just by default sometimes). They've been out there banging away with the intent of bettering themselves with every performance. Thanks from everyone in the audience. We were so ready to have our socks rocked off. Did you notice how Hog's Palace lit up rowdy as you finished your first song?
It had to have made you smile. My buddy Dave Rau and I looked at each other, grinning. He says "This is more like it." I say "I told ya." Here's my promise to the "Circle":This is the last time I mention my familiar tome of your formative years. Gentlemen...you have arrived, and I'm officially leaving your past behind! Congrats!
Jerr-vocals
Markus-guitar
Big Al-guitar
Mad Mike-drums
How nice to find a new band that I truly like: From the first song to their blistering, wireless antics running and playing throughout the bar, right through to the end of their set. They kept the mood upbeat and aggressive. Modern metal, heavy and lush. Well crafted melodies and screamo combined. Let me say another word about good drummers...yee haa! Thank you.
On the money, man. Meter, timing, drive, swing, groove. You got it in spades man. Decidedly a much less "cookie cutter band" than I expected. Their Lamb of God cover, however, was the standout for me; possibly because I love LOG and know their songs, but I would be compelled to go to any show with Hollow Drive in it. They were not rock star wannabes, even considering the lead guitarist has crazy long dreads.
His guitar showmanship in tow, he ninja-walked atop the dance floor railings, and amazed both me and my companion Dave as he worked his way back to the stage like a Russian gymnast on the beam. Didn't miss a note.
The whole band was wireless. Nice.
I ran into dread-locked guitarist Marcus at the bar just before DVD went on, and he told me the following: Hollow Drive is from Jackson, MI and has been together since April 2009. This was hard to believe because they are so, so tight (but Marcus' brother is also the drummer – LOG parallel) which explains that musical tightness to a tee. They have already done 40 shows since April.
Apparently he likes his Chips A-hoys chewy, not crunchy...but this wasn't a "Teen Parade" interview, so I veered off the lime Jell-o path he was laying and tried to keep it seriously fun with a compliment to the choice of covers, and hoped to see them again soon. They chose the correct members for success. Let's hope they can keep it together and make a name for themselves.
Donny Thunders-guitar/vocals
Dave Barnett-lord of the low end
Thomas Trujillo-drums/vocals
I go back a long, long way with these guys. Am I partial? Yes I am. They ALWAYS tear it up and are true headliner material. They are absolutely original. Genuine. Unafraid to be different with their "retro gear". When drummer/vocalist Tom joined a while back EVERYTHING evolved. He brought out their heavier side, detouring them from their "Southern Grunge" image by introducing the modern saturated vocal screams and growls to the band.
They now rage with a more modern feel, swing and belt out the aggression without forgetting "John Q. Public" needs a groove to get in to. My head never stops bobbing. Technically speaking they are individually just crazy good. No rules prevail.
Bassist Dave has the corner on unique bass lines. NOBODY does what he does with effect pedals. His "Bass-Wah" alone sets him apart, cuz he does it so friggin' well. If you've ever used a Wah, you know it's more than just wiggling your ankle around while you're playing. It's a craft and I applaud loudly. Can't leave out guitarist Donny. What a character in his "Dave Lennox" air conditioner repairman overalls and gentleman's cap perched on his head. Total individual. His guitar playing was always great, but he must practice a lot on the side, cuz I noticed a HUGE step up in the riffing department. Way to smoke 'em Donny. Blazing fast riffs and each note audible. No garble, no useless notes.
It's one thing to write a song – you don't have to be fast to do that. It's another thing to be a lead guitarist. You should be fast at that, or at least tight. Donny is both, with sensibility and sensitivity to the song and the way it swings. Then there's the lead work which gets written much like the song: Attention to detail and how it feels. Feel. Yeah, that's what these guys have, and it's so smooth you don't even know you're being felt!
Hog’s Palace
This place was intended for live music. It gives no other impression as you walk through the door. Its generous PA & lights are enough to cover the big band "riders" (contracts). The back stage room has couches, tables and chairs, and its own full service bathroom. Nice, covered load-in to a large stage and drum riser.
A three foot tall wrought iron railing in front of the stage keeps overly anxious fans off of any photographers or band members. A giant, sunken dance floor is viewed from upper level table and chair seating that encases the floor from both sides.
Parking also appeared to be generous and easy to get to. If you haven't been to Hog’s Palace, you need to go. If you're a band, it'll make you feel like you "made it", provided you've done your job of promoting the show properly and you manage to get at least 20 people there to see you. If every band could do this, especially at these "better venues” we could be the next big scene…something I've been personally pushing for over 20 years. We have the talent here. This show proved it to me once again.
I was torn on the drive home as to what I would say about the two bands that didn't get my attention. A friend who knew I was writing a show review had said (while we were laboriously listening, grimacing and commenting on two relatively boring sets) "I don't envy your job tomorrow." How to say something nice when there's not a lot of "nice" to say? Alright, maybe that's a bit extreme. I will say they tried to the best of their abilities. Work on those abilities and please don't take yourselves so seriously. If and until this place becomes the next Seattle, San Fran or L.A....NOBODY is going to get famous here (ala Verve Pipe and others, who had fairly catchy riffs and still couldn't pull it off). Do it for the love of doing it, but do your very best gentlemen, because people like me will be out there rating you against those who are truly spit shined. Drummers....GET TO IT MEN. YOU are the backbone and driving force. I saw you last night trying to cover up your lack of ability with antics and makeup. Caught ya! Ok, so my father's wisdom of "If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all" just flew out the window. Notice that I didn't mention names, OR bands...and there's MY nice. Sorry Pops. I just can’t sit here with a mouthful of shit. A catchy name will only take you so far – you must have the ability to do the rest yourselves, and that means more, and much harder work. Harder than you have ever worked to get to the point you are now. You have done all the fun stuff…writing songs with your friends, deciding what to wear onstage, getting gigs, making sure everybody is on time and on the same page…all pushing to get on top of that elusive wave together in unison. It's the staying up on that wave that is the crucible gentlemen, and if you haven't got the emotional fortitude and catchy riffs to hang ten on, well....you'll crash and burn in the overwhelming undertow that is but one of the ugly sides of this business. It's inevitable. You won't get through the tough stuff on egos and attitude. Look to your faults, without damnation, and try to figure how to convert them to strengths. It can be done. I know from my own experience and have watched it happen in other bands more talented than my own.
METAL ON
~J~
The HOGsPALACE is located at:
101 N. Falahee Rd
Jackson, MI 49203
(517) 764-2820
myspace.com/hogspalace
