UNRECOVERED: The Live Reviews
It’s looking like what’s really gone forever from this site crashing are the two live reviews from this past week, namely Negative Reaction and Moth Eater out on Long Island at Fin’s Pub and The Atomic Bitchwax and Shovelhead in New Jersey at the Brighton Bar. Kind of a pisser to see them go, since I thought they were pretty good, but if there’s one thing that happens, in the immortal words of Chris Goss, “It’s shit.”
Instead of trying to recreate the moment or fake the reviews again — which I could probably get away with since I doubt anyone’s paying attention — I’ve decided to play the hand I’m dealt and just do a quick chronological rundown of the bands and what went down during their sets. Here goes:
Negative Reaction: These guys usually kill and they killed. Had a projector set up showing scenes from space, adding a little psych to the sludge mayhem. Long set, but they played well. Was that a new song I heard?
Moth Eater: First I’d seen them, but it was only their second show. Their singer sounds like the dude from Lamb of God, but the riffs are cool and the vibes are upbeat, so it’s a good time anyway. Sounded scarily tight for it being their second show.
Shovelhead: Reports are they have a new album coming out not soon enough. Best rock band in Jersey. Missed most of their set, but caught Mike Scott‘s drum solo. For a dude who just had back surgery (and basically in general), he kicked ass and so did the rest of the band.
The Atomic Bitchwax: Were heavier than at Roadburn, definitely in their element at the Brighton. Sizable crowd for them, Bob Pantella held it down. Finn Ryan looks really happy to be alive when he’s playing guitar. Threw “Shitkicker” and “Hope You Die” in the set. No complaints about that.
Tags: Long Island, Moth Eather, Negative Reaction, New Jersey, Shovelhead, The Atomic Bitchwax
I liked Buckshots band DIRTY RIG better than this new band….they went from Groovin’ Rock Riffs with great songs and guitar solos to a Heavy Metal garage band.
Just my opinion.
I disagree with Paul. I think they’re less rock and more metal now, but that’s a good thing. The old guitar riffs from Dirty Rig seemed to be a total rock styled rip off of Zakk Wylde. They made music that sounded recycled and choppy. I saw the Rig years ago, and I asked the guitar player what inspired him and he told me to go fuck myself. What a good guy.
If it wasn’t for Buckshots happy-go-lucky attitude and the bands overall sense of fun, I would of just moved past them like every ego-guitar fronted band out there. I know some of the other members of Rig started a new band, I saw them, and forgot about them. I don’t even remember what they were called. Nothing special. I could see a band like that at any local bar in Jersey, that I go to, on any given night.
On a seperate note, I got to meet the singer and guitarist of Moth Eater at their last show in NYC and they were really down to earth and overall nice. The singer (John) even bought me a beer.
If dirty metal is your style I think you will love Moth Eater.