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| Metal and Rap-Core Together at Hobie's February 26, 2000 Hobie's Roadhouse -- The February 26th show at Hobie's was the perfect place to witness how metal has morphed into an altogether different beast. With the likes of two straight metal bands in Genocide 2000 and 3°Below starting the evening and pure rap-core acts Lica Sto and the popular Insolence finishing the night, the progression that the sub-genre of metal known as crossover / rap-core / rap-metal was evident. For the pure metal fan, the show was over as soon as 3°Below left the stage, but for the rap-core enthusiasts, the two hip-hop / rap flavored acts are two of the areas best at what they do.
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 Next to the stage was the always over-the-top live act of 3°Below. This band consistently puts together some of the most entertaining and heavy shows around the underground scene. With vocals coming from both guitarist Randy Markham and drummer Chris Myers and backed by bassist Glenn Stephenson, 3°Below just does it and does it well show after show. Looking back to their Cadillac Ranch show on the eleventh of February, the energy on stage was strong but the crowd support was not anywhere near this Hobie's show. 3°Below always provides massive energy on stage, but when the crowd and the band feed off each other, it makes the performance that much better. Providing their brand of smooth riffs chopped up and chunked out with the clean and distorted voices of both Myers and Markham, this band always does things well on stage. As always, these guys are a definite act to check out soon.
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 With the third band, Lica Sto, the show turned into a rap-core showcase. Lica Sto, who would be closely followed by the popular Insolence, stepped to the stage and provided their brand of rap related heavy tones. Lica Sto mixes in much more of the rap style vocals than most, which subsequently makes their songs seem a little similar in nature. Lica Sto certainly does the live thing very well as they had Hobie's jammed with friends and fans alike. The bass heavy bottom sound Lica Sto has (probably due in large part to the bassist's seven string bass guitar) drives most of their tunes as the bass tends to direct the song movement and dynamics. When these guys really move quick with the hardcore sound, it is both heavy and impressive, but they cut it short and move back to the funk / rap sound. If this style is your gig, then Lica Sto is one to see. However, if you are a "Metal by the book" type of person, don't even bother going to see these guys live.
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 Finally, as the night turned into morning, the wildly popular Insolence took to the stage. Insolence is another South Bay rap act that has some heavy flavors. This band has been around a long time and have made some major changes sound wise over the years, but where they are now is right in the middle of the rap-core sound. The heavy bass driven tunes are solid musically, but with their two vocalists, the sounds of the music are rarely heard. Some of these guys guitar licks are strong and quick, but the rap style vocals and rolling, jump up and down beats often become tiresome after a few songs. Insolence is certainly one of those bands that you have to go see once. If you check them out and you like what you see then you have found another band to follow. If you check them out and are not impressed, then you can say you saw these guys play a small club when this band hits the national radar. If you like a strong rap / hip hop influence in your music, then this full six member outfit (two vocalists, guitarist, bassist, drummer, DJ) is the band you will want to see.
Bottom Line: The true metal fan would have left the venue as soon as 3°Below left the stage. However, with a fine split between the first two straight metal bands and the last two straight rap-core bands, there was certainly something for everyone. |
The first band to hit the Hobie's stage was the hardcore influenced Genocide 2000. Stepping onto the Hobie's stage for the first time was certainly interesting. Having found a home at Sunday night all ages Lindee's shows, it was certainly a mild surprise to see so many of the older crowd take notice of these guys. They did perform as most of the crowd was still filing in, but a good number of people were on-hand to see them do their thing. Providing the standard Genocide 2000 set including "Gen Gen", "Look Away", "X'ing", "Bastard", and a host of other tunes, Genocide 2000 faced and passed a true test at this show. This was an opportunity for them to break out of the Lindee's shadow and break ground at Hobie's Roadhouse. Playing a full 45 minute set, guitarist Dustin Smith, bassist Jimbo Anderson, drummer Dreckface, and vocalist Chris Peterson chunked, screamed, rolled, and crunched their way to a solid, loud, angry, rather impressive show. It will certainly come as no surprise if Genocide 2000 is on a Hobie's Roadhouse show bill again soon.