 |
 |
May 20, 2000Lindee's -- Ocassionally, certain metal shows happen where the bands performing are strong metal acts but whether it is poor promotion, a twenty-one and over show, or a variety of reasons, very little people turn up and it makes for a very light crowd. Well, Lindee's, on May 20th, 2000, was a prime example of this as only a small amount of people arrived (a liberal guess would put the number at about fifteen total people), yet Antagony, Christy Hollywood and the Walk of Fames, Blunt Force Trauma, and Infestation still performed a decent show despite the lack of people. This show turned into one of those twenty-one and over shows where the vibe was very mellow and generally quite laid back and by the end of the night only a couple of people were left standing. Still, for at least two of these bands, the metal sounds were heavy and entertaining to say the least.
Antagony's Ben Orum
live at Lindee's
|
The show opened with Danville area natives Antagony on the Lindee's stage. Bringing with them a straight grindcore sound, this four piece, which includes guitarist / vocalist Nick Vasallo, bassist Carlos Saldana, guitarist / vocalist Ben Orum, and drummer Jody Handy, obviously didn't think too highly of this show as they joked, talked, and performed sloppy music. The attitude on stage was of a "there's no one here, let's do what we want" vibe which certainly left a lot to be desired from a professional stand point. When these guys actually played their music, the sound and quick tempo of the songs were impressive as they performed a few songs from their CD "Expect the Worst" including "Kip and Mitch", "The Last Fall" which included a tripped out mid-section, "Useless Fake" which sounds like punk on some serious drugs, and "Slob". These guys move quick with their music and actually have some talent, but the LIndee's show was obviously not any real indication of it. Sure, there were very few people at this show. And yes, the attitude was very mellow, but an experienced, professional band knows how to handle the large shows as well as the small shows with the same attitude. In front of a big crowd these guys probably shape up and put together a good show, but they should do the same in front of a small crowd because even the small shows you never know who might be in attendance. Would like to see these guys again for a direct show comparison.
|
|
|
Christy Hollywood
live at Lindee's
|
The second band to the Lindee's stage was the interesting combination of three guys and a female vocalist known as Christy Hollywood and the Walk of Fames. Now this vocalist had the look of a small, attractive, petite, small voiced female off the stage, but on the stage she belted forth lyrics to hardcore influenced music and heavy punk rhythms. Quite a surprise actually, as the musicians behind her were three guys with a load of talent. This set really turned into more of a jam session for the three guys as three of the songs were straight instrumentals of the heavy chunking nature. Apparently, this band rarely plays shows so this actually turned into quite a treat to catch this act doing what they do on the Lindee's stage. The vocalist never really growled, she just employed a high pitched female bark attack to the songs in angry chick style. Kind of funny that this vocalist would bark and act angry during the songs only to giggle after the song ended. This band, given the chance to see them, is actually a fun band to watch, even if the vocalist needs to learn her lyrics a little better.
|
|
|
Blunt Force Trauma
live at Lindee's
|
The third band to the Lindee's stage was the straight hardcore / power groove act Blunt Force Trauma. Featuring a generally oversized bunch of guys playing ugly, heavy, chunking grooves, Blunt Force Trauma is a metal band first and foremost. These guys really don't make any bones about being metal all the way as the song structure, solos, and general stage appearance was straight from the metal bible. Blunt Force Trauma borrows a hint of the 80's power sound mixed in with the 90's growl and anger to make some decent tunes including "Something Wicked This Way Comes", "Your Last Breath" which utilized a bark attack with the vocals, and quite possibly their strongest song of the night in "I Remain". This is an older veteran band which knows how to handle the stage whether in front of a big crowd or a light crowd such as this Lindee's crowd. Except for maybe one spot where the guitarist seemed to have missed his mark, this band performed a rather tight set of just all out metal with really no fault. And no joke, this band offered free Burger King Hamburgers to those in attendance with a promise of a full spread at future shows. This was a definite first in the metal game.
|
|
|
Infestation vocalist Bruce Fowler
live at Lindee's
|
Finally, as the night turned to early morning, and every last person in attendance had vacated the building, the Central Valley act of Infestation took to the Lindee's stage. Bringing with them a severely scaled back show from their usual pyrotechnics and full stage act, Infestation did blast the stage with fog and basically performed simply for metal's sake. Comprised of bassist Roy Stanley, guitarist Aussie, guitarist Jimi Watts, drummer Scott Whitfield, and vocalist Bruce Fowler, Infestation is one tiny step above all out death metal with the heavy guitars, quick double bass drums and throaty vocals. Performing "I Suffer", "Save Your Servant", "The Chapel", and the quick triple pick attack of "Scorned", Infestation really didn't have to much to work with at Lindee's with an empty bar. However, the sound this veteran act puts together is obviously a product of many years of playing together and on stage (this band was born out of now defunct death metal act Immortality which featured Two (o) Nine's guitarist Jeff Brown as well). Infestation is a solid act as evident by their ability to land the support slot on many of the national tours that come through the area. True, the Lindee's show was pretty much a flop with the amount of people, but the music they produced for those still in attendance was strong deathy, heavy, chunk metal. Definitely want to see what this band would do with a heavy crowd and their full stage effect.
Bottom Line: With the small amount of people in attendance, the Lindee's show could have easily been deemed a total failure. However, three of the four bands actually took it seriously and did their live thing despite the number of people on hand. Blunt Force Trauma and Infestation obviously stole the show with their live show. While mellow, this show was actually worth the drive and time spent.
|