17 Feb 09

“…oh no here’s trouble right there…” Sick of Sarah


Hey, Fearless fans, these gals are heating up the indie pop music scene with a vibrant rock sound! SouthSide highly recommends checking out Sick of Sarah while they’re currently on tour. Last week, they returned to the famous Double Door to share the stage with The Melismatics, The Handcuffs and Farewell Captain. This band and its sound will remain fans of other local all-girl bands like Dropmore Scarlet or The Locals. The guitar riffs and hard-hitting percussion rhythms rule in their songs. That rock sound really got the momentum of fun and excitement going amongst the audience. SouthSide like how each song took on a different personality off the guitars. They were performed with solid energy which didn’t slow down once. For example, their opening song, Hardest Part, kicked off the set with a bang. The music instantly grabbed everyone’s attention and had some dancing along to the beat.

Top that music with some Joan Jett attitude and raspy Debbie Harry voice and you had Abisha on vocals. SouthSide heard and felt a range of emotions with her on lyrics. For example, in Common Mistake, the tender song brought out the emotion in her vocals that could tug on your heartstrings. This reviewer also recommends Fearless fans listening to the angst in Not Listening and panic anxiety in Breakdown. The audience favorite and pop hit, Bittersweet, rocked down the Double Door stage. Though the set was short, Sick of Sarah packed a lot of rock as the lineup’s opening act. After seeing the audience’s reaction for more, SouthSide hopes they return again later this year. This reviewer encourages fans picking up their self-titled CD to add to their collection. Check out track 9, Paint Like That, for another fine example of Abisha’s vocals.

For more information about Sick of Sarah and tour dates, visit them at www.adamantrecords.com or www.myspace.com/sickofsarah.

Until next time, Fearless fans, support local indie artists and music.

Peace
SouthSide

13 Feb 09

“…let’s do some damage…” Mr. Russia

Hey, Fearless fans, it was all hugs and kisses at the Metro’s pre-Valentine’s Day show! The night was extra special for one lucky band as they celebrated the release of their debut CD, Teething. For nearly two years, SouthSide has been covering Mr. Russia’s rise in the local music scene. They went from opening for headlining bands to headlining the stage themselves. The guest of honor was more than ready to take their place in history debuting on the Metro stage. Mr. Russia invited a few friends to help them celebrate this momentous night. Included in the eclectic lineup was Lasers and Fast and Sh*t, Apteka and The Prairie Cartel.

SouthSide enjoyed the wild craziness of Lasers and Fast and Sh*t’s set. (www.myspace.com/lasersandfastandshit). They kicked off this stellar lineup with lots of punk energy and rockin’ songs that had the audience dancing. Psychedelic rock fans should check out Apteka (www.aptekamusic.com or www.myspace.com/apteka) when they perform at Darkroom on March 6th. This reviewer suggests listening to their energetic, fast-paced songs, the sheet and it’s a wilderness. The combination of rock and electronica/ techno ruled The Prairie Cartel’s (www.theprairiecartel.com or www.myspace.com/theprairiecartel) performance. Their electro-based music had the audience grooving to the beat. Show off your best dance moves while listening Cracktown and Homicyde. Fearless fans, expect full reviews on these bands in the near future.

Don’t think this group of musicians as communists out to overthrow the capitalistic world, Fearless fans. However, Mr. Russia was definitely on the move to conquer the Metro stage as tonight’s headliner. With SouthSide’s favorite, XOXO, as their opening song, they were certainly rocking the stage like rock stars. Their punk/garage sound with thrilling guitar riffs and keyboard rhythms literally tore up the Metro stage. Performing other songs such as New Standard and Sneaking Cigarettes off their Teething CD, a couple of songs did finish a little rough. Still that didn’t stop Mr. Russia from truly wowing this audience. SouthSide did notice the piano was somewhat overshadowed by the guitars. However it did have solo moments in certain songs during the performance. Mr. Russia had special guests joining them on stage for a couple of songs. The audience went wild as Ivan (lead vocalist/guitarist) spewed some vile hatred during an anti-Valentine’s Day song. This band did some damage alright, Fearless fans, when they performed another SouthSide favorite, Damage. Whew, what a performance! It was the best one this reviewer has seen from this band. She highly recommends checking out this band when they conquer Otto’s Night Club and Abbey Pub next month. Also, ladies, grab a pair of Pretty Girls Don’t Make Mistake undies when visiting their merch booth after the show. For more information about Mr. Russia and its music, visit them at www.mrrussia.net or www.myspace.com/mrrussia.

Until next time, Fearless fans, support local indie artists and music.

Peace
SouthSide

06 Feb 09

Hey, Fearless fans, you missed the riot inside the Elbo Room! Well, it wasn’t actually that kind of riot since the fans were relatively calm and orderly. However, it was the best Friday night this reviewer has ever spent! Thanks to Brian Bender and staff, people packed the popular Lakeview venue to hear one of their best lineups ever. It featured performances by William Darling, I Fight Dragons, Riot Inside and Common Shiner. Ask You In Gray headlined in the end. SouthSide recommends checking out this wild and crazy band called I Fight Dragons (www.ifightdragons.com or www.myspace,com/ifightdragons). She enjoyed their whacky Rick Astley cover of Never Gonna Give You UP that included the theme song to Super Mario Brothers. This reviewer enjoyed the comical stage set up and antics as part of their performance. Fearless fans can expect a full review of this band in the near future. Also there will be a full review on Ask You In Gray (www.askyouingray.com or www.myspace.com/askyouingray) when they perform during Rock Star Mafia soon.

How does one review this unique and talented group of musicians known as Riot Inside? Well, this reviewer suggests seeing this band yourself and feel the heat this band brings to the stage. Riot offered the audience hot rock sound and cool sexy charm. Ladies will fawn over the charisma of Gary (on vocals) as he woos and seduces through the lyrics. He really charmed those closest to the stage while singing lyrics from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory during the song Entombed. There was some angst behind that charm too, Fearless fans. Listen to their Take Your Time and your head will bang to the metal angst of his vocals. Also she recommends listening to Riot’s ballad, Looking Back. This song can also be found on their myspace page. It’s the softer and gentler side to this band’s loud rockin’ persona with an acoustic guitar playing.

Meanwhile, Rock fans will love the wild ride of music sound from metal to alternative found in Riot's set. Each song drifted from one end of the rock spectrum to another giving it its own style and rhythm. Guitar fans will love the funky riffs by Lew, Stefan and Josh during the instrumentals. Think Led Zeppelin when seeing Lew strum his guitar with his hair pick. Want to hear more hard-hitting guitar sound? She suggests listening to Me and My Gun off their myspace page. This reviewer loved the jungle drum beats during Devil In Me by Castro. That absolutely kicked off their set on a good rockin’ start. SouthSide was somewhat disappointed that it was over just when it was getting so good. Yet Riot Inside did pack a lot of show for its fans to emjoy. Whew, this reviewer felt energetic and excited for more Riot music!

She highly encourages fans to catch the riot fever when they headline the Double Door on Feb 26. For more information about Riot Inside, visit them at www.riotinsidemusic.com or www.myspace.com/riotinsidemusic.

Until next time, Fearless fans, support local indie artists and music.

Peace
SouthSide

05 Feb 09

Hey, Fearless fans, it was two shows inside the coolest venue on the home turf in one night. Both Reggie’s Music Joint and Rock Club offered fans a fantastic selection of acoustic and punk /rock music. The Music Joint side featured Fermata and Woodbox Gang. While at the Rock Club, there was a punk set by The Bungdoons and rock by FiVe 0 SiX.

SouthSide thanks Elle, Talent Buyer for Reggie’s Music Joint, for inviting this reviewer to see Fermata. She was more than impressed by this experimental/acoustic band’s performance. They simply wowed her while rocking down the Music Joint. Fans would hear a little of a local favorite, The Lifeline, in Fermata and its music. Yet the two bands are somewhat different since this one doesn’t incorporate amplified guitars. Instead, there’s an upright bass (Cody), mandolin, banjo and accordion (Matt) woven into the music. This eclectic combination with guitar (Jon) and violin (Karl) truly rocked the stage. The music, Fearless fans, was so alive and full of emotion. At times, it could be gentle like a whisper or set your soul on fire with passion. If the music could do this to you, then add Lisa on vocals into the equation. When they’re joined together, the audience couldn’t help but hear those emotions during each song. Lisa’s haunting voice brought out the pain and anguish felt from the lyrics. Even in the anger in the vocals tugged on the heartstrings. SouthSide highly recommends listening to Ablaze and Cliffs off their Only Ghosts Remain CD. Whew, what a moving acoustic performance! Never had this reviewer felt or heard something like this. She recommends The Lifeline and Fearless fans checking out Fermata when they return on February 27th at Uncommon Ground. For more information about Fermata, visit them at www.fermataband.com or www.myspace.com/fermata.

After a wonderful performance inside the Music Joint, then it was time to join the fun inside the Rock Club. It was a late show featuring The Bungdoons and FiVe 0 SiX. The Bungdoons wowed the audience with their punk rock sound and wicked guitar instrumentals. SouthSide recommends listening to their comical Spanish song (sung with some Spanglish lyrics) and fight song titled Beat Em Up. This reviewer particularly enjoyed this song the most for its combination of suedo hip/hop rhythm and rock. This band was loud and fun, Fearless fans. For more information about The Bungdoons, visit them at www.myspace.com/thebungdoons.

SouthSide liked FiVe 0 SiX performance at Reggie’s Rock Club however she has to admit the band was having an off night. They were big on sound and rocking hard for the audience. She enjoyed the wide range of genres mixed into their sound. Yet it wasn’t enough to appease this reviewer. The lack of enthusiasm hampered their great rhythm and guitar section. Instead of letting the music speak for them, it got overshadowed with too many one-sided riffs. The backing vocals were off key in certain songs. During one, he had to shout into the microphone just to be heard as a lyric echo. The highlight of show was when Kriss’ attempt being a human beat box. Despite the unenthusiastic vibes felt from the band, this reviewer does see a lot of potential in FiVe 0 SiX. There’s room to liven up the music to get the audience more hyped for their rock sound. Even this reviewer is willing to review them again at a later date. She does caution not letting the delay of starting the show get in the way of the excitement. There was some tension amongst the band member which might have contributed to this. Fearless fans are encouraged checking out FiVe 0 SiX at their next performance. For more information, visit them at www.myspace.com/five0six.

Until next time, Fearless fans, support local indie artists and music.

Peace
SouthSide

31 Jan 09 - part 2

“…sex, drugs, rock and roll …gawd, I hate those words…” Incredible Shrinking Boy


Hey, Fearless fans, SouthSide’s now at Bottom Lounge to see her good friend Paul Taneja and his new band, Incredible Shrinking Boy. They were headlining an eclectic lineup which featured Electric Socrates and Velva. SouthSide’s planning on a full review on Velva when they perform again at Reggie’s Music Joint later this month. Their performance of imagery and computer music totally dazzled this reviewer that she had to see them again. For more information about Velva, visit this band at www.myspace.com/velva or www.velva9000.com.

Don’t let the name of this headlining band scare you, Fearless fans. They are quite incredible never shrinking and way more than a boy. And the name has nothing to do with shrinkage of a certain male body part either. This quaint group of men known as Incredible Shrinking Boy (named after the actual song) recently rocked out Bottom Lounge with a fantastic set. Comparing Paul and his original band back then to now, SouthSide honestly can say he has found the “something” that was missing. It’s not a complete 360 change from his former band but it was a better performance than before. It seems Paul tapped into emotional side of himself to bring out that passion while singing. During one point of the performance, he really let loose the demons and vocally fired up the audience. Yet as a whole band, they tapped into the creativity experimenting with different sounds and music. They were having fun rockin’ for the audience. This was definitely a brand “new” band performing on stage, Fearless fans.

Fans attending the show liked ISB’s alternative rock sound that had a slight pop twist to the songs. They weren’t flat and dull like but had more life because Paul and the band incorporate other genres. For example, the harmonics gave certain songs a touch of country rock though keeping alternative pop sound. SouthSide suggests listening to End of the Road in which Matt multitasks between keyboard and harmonics. She also suggests listening to Sex Drugs Rock n Roll. The song might sound like a downer though it does have a powerpop beat you can dance to. ISB thrilled the audience with an amazing instrumental for a climatic finish that included a hot Paul guitar solo. They rocked out Bottom Lounge with City of Lights. SouthSide enjoyed the subtle intro which draws you into the song gradually for that spectacular finale. It left the audience shouting for more.

There’s also a rock side to ISB, Fearless fans. Check out the song, Primitive, on their myspace page. The keyboard creates a creepy atmosphere while the guitars add some hardcore riffs. Paul on vocals shows his evil dark side that gave this reviewer a bad case of the shivers. SouthSide also recommends listening to Bodyparts – more creepiness. For more information about Incredible Shrinking Boy, visit them at www.myspace.com/incredibleshrinkingboy or www.incredibleshrinkingboy.com.

Until next time, Fearless fans, support local indie artists and music.

Peace
SouthSide

31 Jan 09

“…Come on, Scotty, let’s go…” Stoneface Nation


Hey, Fearless fans, SouthSide rocked out January with two shows in one fantastic night! First it was off to the legendary Metro for a wild and exciting party. Fans and bands celebrated with Scott (of Rebel Radio) at his annual birthday bash. The lineup featured heart-pounding metal and screamin’ angst by False Faced, The Plague and Scared Dawn. Also performing was Stoneface Nation, A.D.D. (Analog Digital Disorder) and Earthen Grave with Wrath closing out the night.

It has been quite a while since SouthSide last saw A.D.D. perform. However it was worth the trip to Metro to see them on stage again. After rousing opening to their set, SouthSide immediately noticed a different tone to the band’s music. It was edgier and a little darker yet keeping that hard-hitting rock sound and vocals fans love. SouthSide enjoyed the gripping passion felt within A.D.D.’s hardcore sound. It’s the type of music that says life and love isn’t a romantic fairy tale. And Margaret does an excellent job presenting that vocally to the audience. There would be times when the rock sound does overshadow vocals. Still, she can vividly convey the “hell has no fury like a scorned woman” but with a melodic twist in each song. SouthSide highly recommends listening to her favorite A.D.D. song, Maybe. Margaret really lets the audience have every ounce of angst and frustration of a relationship gone flat while singing this song. Honestly, men, you don’t want to mess this rock chick when she’s pissed off! SouthSide recommends Fearless fans checking out their new 11-track EP titled Elements of Emptiness. For more information about A.D.D., visit the band at

www.myspace.com/addloud or www.addloud.com.

The highlight of the birthday celebration was Scott on drums during Stoneface Nation’s performance. Drum fans would have loved the unique dual kit set on stage. It along with the guitars gave the band their classic rock sound. The audience was blown away by the fast flying riffs and dazzling drumming. There were a few minor technical difficulties however that didn’t stop this band from rocking out the crowd. Stoneface Nation wowed this reviewer with epic songs that were long on the instrumentals. This allowed the listener a chance to savor every riff, beat and note of their music before leaving them hungry for more in the end. For example, in Medicine Man, fans should watch out for the sudden changes. It will take you from one extreme to the next without warning during the course of the song. Another good example would be Psycho. This closing song made the audience scream with frenzy from the music. Scott’s drum solo was certainly the crowd-pleaser of the night. Despite having a great set, SouthSide had some difficulty hearing the vocals. The loud music drowned out lyrics at certain points of their performance that the lead had to switch between microphones. Overall, SouthSide recommends Fearless fans checking out Stoneface Nation at their next performance. For more information about this band, visit them at

www.myspace.com/stonefacenation.

Off to Bottom Lounge to see Incredible Shrinking Boy.

Peace
SouthSide

29 Jan 09

“…I smoked too much weed…” Yardstick Civilization


Hey, Fearless fans, how do you like your rock served? If you like it gritty with a side of hardcore acid and some foot stompin’ angst, then you’ll love SouthSide’s new friends, Yardstick Civilization.

They opened a fantastic lineup at the Double Door recently which included Heavy The Fall and Imperial Mountain Villa. It was loud. It was raw. It was head banging rock that you could sink your teeth into and rip apart like a angry junkyard mutt. And that barely scratches the surface about this band. Yardstick’s music pounded the eardrums with pure acid rock. This was that in-your-face type of music you could feel as well as hear. There were ranges of anger such as rage and angst within the riffs and drums during the quick instrumentals. Nothing was held back in terms of their rock sound. Yet it was also Tony, Yardstick’s lead man on vocals, who expressed it that mood so vividly. He truly vented and ranted their songs vocalizing a man done wrong in life and love. Tony stomped and pounded down every square inch of the stage in anger. That poor stage had it rough, Fearless fans. SouthSide’s surprised it survived long enough for the other bands to perform. She recommends listening to Three and Out and Gridlock.

For more in formation about Yardstick Civilization, visit the band at

www.myspace.com/yardstickcivilization or www.yardstickcivilization.com

Until next time, Fearless fans, support local indie artists and music.

Peace
SouthSide

24 Jan 09 - part 2

“…Hey, hey Reggie’s what do you say…” Holding Mercury


Hey, Fearless fans, SouthSide’s now rockin’ on her home turf at Reggie’s Rock Club! Though missing the earlier sets by The Moves and Early April, this reviewer arrived just in time to see Makeshift Prodigy and Holding Mercury. Once again, she was dazzled by the sights and sounds of Makeshift Prodigy. However she still preferred their Metro performance over this one. It isn’t that the band lacked the energy and fire exhibited two weeks ago. The smaller staging did hamper a little of the vibe felt from the band. Yet that didn’t stop many of their fans from enjoying another thrill ride with this band. They were screaming for more when their set came to a close. SouthSide highly encourages everyone to catch this Makeshift fever sweeping over the local music scene. She predicts bigger and better things will be happening for them in 2009! Fans can catch their next performance at Enclave for the Make-A-Wish Foundation event. For more information about Makeshift Prodigy and music, visit them www.makeshiftprodigy.com or www.myspace.com/makeshiftprodigy.

Excitement was in the air when this band closed out the fantastic lineup at Reggie’s. Holding Mercury celebrated the release of their latest EP, Downfall of an Empire, by rockin’ out the crowd. After opening with Let It Go, SouthSide noticed something quite different about the band since the last time she saw them. Comparing them from 2008 to now, there was definitely more energy and vibrant feel in their music. Each song performed made you want to dance to the beat. For example, their most rockin’ song, Cancerous, truly had this audience grooving to the thrilling music. SouthSide enjoyed the wild guitar riffs and rhythms that pumped the venue with lots of sound. The drum solo during Standing Eight had them cheering and wanting more of Holding Mercury. Even the encore performed wasn’t enough to satisfy this audience. They still wanted more. Overall, this band performed a headlining set their fans will never forget. This reviewer recommends Fearless fans checking out this band as well as picking up their EP, Downfall of an Empire. For more information about this band and where they’re performing next, visit them at www.holdingmercury.com or www.myspace.com/holdingmercury.

Until next time, Fearless fans, support local indie artists and music.

Peace
SouthSide

24 Jan 09

Hey, Fearless fans, SouthSide’s doing double duty covering two shows in a single night! First she’s on the beat rockin’ another all-ages show Saturday at the Beat Kitchen. The young audience was treated to a mixture of hardcore metal, punk and powerpop music by the Hallow, Snowsera and Rosaline. Victorian Halls concluded the lineup with a hyperactive CD release show. Crazy antics on and off stage ruled their set making it the best fun ever had by SouthSide. She apologizes for missing most of the party but she had another show to cover before the night was over. She’s planning a full review of Victorian Halls during their Reggie’s show on February 6th. The lineup also included The New Diet however at the last minute the band had to cancel. They’re scheduled to perform at Fort Smith, Arkansas on March 21. Fearless fans are encouraged to check out this band and their music at www.myspace.com/thenewdiet or www.purevolume.com/thenewdiet.

While reviewing the Hallow, SouthSide thought of the band as super energetic kids high on sugar. Sedating this super active band would have killed the opening set. They were all over rockin’ the stage with quick and loud punk music. To SouthSide, it seemed their version of angry punk/new wave truly voiced the sentiments of the younger generation today. This reviewer recommends checking out their songs Straight to Hell and Go Get “Em Tiger. In her opinion, these two songs defined the band’s sound which was full of angst and guitar rhythms. At one point of the Hallow’s set, vocals and band seemed to be out of sync. Yet they did come together as one at the chorus. If you like the punk/new wave done loud and fast, this is your type of rock band. Fearless fans, check out their next performance at Reggie’s Rock Club for their CD release show on February 20th. For more information about the Hallow, visit them at www.myspace.com/thehallowband.

After seeing Snowsera for a second time, SouthSide concluded this performance was way better than the one at Elbo Room two months ago. Opening with Come to Me, they kicked off their Beat Kitchen set into high gear with more energy and fire. Immediately they had most grooving to the music. Even while taking their powerpop sound down a notch, you could still feel the same intensity in the lyrics off the vocals. Of course what’s a Snowsera set without their rendition of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. This version had more of a danceable beat and rhythm than the original that rocked the stage. SouthSide also recommends checking out her favorite song, Runaway. It popped with sleek sexiness off the guitar rhythms especially during the instrumental. Fans were hyped with the band as they closed with I See. For more information about Snowsera and their music, visit them at www.myspace.com/snowsera or http://www.snowsera.blogspot.com.

Now with this band, SouthSide’s ears literally melted from Rosaline’s hardcore metal sound. Yet it was metal with a powerpop twist. The powerpop sound came from the keyboards which caught this reviewer by surprise. The keyboards itself balanced out their edgy metal music which was very interesting to hear. Still she liked how the opening song had very intense beat off the pounding guitar riffs and percussion rhythms. And that, Fearless fans, was head banging good. Even though the music at times overshadowed the screamin’ vocals, this reviewer enjoyed how the staged lighting played an integral role during this set. Not only could the audience feel the angst and frustration off the vocals. They could also see it as well whenever the lighting was in sync with the music. SouthSide doesn’t know if having the stage void of any light was on Rosaline’s part or a technical problem when performing Brother We’ll Save You. However in her opinion, it did help illustrate the song’s atmosphere and tone to the audience. This reviewer recommends Fearless metal fans checking out Rosaline on February 15th where they’ll be rockin’ out North Beach. For more information about this band, visit them at www.myspace.com/rosaline.

Off to Reggie’s Rock Club for more music and fun!

Peace
SouthSide