THE END
SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2005
BANDS (by order of appearance):
MEDICINE MANN
100 WATT OPERA
GEAR DRIVEN
DERAILED (Not Reviewed)
A night of crunch and soul was had by all at the End on a steamy August 6th night in this year of 2005. I witnessed an evening of three groups that truly had it together and one that I heard had a great night as well (we’ll get to “why” later). The theme of the night was the Gear Driven CD Release Show. These guys are a rough and tumble group of guys that wear their southern rock pride on their sleeves. This was a night to celebrate the release of a disc filled with music that they poured their blood into and to represent it in front of a live audience.
BAND INFORMATION:
Vocals: Michael Ashley
Guitar: Rick Brave-Lion
Bassist: Kevin Mustfelt
Drummer: Peroy Petty
I arrived at the venue a few minutes before Medicine Mann hit the stage. If you’ve been in Nashville for any length of time and haven’t heard of Medicine Mann, then what rock have you been living under? These guys have been going at it since the mid-90’s. They rose to prominence shortly after; opening for the likes of Sevendust, Black Label Society, and Quiet Riot. In 1998, they parted ways with original singer, David Fair and replaced him with Jason Roberts. Roberts left the group in 2001 to pursue a business opportunity. Former vocalist for N2O Michael Ashley was brought in to take over the lead pipes position. The group recently lost original bassist, Dee Adman who joined Deadsun, and have added Kevin Mustfelt, ironically formerly of Deadsun, to be the new permanent bassist. This would be Mustfelt’s first show with the group. Here is my take on the Medicine Mann set.
Believe:
A somber sounding sampled piano part lead into opening song ‘Believe’. This was a great attention-grabbing song to begin the set. Punctuated by strong vocals by singer Michael Ashley and a guitar tone that reminded me of Zakk Wylde emanating from guitarist, Rick Brave-Lion, ‘Believe’ was Medicine Mann’s way of telling the audience, “Hang on, you’re in for a ride.”
Warzone:
Guitarist, Brave-Lion is in perpetual motion on this interesting tune. Drummer, Peroy Petty and bassist, Kevin Mustfelt form a very tight rhythm section while Brave-Lion pulls double duty with strong backing vocals and a neat toggle switch effect before leading into a chaotic chorus.
Caroline:
A downtuned melodic metal song??? Sounds strange but it’s true. From Medicine Mann’s latest album, ‘Reborn’ this number features very emotional vocals by Ashley and a creative slide guitar effect to counter the verses. This song would perform well on radio if given a chance as evidenced by the strong crowd response.
Medicine Mann's Latest CD, 'Reborn'
Supastar:
Sampled sounds lead off this song that shows tons of stage presence from the group. It seems like more of a studio song but the band pull it off well live.
Find Her:
Singer, Michael Ashley intros original Medicine Mann singer, David Fair for a guest lead vocal. This was a surprise to the crowd. Fair still has a flair for the dramatic, judging by his ‘in-your-face’ stage presence and King Diamond-esque high notes.
Burnin’ Down:
A nu-metal cover of the 80’s hit by the Talking Heads, the Medicine Mann treatment of this song featured more samples and some bullhorn alternating vocals by guitarist, Brave-Lion. As with most cover songs, the crowd ate this one up but I wasn’t too crazy about the solo.
Damaged:
Pure funk-metal!! The one featured some tight drum/bass interplay from Petty and Mustfelt. Some rap-style vocals from Brave-Lion on the verses and good singing from Ashley on the chorus. Fun song to listen to!
Somber:
This song starts out very mellow with a creative bassline but builds to a frantic and powerful bridge. Very melodic song.
5637:
A song that is truly strange to listen to, 5637 includes a drum intro, a metallic sounding bassline, wandering guitar parts and even a sampled spoken-word section! Hell, where is the kitchen sink?? It’s a good song but probably more suited for an album than in a live setting.
Too Many:
A “chugga-chugga” riff-fest is how I would describe this song which features even more samples and melodic vocals. One of the best songs of the night, ‘Too Many’ sounds like the bastard child of Metallica and Kings X.
As of Late:
Building on the momentum of the previous song, Medicine Mann closes their set with this dynamic ass-kicker. ‘As of Late’ is highlighted by it’s numerous changes, drummer Peroy Petty’s dynamic playing and a fleet-fingered solo by Brave-Lion.
This was the first show for Medicine Mann in quite a while. They continue to hit the stage and show Nashville that good, hard-hitting rock/metal CAN be accomplished in this town. For information on Medicine Mann, visit:
www.medicinemann.com
www.myspace.com/medicinemann
Vocals/Harmonica: William Baugh
Guitars/Vocals: Jesse FloydBass: Cody Higbee
Drums/Vocals: Scott Easley
Following up a set by Medicine Mann is no small task. But, it was handled quite capably by 100 Watt Opera. These guys have been quickly making a name for themselves throughout the Nashville area with a style of music that I like to call “grunge-soul”. I’ve met numerous people through my work for this website and I kept constantly hearing about how good this group is. I was very interested to see what the buzz was about. Here’s what I took away.
Thornless Garden:
The crowd builds up quickly as 100 Watt Opera hit the stage with tons of energy. Drummer Scott Easley lays down a solid beat and singer William Baugh utilizes a tambourine to help energize the crowd. Good, uptempo opener.
Something:
The sophomore song of the set, ‘Something’ has a flange guitar intro before leading into some soulful vocals by Baugh. The solo by guitarist, Jesse Floyd reminded me of ‘Pets’ by Porno for Pyros.
100 Watt Opera Guitarist Jesse Floyd
Turnitaround:
More flange guitar on the intro to this one. The vocals are the focal point of this straight-ahead rock song. It’s a simple but effective tune.
Worry:
This tune captured the audience’s attention with great vocals by Baugh and some tight playing between drummer, Easley and bassist Cody Higbee. I also enjoyed the haunting guitar solo that Floyd belted out.
100 Watt Opera bassist Cody Higbee 100 Watt Opera singer Willaim Baugh
Midnight Sun:
‘Worry’ segues into ‘Midnight Sun’, a song that contains a detuned sounding guitar solo, and some solid drumming. One of my least favorite songs of the set but the crowd seemed to like it.
Stained:
Singer, William Baugh breaks out the tambourine again in ‘Stained’. This tune features some very good vocals and tight bass playing from Higbee. A solid up-tempo number.
Servant:
This song kind of left me cold. It just felt very similar to some of the tunes that I had heard before. I’d like to hear a heavy guitar part for this to add some variety.
Butterfly Dreams:
A retro-feeling, radio-friendly tune that features some pounding drum work by Easley, ‘Butterfly Dreams’ was my favorite song of 100 Watt Opera’s set. I enjoyed the soulful vocals and harmonica playing from Baugh as well.
100 Watt Opera drummer Scott Easley
Knucklebone:
A hot riff from Floyd opens up this one with more harmonica from Baugh between the vocals. The chorus riff reminded me of the Smashing Pumpkins.
INSERT 100 WATT1.JPG
Clear:
Another strong opening riff kicks off this potential-filled song. Some quick drum fills from Scott Easley help give the song some punch to end 100 Watt Opera’s set on a high note.
This band has tons of potential. They haven’t been together long but you can really sense a good chemistry between them. With their original sound and strong songwriting ablilty, 100 Watt Opera should be a group to keep your eye on in the future.
For information on 100 Watt Opera, visit
www.myspace.com/100wattopera
Vocals: Tommy Wynn
Guitar/Vocals: David Jones
Bass: Jerry Work
Drums: Ronnie Carroll
As mentioned above, this was Gear Driven’s night to shine and celebrate the long-awaited release of their cd. Here is my review of their set:
Clown:
The night started with a Gear Driven banner being lit up by a strobe light behind the drums. The band kicked into ‘Clown’ which received a big response from the crowd. The main riff from guitarist, David Jones, was reminiscent of ‘Crazy Train’ by Ozzy. Drummer, Ronnie Carrol has a great tribal drum part in this song that features moody vocals from singer, Tommy Wynn. Great song to open up the set.
Done So Good:
Bassist, Jerry Work displays tons of stage presence on this down-n-dirty groove rocker. A good wah-wah solo from Jones on this one as well. Despite some technical problems with the microphone, this song came off great live.
Gear Driven bassist, Jerry Work, Tommy Wynn, and David Jones (r-l).
Blindside:
A simple song with a driving bassline from Work and solid drumming from Carroll, it sounds a little bit tougher on the cd.
Flesh and Bone:
This tune features a creative riff from Jones on the verses and a march-style lead in to the guitar solo. Lots of crowd interaction on this song. Singer, Tommy Wynn really wails on this song. Tons of emotion.
Gear Driven singer, Tommy Wynn
Consume:
With a laid-back guitar intro and strong vocals from Wynn, this is an excellent live song.
Whippin’ Post:
The crowd was very much into this rendition of the Allman Brothers classic. Great lead guitar spot and tons of stage presence from vocalist, Wynn. This song benefits from the intimate club setting.
Human Comedy:
Bassist, Jerry Work leads off this song full of bottom-end and alternating tempos. A real headbanger on the fast riffs, ‘Human Comedy’ received a very good response from the audience.
Deadly Sun:
A guitar/vocal intro that reminded me of ‘Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You’ by Led Zeppelin sets up a sea of bouncing heads in the chorus of ‘Deadly Sun’. Big, anthem-ish fun song.
Smoke and Mirrors:
This tune was one of the most original sounding songs of the set. It features good backing vocals by guitarist, Jones and solid drumming from Carroll.
Gear Driven drummer Ronnie Carroll
Alone:
With a thumping bass line and good solo, ‘Alone’ reminds us that the classic rock sound is going nowhere and that’s just fine with me.
Copperhead Road:
The first of 2 cover songs that Gear Driven played to end their set, ‘Copperhead Road’ is featured on the cd and received a very positive response from the audience. A faithful cover, albeit heavied-up a bit in sounds.
Another Brick in The Wall:
A jam on the Pink Floyd classic that never fails live, Gear Driven brought the house down to end their set. This version was much heavier than the original with a jackhammer guitar riff from Jones.
Gear Driven Debut Album Cover
Gear Driven’s set was, without a doubt, a success. The audience fed off of their energy and vice versa. While there are lots of bands that try to sound “different” and “modern”, Gear Driven remind us that, sometimes, the sincerest form of flattery is a good ole-fashioned sledgehammer to the skull!
For more Gear Driven updates and cd ordering information, visit:
www.geardriven.net
I’m sorry to say that I had to miss Derailed’s set due to a family emergency but I plan to go to one of their upcoming shows. I did hear that they continued on Gear Driven’s momentum and tore it up, as expected.
I want to thank Clover for the great pictures of Gear Driven’s set. The photos of 100 Watt Opera are not from this show and are for informational purposes only. They are copyrighted to the photographer, Ron Macaluso.
That’s it for now. Stay tuned for my next article!
Until next time, I’m out like Adam ‘Pac-Man’ Jones’ common sense.