Live Review: Black Map & Centershift at The Whisky A Go Go

For the past couple weeks I’ve been eagerly anticipating seeing Black Map again live and for the live debut of Centershift and it most certainly did not disappoint! It’s really interesting to be seeing shows again after being away from them for so long. There seems to be a new life for live music and the bands. Sort of an invigorating sense of let’s go out there and kill! And this evening was just that…

Centershift is one of my favorite new bands. For a three piece band, these guys pack the volume for sure. Riding high off their debut single “9,” Centershift took the stage and immediately opened a can of whoop ass on the crowd. Singer/guitarist Jasan Radford (who you might know from Onesidezero/Abloom), was right at home on stage and that voice of his, resonated so well through their set. You could tell people were getting more and more into it with each note played and lyric sung. Bassist Ted Wenri and drummer Mike Tarabotto are a dominant force of a rhythm section. The prowess they played with really helped to leave a real impression with the audience as well as how tight they are. The other songs they played and debuted all kicked some major ass. Be on the look out for their songs “My Own World,” “Tell Me,” and “11.” Those songs were absolute BANGERS! Centershift has this really cool sound that fits perfectly well with Black Map. Their sound has a bit of a Quicksand/Thrice vibe mixed with a little bit of other 90’s tinges. Centershift is a band that should be on your radars as they will be a name you won’t want to miss.

Black Map is one hell of a band. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them since they came on the scene and I have to say, like a fine scotch or wine, they’ve only gotten better. As a three piece, it’s astounding how huge they sound. The combination of singer/bassist Ben Flanagan, guitarist Mark Engles and drummer Chris Robyn is an absolute force. Their set this evening was stunning. Picking songs from all their albums including their upcoming one, Melodoria (out Nov 5), Black Map tore up the stage. Songs like “I’m Just The Driver,” “Run Rabbit Run” “Let Me Out,” “No Color” all were stellar and the new songs “Chasms,” “Super Deluxe,” and “Madness (my personal favorite from the new album at the moment)” were impeccable and shows even more growth in their songwriting.

This was a terrific show. Seeing both bands at The Whisky was even better. The history of the venue makes shows like this one special. I have to say too, The Whisky sound was awesome this night. The bands sounded great and the vibe inside was just perfect. Black Map and Centershift is a match made in musical heaven. I’m going to be selfish here but, I really want a full tour with both bands. Hearing them back to back was absolute bliss. What a great night full of great bands, music, people and good times. This is what the music scene should be like. Do yourself a favor and go listen to and see to Centershift and Black Map when they come through your town. You’ll for sure thank me later!!!

Review By: Brian Lacy

Live Review: Sidewave and Hidden Amongst Us

A bands first show can go one of two ways, it’s either a huge success or it just doesn’t hit the mark. For Sidewave, it hit the mark in a grand way. Singer/guitarist Phil Golyshko and band kicked off their set with one of their newest songs from their upcoming split with Anakin (a previously featured band here on the site). The set featured mostly songs from their most recent release “Big Time” featuring the songs “Honest To God” and “Sundrop”. The last song of the evening was a wonderful cover of Air’s “Playground Love” off the Virgin Suicides soundtrack. Sidewave’s brand of heavy shoe gaze and space rock, is loud and clean without missing a beat. Vocally, this band is in sync and comes across with great clarity. This first show is a sign of great things to come for Sidewave.

Also playing this night was Los Angeles based hard rock band Hidden Amongst Us (also previously featured here on the site). Their blend of hard rock with melodic vocals stirred up a high energy performance. Their set which featured songs off their recently released album, was powerful and melodic. Singer Evan Michael Mentone is a deep raspy yet clear voice which guides the songs along.

It was a great night for live music despite the dinginess at the Silverlake Lounge. It had been years since I last attended a show there, and I remember why I never went back. Looks like someone needs to up their game. If the bands can bring their A game why can’t the venue!

By: Brian Lacy

 

Why The Whisky A Go Go needs to GO GO AWAY!

The “Sunset Strip” is one of the most legendary places in Los Angeles. The musical history that surrounds the area is rich and full of greatness. Everyone knows the stories of The Doors, Motley Crue, Guns n Roses, etc. Everyone has dreams of playing at the venues up and down the strip. The sad thing is that today in 2014, there isn’t much left of the greatness that once was such a legendary place. There is no scene anymore, and venues are closing down. The Key Club and The Roxy are no longer open. All that is left is the Whisky and The Viper Room, and the little bit of nostalgia that you get from walking around the area.

I recently attended a show at the Whisky to see Fear Factory. In my mind I thought this will be great to see them again and at the Whisky of all places. I remember seeing them there back when their album Obsolete came out. Boy was I wrong. First off they were horrible live and Burton C. Bell couldn’t hit the notes. They seemed like a second rate version of what they used to be, holding on to what they once were thinking that they still had “it”

The main reason for this piece is to detail how downhill the Whisky has become. Nevermind the history of the place, plain and simple this place is a hole in the wall now. The exterior alone needs a drastic update. The people working the ticket booth are some of the laziest rude people ever. It’s 2014 people, it’s about time to start taking credit cards to buy tickets. Security wise, I understand the need to pat people down, but don’t grab my ass. If I wanted to get felt up I’d stay home with my lady. Once inside the stench of mold, sweat, and filth fills the room. The carpet has got to be so old they are afraid to rip it up and see what lies beneath. The layout downstairs doesn’t make any sense. Why have booths downstairs in an area that takes away from the standing room? The Roxy had a different area for that, same with the Key Club. They understood the need for continuity in the building. The bathrooms, are a travesty to all ends. The upstairs area is where the booths should be. Thus providing the “VIP” experience. Instead there are plastic chairs that you would find at your local Home Depot. Another aspect of the place is the crappy sound system. It looked like they updated the board, but not the speakers or the direction of how the sound travels.

One of the worst parts about the Whisky is the way they stack the lineup for the night. It makes no sense to have 6 bands on a bill before the main band of the night. Not to mention have them sell tickets at an outrageous amount just to cover their own cost. Pay to play is one of the biggest scams ever. The sad reality is that most of the bands that do this really aren’t that good at all. During the night that I was there, not one of the bands that opened for Fear Factory were good. They were so bad in fact that my friend and I left and went to a bar next door to wait out the time till Fear Factory went on (thank goodness for the rule of in’s and outs for those 21 and over). One of the other main things that is wrong about the venue is their lack of crowd control. First of all there was way too many people inside. It’s almost like they oversold the event. The way they handle the “pit” is non existent. Not everyone wants to be involved in it. While my friend and I were leaving mid set (due to Fear Factory being horrible) we had to walk through the pit instead of a clear walk way. Perhaps they should get someone in there and prevent the large people from hurting the other people in attendance.

Times they are a changing, and the Whisky needs to do the same or follow in the footsteps of the other venues that closed down. There is no need for any of what I just mentioned to happen. For a place that once was a spot that bands dreamed of playing at, they really let it go. How about really taking the time and care about your place and make it that way again. Otherwise shut your doors and walk away.

UPDATE:

Since I wrote this article, I’ve been back to the Whisky for countless shows and they really have stepped up and worked to make this venue better. The sound system seems new(er) and the rate of speed between bands seems to be tighter. Sure there is still room for improvement but, they are getting their act together. This venue is historic and special and needs to be treated that way. A coat of paint inside and good pressure wash could do wonders for the place.