FELIX & THE HURRICANES @ PETER C’S, ALTOONA 1/13/05
After another busy Thursday night at the workplace kept me working til the midnight hour, I was off down the street to Peter C’s for another episode of Thursday night Hurricaning.
I arrived during intermission, and a good-sized, lively crowd was on hand to witness the Hurricanes’ fireworks. Something looked a little different on the stage, though… It took a few moments to realize that Bob Watters was sporting a new drum kit this night!
Soon, the group returned to the stage, and with Felix Kos flanked by brother Dick on guitar, Peter C’s was being treated to the Hurricanes foursome this night. Noticing the show’s host in the audience, the ‘Canes resumed the musical action with their ode to local music radio, “Backyard Rocker.” This upshifted into the James Gang’s “Walk Away,” which quickly drew dancers onto the Peter C’s dance floor. The Hurricanes cranked up the classic rocking party with Ted Nugent’s “Free For All” and the group’s own “Keep On Rockin,’” before Felix and Dick schooled the house with their blazing guitar displays on Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” The ‘Canes showed it down for Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Tuesday’s Gone,” before honoring a request for more Skynyrd with “Sweet Home Alabama,” with Felix and Dick again conducting ‘Guitar 101’ on their respective instruments. After a country tune, the Hurricanes performed their lowdown and bluesy original “On The Bottom Again,” with Dick wrenching every drop of soul out of his guitar solo, prompting brother Felix to declare afterward, “That guitar is bleeding!” Bassist Jeff Clapper then took the spotlight on the ‘Canes’ original “Black Widow,” before the group unleashed their full guitar fury again on the Allman Brothers’ “One Way Out,” showcasing a three-way duel between Felix, Dick and Jeff. After a rendition of Steppenwolf’s “The Pusher,” the Hurricanes welcomed some guests onstage, as Jerry Mosey took over bass duties and Banditos/Cucuplex guitarist Phil Wagner replaced Dick onstage for the Rolling Stones double-shot of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Honky Tonk Women,” which ended the set.
With this set running a bit long, the Hurricanes’ final set of the night was an abbreviated one, but nonetheless an impressive one. Sidestep drummer Steve Brullia took over the lead mic to sing Jimi Hendrix’s “The Wind Cries Mary,” before the Hurricanes foursome of Felix, Dick, Bob and Jeff finished out the night with scorching renditions of the Allman Brothers’ “Dreams” and the Outlaws’ “Green Grass and High Tides.”
This was your dictionary definition kickass Hurricanes rock’n’roll good time! The musicians onstage fed off the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd, which resulted in fiery performances that fired the crowd up further. The Hurricanes were feeling it, their guests were feeling it, and the crowd was feeling it – the result was musical synergy, and another fun and feisty evening of the Hurricanes at their best.
Felix & the Hurricanes, with special guest Jerry Mosey on bass.
Special guest Jerry Mosey with the Hurricanes.
With Sidestep drummer Steve Brullia on the lead mic, Felix & the Hurricanes.
Again, special guest singer Steve Brullia.
More fun with Steve Brullia and the Hurricanes.
Again, Bob Watters of the Hurricanes.
Again, Hurricane Bob, putting that new kit through a workout!
More Hurricaning on a Thursday night!
This night of Hurricaning turned into a religious experience for Hurricaniac Harry Bottoms, who kneels before the stage in prayer…
Once again, Felix & the Hurricanes.
Launching some guitar fireworks, Dick and Felix Kos of the Hurricanes.
Bob Watters of the Hurricanes.
Even a broken string doesn’t slow Hurricane Felix down.
The Hurricanes’ fireworks were so hot, Peter C’s Mary has to cool herself down…
HAMMERJACK @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 1/14/05
I was Juniata-bound this Friday night, as I headed to Aldo’s to check out the new band in town, Hammerjack.
I arrived just before the start of Hammerjack’s first set, and quickly learned that while Hammerjack is a new name, several of the musicians who comprise it are not. Hammerjack is the latest band project to feature Nate Socoski (brother of Matt and Nick), playing bass and singing lead. Behind the drum kit is another area musician I’ve not seen in a long time, former Hitchcock drummer Budd Eckley. On guitars are Doug Beveridge and Gus Gardner.
It was a new, unknown band at Aldo’s on a Friday; and not surprisingly, the room was empty as Hammerjack kicked off their first set. As their first set unfolded, Hammerjack staked their musical turf as situated on the hard rock side of the spectrum; as they mixed hard-edged new and classic favorites from Seven Mary Three, Refreshments, Ramones, Collective Soul, Ted Nugent, Goo Goo Dolls and more. The highlight of the first set was Hammerjack’s high-octane double-shot fusion of Jet’s “Cold Hard Bitch” with Buckcherry’s “Lit Up.”
Thus far, the performance was good. Both Doug and Gus swapped lead guitar duties throughout the set and complemented each other well. Budd could still pack the thunder and drive behind the kit. Nate’s vocal presentation appeared a little timid early on, probably associated with butterflies from singing to an empty, new room for the first time. Hammerjack sustained a comfortable pace, pausing occasionally to quip with each other or what little audience in the house there was.
Soon it was time for the second round, and Nate demonstrated some impressive vocal range on the opening tune, Judas Priest/Fleetwood Mac’s “Green Manalishi.” He demonstrated it even further on the next tune, The Darkness’ “I Believe In a Thing Called Love.” Hammerjack kept things rocking with tunes from Nazareth, Velvet Revolver, 3 Doors Down, Toadies, Saliva, White Zombie and more. Highlights during this chapter of Hammerjack’s performance included their fresh and powerful variation on Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting” – complete with gang shout chorus homestretch; and the group’s playful read of Blue Oyster Cult’s “Godzilla,” with Nate offering his own midsong Asiatic rap.
Unfortunately, it continued to be a dead night for Hammerjack at Aldo’s, with little more than wives, girlfriends, Rodney the Roadie, Aldo and his bar/door staff, Dan the soundman and yours truly bearing witness. Hammerjack made the best of it, though, and appeared looser and more relaxed during their second set.
The third and final set continued the hard-edged music mix; this time including tunes from Beastie Boys, Ugly Kid Joe, Collective Soul, Guns’N’Roses, Alice In Chains, Judas Priest and more. I especially enjoyed Hammerjack’s version of Our Lady Peace’s “Starseed.” As the group neared the end of the night, and it had long since been determined that little more crowd was likely to arrive at Aldo’s, Hammerjack honored an audience request for a repeat performance of “I Believe In a Thing Called Love,” before capping the night with Judas Priest’s “You’ve Got Another Thing Comin.’”
Hammerjack did a good job given the circumstance of few faces to play to. They proved themselves to be a sturdy rock’n’roll band with solid musicianship and instrumental ability. On vocals, Nate displayed decent vocal range more often than not; tighter backing vocals from his bandmates should make this band even better. In all, a respectable showing – here’s hoping more people show up to see them should Hammerjack venture Juniata way again.
Hammerjack, making their first Aldo’s appearance.
Nate Socoski of Hammerjack.
Doug Beveridge of Hammerjack.
Budd Eckley of Hammerjack.
Gus Gardner of Hammerjack.
Once again, Hammerjack.
Again, Doug Beveridge of Hammerjack.
Again, Nate Socoski of Hammerjack.
One more time, Hammerjack.
THE PIPEBOMBS/INSIDE FIFTY/HUNGRY SATURN @ THE LION’S DEN, ALTOONA 1/15/05
It was turning into a Juniata weekend for yours truly. After sweating through the Steelers’ squeaker playoff win over the New York Jets, I was back in the Juniata section of town to resume my weekend live music adventure, this time kicking off with an all-ages show at The Lion’s Den.
I arrived towards the middle of the show, and missed the first two acts this night, Dane Adelman and Porcelain Throne. A sizable crowd of young fans was in the house as the third band of the night, The Pipebombs, was in the midst of their set. As I had witnessed when I saw them before, the Pipebombs blasted fast, furious, go-for-broke punk featuring maximum velocity drumming, snarling and roaring guitars, and agitated, intense vocals. I got to witness four songs altogether, all of them originals – including their set closer, “Do You Guys Wanna Come Back to Altoona?” The Pipebombs had a throng of fans getting rowdy in front of the stage, and they were popular enough with the Lion’s Den crowd that I overheard band members declaring that they sold out of their CD’s.
With fans crowded around them, The Pipebombs.
Delivering high-powered punk rock, The Pipebombs.
After a reasonably short intermission to switch over instruments and gear, the next band, Inside Fifty, took the stage. Evolved from the former Tragic Flaw, Inside Fifty – singer/guitarist Pat Orr, bassist Scott Kruis and drummer Aaron Antesberger – also drilled high-speed, high-velocity punk rock. They fired through original tirades from their Tragic Flaw CD such as “I Hope You Die,” “Fire Lies,” “We Will Overcome,” “Salutations,” “Hate Song,” the dual-speed “Watch ‘Em Fall,” “Flood,” “Break It” and more; and also introduced a newer garage-flavored original not on the CD, “Paradise.” Inside Fifty’s tunes were simple but effective; basic 3-chord melodies, driven with bristling energy and reckless abandon. The group battled some feedback issues during their set, and sheer velocity took precedence over instrumental tightness; but this was still a fun set to witness, delivered with feverish energy and enthusiasm. More practice and performances should make Inside Fifty tighter and better.
Inside Fifty states their case at The Lion’s Den.
Patt Orr of Inside Fifty.
One more band was left on the bill this night, Hungry Saturn. And as I would quickly realize as they started their set, this band was a radical departure from the first two bands I had seen. As singer/keyboardist Andy Witmyer, guitarist/singer Josh Letscher, bassist/singer Shawn Diveglia and drummer Andrew Clapper commenced on their first original, I was intrigued to hear a young band whose sound was rooted in the progressive vein. As their set unfolded, I was hearing developed, detailed melodies; varied textures and moods; interesting interludes, passages and plot twists. Hungry Saturn’s experimentation brought to mind current innovators like Radiohead and Porcupine Tree, while their melodies and songcraft more closely resembled Spacehog and Our Lady Peace. I didn’t catch any song titles, but I definitely liked what I heard. Although some of the audience departed, a lot of folks still remained; and like me, a number of these people were intrigued and mesmerized by Hungry Saturn and their unique sounds. This is a band I will definitely be keeping an eye on, and I’m very interested to hear more of what they have to offer.
The night had ended at The Lion’s Den, but not for yours truly. After touching base with Hungry Saturn, I was out the door and off to my next show of the evening; it was happening just two blocks down the street.
Hungry Saturn concludes the evening at The Lion’s Den.
Once again, Hungry Saturn, introducing their progressive sounds to The Lion’s Den.
SKELL @ ALDO’S, ALTOONA 1/15/05
I quickly walked two blocks down the street to Aldo’s, to check in with Pittsburgh heavy hitters Skell. It promised to be a busy night at Aldo’s, as parts of Skell’s performance were being taped for The Underground TV. As I entered, a large contingent of fans were present to rock with Skell, get their mugs on TV, and both.
Onstage, Skell was pounding out one of their original metal barrages, “Believe.” After the song, frontman Pat “bones” bono offered sports commentary, propping the Steelers’ squeaker playoff win over the Jets, declaring that while it might have been ugly, a win is still a win. Bones also sent props out to The Underground TV contingent in the house. He and Skell then continued the metal with another original, “Dope,” before launching into several heavy covers from Slipknot, Godsmack, Tool, System Of A Down and Pantera’s “Five Minutes Alone.” During Sevendust’s “Bitch,” a female audience member stepped onstage and helped with backing vocals. Skell then finished up the set with two original tunes from their self-titled CD; “Unnecessary” and “Come On.”
Intermission enabled me to survey the audience in more detail, and I was happy to see two faces in the house I had not seen in ages – former Johnstown rock fan Rhonda (now living out of state), and Christine from Bedford – both followers of Skell dating back to the early days of this band’s previous Whiskey High incarnation.
As expected, Skell was sounding appropriately thunderous and bonecrushing thus far. Mike Palone’s guitar volume was low when I first arrived, but that was corrected as the set proceeded. Drummer Rich Palone and bassman Michael Ekis drilled appropriately monstrous rhythms and bottom end, and Bones was out front and in the audiences’ faces with his no-nonsense, drill sergeant-styled presentation. It was Skell metal to the max!
Soon Skell’s next round was ready to begin. Skell led off with heavy favorites from Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, Disturbed, Static X and Hatebreed. After Bones took a moment to salute our nation’s servicemen, he announced that the Underground TV cameras would be rolling during the next four Skell original tunes, and he encouraged fans to step up to the stage and get crazy in front of the cameras. Bones introduced a new Skell original, “Slo Mo,” to kick off the block, and a number of fans took up position in front of the band and Underground cameras. Skell then proceeded with “No Solution” from the first album, and two newer originals, “Head” and “Satisfy.” The group continued with several more metallic covers, doing White Zombie’s “Thunder Kiss ‘65” and the Pantera double-shot of “Walk” and “This Love.”
At this point, Bones announced to the crowd that Skell was skipping their last break, and keeping the metal maelstrom going nonstop until the end. In a surprise move, Bones then introduced a tune from his previous band, Basis, doing “On and On.” The group continued with Drowning Pool’s “Bodies,” before firing off two more new original tunes. Then, Skell’s most mainstream moment of the night, as they set Aldo’s dance floor in motion with Nickelback’s “Figure You Out.” After this, Bones realized that there was a price tag for Skell skipping their last break; he made a quick pit stop run to Aldo’s men’s rest facility, while his bandmates kept the crowd entertained with Gary Glitter’s “Rock and Roll Part 2.” When Bones returned, he and Skell rewarded the Aldo’s crowd for their patience by breaking out some old-school metal, a powerful rendition of Iron Maiden’s “Number Of The Beast.” Skell then finished the night with two heavy favorites, Slayer’s “South Of Heaven” and Coal Chamber’s “Big Truck.” The Aldo’s metal faithful wanted more, but Aldo turned up the house lights, signifying the end of the party.
Skell once again delivered maximum, balls-out metal. Bones, Mikes and Rich rendered total musical firepower; fueled by the appreciative Aldo’s metal fans and the Underground TV cameras. It amounted to a damn good party, and one of the better Altoona crowds that Skell has seen in recent months.
With The Underground TV cameras rolling, Skell rocks down Aldo’s.
Skell, bringing the metal to Aldo's.
The Underground TV cameras capture the action of Skell.
Mike Ekis of Skell.
Rich Palone of Skell.
Again, Mike Ekis of Skell.
Pat “Bones” Bono of Skell.
Mike Palone of Skell.
Once again, Bones of Skell.
Blazing a solo on his trademarked roadkilled guitar, Mike Palone of Skell.
Mike Palone of Skell, belting out some voice.
Again, Rich Palone of Skell.
Being worshipped by a Steeler fan, Mike Palone of Skell.
Once again, Pat “Bones” Bono and Mike Ekis of Skell.
BACKSTREET LAW @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 1/16/05
The forecast was for snow – 5 to 8 inches of the stuff – as I made my way to Q94 this Sunday night to pull “Backyard Rocker” duty. I saw Backstreet Law’s large bus/van and trailer already parked outside of Pellegrine’s as I passed by. The snow was falling at a steady, but not extremely heavy rate through the evening. I ultimately decided that if Backstreet Law could brave the elements to roadtrip in from Wellsboro (or wherever the gigged the previous night), I could brave a few inches of snow to give them an audience later on. The big question was, of course – how many other fans would brave the roads to support Backstreet Law this night?
I was surprised to find when I arrived at Pellegrine’s not just that there was a decent showing of people for Backstreet Law, but that a number of them roadtripped in from Cambria County! Ebensburg Nation was representing almost as well as Altoona Nation was; testimony to how a few inches of snow won’t keep those mountain folks at home when one of their favorite bands is in the neighborhood! This was ultimately a smaller crowd than what Backstreet Law usually sees at Pellegrine’s; this night would separate the real diehard Backstreet Law fans from the casual ones!
Backstreet Law rewarded the fans who did show up with their regularly-scheduled kickass party. The group was performing Trapt’s “Headstrong” as I entered, before shifting into an 80’s rock block featuring tunes from Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Poison, Twisted Sister and Guns’N’Roses. The group then broke out two of their original tunes, “Party In the Parking Lot” and “Hollow.” A playful tease for Neil Diamond’s “Forever In Blue Jeans” evolved into Jet’s “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” before Nickelback’s “Figure You Out” and Drowning Pool’s “Bodies” finished the set.
Backstreet Law’s final set of the night featured an even more wide-ranging mix of sounds. Smile Empty Soul’s “Bottom Of A Bottle” opened the set, followed by Motley Crue’s “Girls Girls Girls” and bassist Jamie Morral barking lead voice on Pantera’s “Walk.” Backstreet Law then performed their Jeckyl-and-Hyde take on Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville,” before firing the Pelly’s crowd up further with their popular and devious original, “Seatbelt.” The party continued with Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl” and The Clash’s “Should I Stay Or Should I Go,” before Backstreet Law took a moment to salute one of their most loyal and ardent fans, Doug, and beckoned him to step up and bark out the lead on their set-ending version of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.” The group’s faithful demanded an encore, which Backstreet Law soon answered with the kickoff tune from their Hollow disc, “Shake.”
Fortunately, snowfall remained relatively light and road conditions hadn’t deteriorated drastically in the time I spent watching Backstreet Law; in fact, the stopover even worked to my advantage, as Logan Township had plowed my hill by the time I got home, enabling me to ascend my hill and not abandon my car down below. The crowd may have been diminished by Backstreet Law standards; but it was still big enough to warrant a party, and Backstreet Law delivered it!
Surrounded by fans, Jamie Morral of Backstreet Law.
Backstreet Law diehard fan Doug, barking out some Ozzy.
Goody and Jamie of Backstreet Law.
Goody of Backstreet Law, hookin’ ‘em horns.
Backstreet Law and their fans couldn’t even escape the snowstorm inside Pellegrine’s!
