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I arrived on the scene about 15 minutes before showtime and greeted a few people I knew. Then 60 Below took the stage. It had been a while since I had seen them (under a different name) and Jason(the singer) was the only member remaining since I last saw them. I had high expectations, and I wasn't disappointed.
60 Below was a 3-piece, although I understand a couple members had just left. Well, they did well without them. They were a very good electronica band with big guitar. Jason has a good stage presence and a good rapport with the audience. They played a short set with all of the audiences favorites, including my favorite, their last song "Overcome." Impressive.
Sometime between sets a very familiar-looking kid came up to me and said, "Al? Is that you?" It was a boy I'd known since he was 11. I then found out he was the guitarist of Downworld. We talked a couple minutes and I wished him a good show.
Downworld came on with their "rapcore" style. From the first song I was impressed. They were tight, and they had a great stage presence. The singer/screamer was very interactive with the audience, but very casual as well, putting the audience at ease. I'd have to say, though, that I think Downworld has been listening to way too much Korn and Limp Bizkit. The singer sounded a little too much like Limp Bizkit's singer, like an impersonator. That didn't stop me from enjoying them though.
Rackets and Drapes was next. Wow. It's 1984 again. Leather, spandex, spooky makeup, smoke machines, screaming vocals, choreographed stage antics (to a very mild extent). Shock Rock, Goth, Horror Metal. Whatever you want to call it. This is one class act. Put all Marilyn Manson comparisons aside. This is Rackets and Drapes. The music is keyboard-based(electronic drums, no drummer), the riffs are classic metal, the band knows how to put on a show. Singer Kandy Kane has a presence comparable to Dale Thompson of Bride(back when Bride was cool). And wow. What a super nice guy. Between songs, I kind of expected some "spooky metal guy" act. Instead, Kandy was very natural and real. He talked about the tragedy of the Columbine High school in Colorado where Rackets and Drapes are from. He offered a fresh and compassionate perspective and shared the gospel in a very tasteful way. Later on before the last song ("Milk and Cookies"), he had a chance to speak from the heart again about the subject of child molestation, the subject of the song. Even if you didn't like Rackets and Drapes' music, you had to go away with an appreciation for them as people.
Last up was Ultrafuge. Ultrafuge is a good hardcore band, a little more old school. I must admit that I missed most of their set as I was talking to members of Rackets and Drapes, but what I caught was good. The band is tight and the music is on a par with any national hardcore band I've heard.
Well, it was a great show and a good end to a particularly rough day. I look forward to seeing these bands come back, particularly Rackets and Drapes.
Al Newberry