In a town of supposed Rock Music Lovers, I was surprised at the turn-out. None the less, everyone in attendance was rewarded with one helluva night of music.
The big event this evening was the debut of Jon Knutson as
Devil Riding Shotgun’s new drummer and the unveiling of an entirely new set. Yes. I said an entirely new set. Now it has long been the opinion of my colleagues and myself that
Devil Riding Shotgun is and has been one of the most underrated bands in this town. Which in itself is a crime. The chemistry, compositions and presence that Alan and Neb (and the original John the drummer) share has been grossly overlooked by music fans in this town. Their new set has taken the familiar
DRS “Heavy-Prog-Semi-Doom-Metallic-Dynamic-Rock” sound and have brought it to the next level. And despite the imagined enormous task of filling John’s shoes and finding a groove with Alan and Neb, Jon has not only succeeded in doing that, but has obviously aided in
DRS’s continued rise in quality composition and performance. These cats obviously work hard at crafting tunes and the Prog sensibilities that I have always heard in past gigs on their album, are stronger than ever. And I mean that in the most positive way possible. The music is well orchestrated, dynamic and Rocks the fuck out. All three of these cats are impressive masters of their instruments and are able to project their skill without making the listener feel like a group of music teachers are going through the motions of being in a band. Instead you get intense, complicated tunes without any hint of uptight music geek in their delivery. Always natural and dynamic, and always Rocking. Last night’s performance once again proved and solidified that.
I’ll say it again;
Devil Riding Shotgun is one of the most underrated bands in town. And it’s high time for that to change.
The headliners; L.A.’s
Sasquatch proved once again why they are at the top of the StonerRock/RiffRock heap. Keeper’s of the Heavy Riff is only one of their claims. Last night didn’t disappoint as Keith, Rick and recently added bassist Cas, delivered their “hits” as well as three or four brand new tunes. Tight as ever and never slacking off into any sort of Boogie drudgery, Sasquatch brought the tunes and the riffs with no hint of RetroRock laziness. An Albuquerque favorite, (and fans of Albuquerque themselves)
Sasquatch pulled no punches for the crowd gathered. Rocking hard and “bringing it” all while smiling and acknowledging all who were there, it was another banner night for all in attendance. Everyone there were treated to two great bands and one Hard Rocking Tuesday night.
Fuck yeah.
(still the best) Hated (band in town).....
