Another Killer Show!!It's taken me this long for the ringing in my ears to subside! 500 is without a doubt, one of NM's finest. Christian is an amazing guitar player. One of the best. The guy stands there and barely moves his hands. Yet complicated rhythms and presicion leads just flow from those hands. He is one of the tightest players in an equally tight band. Rob is just as amazing on bass and keeps everyone smiling with his stage banter and superior vocal stylings. He and Adam are the rhythm section from hell. Again, tight and always in the pocket! The last few times I have seen 500, they have more and more "Stoner-y " songs and this time a slow, sludgy one! Very cool. (But I can't help but wonder how much that has to do with their numerous gigs with the mighty Black Maria.) No matter, 500 has always been one of the best local bands I've seen. And what a rocking set (per usual) they treated us to this night!
Next up, another mind blowing, earth shaking set from the only boys that make going out on a Tuesday absolutley worth it!! And once again, they didn't disapoint. The crowd abandoned the bar area to see and feel that crazy Black Maria sound. And our boys didn't disappoint!! They were obviously excited to be playing and their love of the music, the crowd and each other was as quite evident. From the first note, Black Maria was on fire! Brian and Brent were laying down a relentless, non-stop groove. Marc only improves and displays more and more confidence with each performance. and it seems G amd Terry have practicly morphed into one!! One insane, four armed guitar machine!! And as anyone who's seen Black Maria can expect, G was a barely containable blur of energy and rock excitment! A trait that is rubbing off on Terry now, as he often works the stage, carrening around Brian and Marc,and rushing G during their sweet double guitar extravaganzas!! G even told a funny joke. The first time I have ever seen him speak from the stage.And maybe it's because it's been a while since I last saw them, but it seems like there are a few new songs that emphisize that patented dual guitar thing they do so well! Non stop energy--non stop rock!! How can anyone not love it??
Nebula, arguably one of the top "Stoner Rock" bands were there to rock and certainly did. I had a chance to talk to their drummer Rubin and Thom, their new bass player. It seems that like many of us, they are big Black Maria fans!! They talked about hanging out with G and Brian that afternoon and the rest of the Black Maria crew before the show. They have alot of love and respect for our guys and indicated how they would dig going on the road with them!! They also eluded to something G did to them that afternoon, which may account for the numerous shout-outs to Black Maria from the stage, and the haggardness that WebMonkey mentioned!! Touring bands beware----you are at over a mile in elevation. Not to mention that Black Maria apparently party as hard as they rock!! And I think anyone who has seen them rock, can imagine the devistation that could occur in other arenas
And as indicated, Nebula played all the hits! Actually all ther songs are hits and it was great to rock out live to some of the best, catchiest rock around. Playing stuff from last year's Atomic Ritual and reaching back through their entire seven or more year catalog, Nebula flat out rules! Thom the new bass guy, who used to be Orange Goblin's guitar tech, made it look easy. as if he had always played with Rubin and Eddie. Eddie even asked the crowd at one point, for requests. It seemed like everyone's favorite Nebula song was played! And as always, another touring band has no doubt at where in the Southwest, the lover's of true rock reside!! The band seemed reluctant to end and hung out with any and everyone until quitting time. I even overheard Eddie asking G about living in the mountains here in NM!! Something aboutr being married now and wanting to relocate the band out of Cali!! Remember, you heard it first here! (Although it should probably be filed under the rumors catagory for now
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In all, another banner evening for rock fans in New Mexico. I know I may have laid it on a bit thick about Black Maria. But I know I'm not the only one who love these guys, their attitude and comradrie, and their flat out ability to destroy everything in their path! And I know I'm not alone in feeling that there are big things going to happen for them. Man do they ROCK!! And you all know, it's all about the rock!!
