Rockin’ With Energy Clones? Wannabes? Maybe, But These Bands Are More Than Noise
It’d be easy to dismiss the music of Machinehead, Orange 9mm and DDT who are appearing at Ichabod’s North Saturday night. Call them Red Hot Chili Pepper clones or Beastie Boy wannabes who can’t decide between grunge or glam.
But, it’s more than loud noises and unintelligible lyrics; it’s pure energy that knocks the leaves off the indoor plant music that’s been invading club scenes. Where metal of yesteryear was self-indulgent, today’s metal is esprit de corps.
The show was originally scheduled at Spokane Interstate Fairgrounds with Sevendust headlining.
A medical emergency caused Sevendust to postpone. Ticket holders may attend both Saturday’s show and the rescheduled Sevendust show to be announced.
Without Sevendust, the three bands continue to tour, supporting new albums and filling venues in musically starved towns.
“It has been a great tour for us,” said headlining Machinehead guitarist, Ahrue Lester. “We’ve played places like Shreveport and I tell you the place is packed. There is nothing like seeing the whole floor jumping.”
Orange 9mm blasts through the middle supporting their “Pretend I’m Human” release. The New Yorkers like the intimacy of smaller venues where they can feed off the emotions of others.
“You can cut loose and let out your primal scream,” said lead singer Chaka Malik. “It just energizes you.”
Describing his lyrics, Malik uses adjectives such as “inspiring,” “thought-provoking,” and with a laugh, “Grammy winning.”
Vancouver, British Columbia-based DDT opens with a loud thump from the Great White North. From the bionic begining of “Urban Observer” to the final note, DDT grabs the listener by the shirt and demands to be heard. They even use megaphone on stage.
“Observer” is spinning heavy on college radio stations. That is pleasing to DDT; now the band hopes to get a few more songs on stage.
“Sometimes it’s a few whacks and you’re done,” said vocalist Cory Perry White who also helms a megaphone. “That goes with the territory.”
There is more to this music than sound. It’s also about attitude and emotion.
“When you come to our shows, you don’t need caffeine because it would amp you out,” said Lester. “We go from something that will blow you out of the water to something melodic and beautiful. Everything from blood, mosh and chaos will be there. Everything that parents don’t like to see.”
The show starts at 8 p.m. Saturday at Ichabod’s North, 1827 N. Division. Tickets are $15, available at G&B Select-a-Seat outlets, by phone at (800) 325-SEAT or online at www.ticketswest.com.