CAFE MELODY
135 E. CHESTNUT AVE.
MONROVIA, CA
Just hours before I typed this, I attended Cafe Melody's second show. Sadly I missed the first one, which had Lights and the Windows. But still, Cafe Melody had a great line up. And since I'm on holiday from work, I made sure I went to the show. And I really had a good time. I didn't show it, but I assure you I did have a good time.
The venue was in a little Mickey Mouse street, in Monrovia, just a few miles from the 210 FWY. I really don't know much about the history, but I know it's in a little chapel. They do have a nice set up with tables and a lounge to kick back. The staff is really friendly. I'm not really into small talk. Usually when I go to a show, usually someone will notice I'm wearing a Made Out of Babies shirt and compliment it. I notice the dude is wearing a Sunn O))) shirt and I compliment him. Then we have a long talk about how Made Out of Babies and Sunn O))) are awesome, for hours. Then we talk about similar bands. But anyhoo, coffee was good, but I loved this cookie I had. I believe it was chocolate chip with almonds. And it was homemade, so it was yummy and fresh. Next time, I'm gonna try the brownies. It was a hot day, so I really wasn't in the mood for brownies Now moving on to the bands. I'm a music fan and I like to support new music. It seems that there few folks like myself. All the bands sounded great. The engineer made sure of that. One minute there were a lot of people. The next, they take off. And it's really sad because I came from a generation where we stayed for all bands. But whatever few was left, they sure gave all their support. There was four bands that played Friday night.and here are my thoughts on their set;
-*note* please excuse the very dark pictures. My camera phone doesn't have flash.-
DRE OF FIGHTING SLEEP
Not sure what happen to the rest of the band, but vox/guitarist Dre did the show solo. And he sure pulled it off. Being a fan of Current 93 and Sol Invictus, I was able to enjoy this set. The power of the Orange cab made things totally crushing. It would have been nice to see the whole band perform. I know it would have been a very intense set. But kudos to Dre. The bloke had my foot tapping.
AMPHISONIC
Dude!!!!!! That opening song was intense. A very unique rock band, indeed. For sure you can hear that they have a lot of influences. If these lads are workhorses and willing to bleed and sweat for their music, then I know they will go far. Not sure about people who only listen to mainstream, but fans who fancy alternative and experimental music will totally dig Amphisonic. They are a band that's all over the place. Oh and the bass sounded excellent. Also the drummer dropped his stick. That's rock n' roll.
SUPERNOVA HEIGHTS
Another band who's drummer lost his stick. Thankfully, guitarist, Marco Martinez, helped out his comrade in retrieving his drum stick (where in the bloody hell was the roadie?). Two bands come to mind when I hear Supernova; Today Is The Day and Oasis. Seeing that they played with Lights and the Window, I had a feeling that Oasis had a influence (they even did a Oasis cover). I loved Jerry's Union Jack guitar strap. I need to get me one of those. And I'm also a fan of his vocals. To me it sounded like early Mike Patton (Faith No More's The Real Thing & Mr. Bungle) doing Brit Rock. Totally became a fan of these guys.
XENOTERRA
And to close the show is Xenoterra. I really don't follow many metal influenced industrial/electronic bands. Like the closest bands that I listen to are Killing Joke, Godflesh, early Ministry, and The Atari Teenage Riot. It's not really much my fancy, but I have to admit that Xenoterra put on a good set. That opening jam was really great. guitarist Blackbird had good crunchy sound. And vocalist, Bobbi Jo Black delivered. Not really sold on the band, yet. But I will keep an eye out for them. And after looking at their influences on the band's Facebook page, it would be awesome if they did a cover of Killing Joke's "The Wait" or Faith No More's "Malpractice". Something left field that fans of industrial metal won't expect. But of course that's just wishful thinking.
Once again, I really had a good time at Cafe Melody. Good coffee, yummy treats, and great live music. Sadly I work Fridays, so I won't be able to attend most of their shows. Hopefully the venue will grow and maybe have more shows. Cafe Melody get a rating of 5 Hitlers punched in the face. That's a good thing.
