Bret Campbell – Vocals
Matt Molloy – Guitar/Vocals
Jordan Hankey – Bass/Vocals
Beau Bricher – Drums/Vocals
Little did I know that when I picked Strikes At One as a band to check out I would actually get a chance to see them live and interview them. I received a message from them on Facebook saying they would be playing a show near me on their way to Rocklahoma. We set up an interview and had a good time hanging out. We got to see an interesting set from them (including a rising police car, Beau drumming from behind a plexiglass screen, screams of “Santana”, and a micro stage). All in all an interesting evening from one kick ass band.
There are moments in Rock N’ Roll music that would be cool to have seen. The birth of the Beatles, the beginning of the punk rock movement,Led Zeppelin in their glory days, Aerosmith when they first hit the scene, Guns N’ Roses when they were still hungry and raw. These are but a few moments in Rock N’ Roll music that stand out. Well my friends, the powers of Rock N’ Roll music have struck again with Sunset Riot.
Hailing from Australia, these guys went to ground and did their homework. Seeking inspiration from their Rock N’ Roll heroes, Sunset Riot delivers a brand of Rock N” Roll that, while familiar, is uniquely their own.
Members JP – guitars/vocals, Dellacoma Rio – vocals, Ziggy Scott – guitars/vocals, Resh – drums, and Simo – bass, each bring their unique personalities to the band and give it life and magic. I say magic because I have seen people from all backgrounds simply fall in love with the band and their music after witnessing a Sunset Riot show. Yes Sunset Riot puts on a “show”, no getting onstage and staring at their shoes for these guys. They take us back to a time when Rock N’ Roll was fun and it was an event. Exploding onto stage with swagger and power they will make you smile.
Dellacoma Rio- vocals; Del brings everything you want in a front man. He does not limit himself to the stage, at one show I was at he actually left the venue and was singing to the people outside the club and encouraging them to come in, at another he jumped up and was swinging from the light rigging. Del draws you into the show by coming into the crowd and singing with you. Then, of course, there is the sex appeal for the ladies. He plays up to the women by singing to them and giving them that moment of unabashed enjoyment. Del has definitely brought back the iconic figure of the front men of old.
Del working the crowd
JP – guitars/vocals: JP brings that classic guitar hero right back around. Feeling every note that he plays, and showing it, he will make you feel them too. JP has taken all that is cool about guitar players and amplified to 11 and beyond. You will hear nods to some of your favorite guitarists of the past in JP’s style of playing. Jumping in periodically on vocals JP rounds out his all out rock star image.
JP – owning on guitar
Ziggy- guitars/vocals: Ziggy gives Sunset Riot that twin guitar sound we all know and love. Ziggy’s playing complements JP’s so well and yet stands out on its own. From rhythm to lead his toolbox of tricks is top-notch. Providing backup vocals and harmonies makes Ziggy invaluable to the Sunset Riot sound.
Ziggy an all out rockstar
Resh – drums: Although quiet and reserved in person, Resh is a beast onstage. An impeccable drummer with just enough flair to compliment his playing without hindering it. I was quite surprised to recently learn that he also plays guitar making him a musician of top-notch caliber. Smiles and positive mental attitude make Resh a joy to know.
Resh the master of the beat
Simo – bass: Young and full of enthusiasm Simo is quite the solid player. Simo flies about the stage as if he had wings, all smiles and hair. Simo’s style of playing is reminiscent of early Cliff Burton and Jason Newstead. Holding down the bottom end in perfect sync with Resh, Simo is a recent addition to Sunset Riot and an addition that was well-played by them.
Simo spreading the love
Sunset Riot is a band poised on greatness. They are ready to champion the cause of feel good Rock N’ Roll that we all remember and love. The band has fun on stage, smiles, high fives, playing off of each others moves.
Sunset Riot LIVE!!!
The music of Sunset Riot is infectious, you WILL find yourself humming or singing their songs after being exposed to them. In a recent conversation with Del’s father, Terry, he mentioned to me of a 90-year-old woman and her 40-year-old son who caught Sunset Riot at a show and were impressed enough with the band they went and introduced themselves.
My good friend and brother Charlie Owens is the one responsible for introducing me to this band and he has been their champion for quite a while now. I, in turn, have introduced others to this band. They are totally self funded and are currently on their third US tour entirely on their own. It will take all of us to help this band achieve their place in the music world that they deserve. So do Rock N’ Roll a favor and spread the word.
Now, crank up your speakers, fire up the big screen, and enjoy this bit of a live Sunset Riot performance I shot recently, you will understand what I mean.
It’s been almost a year since I last saw Sunset Riot. I met this OZ-some band last year and it was love at first sight. Down to earth, personable, and hard working, Dellacoma, JP, Resh, Ziggy, and Simo welcomed me as family with hugs and much love. When we saw them before the show last night it was like seeing family that lives far away and you get to see sparingly. We caught up for a moment and then the madness began.
Ziggy, Simo, the Hellion, JP, Dellacoma, Resh
After an introduction by my brother Charlie Owens the band took the stage and never gave it back. Whirling about the stage like dynamos Sunset Riot delivered their brand of “OZ-some” Rock N’ Roll and then some. This combination of musicians has the right chemistry for success. JP owns the right side of the stage and delivers guitar playing like the guitar gods of old.
the ever amazing JP
Like a madman about the stage, Ziggys’ guitars provide the perfect balance to JP.
Ziggy rockin’ the mic
Simo, who joined the band on their tour last year, is the perfect fit for Sunset Riot. His bass playing style is aggressive and solid.
Simo, you know you love him!
Ahhh Resh, this guy knows his way around a drum kit. He keeps the band in perfect rhythm.
Resh keeping perfect time as usual
And then there’s Dellacoma, the epitome of a rockstar. Slithering around the stage like a wild animal, driving the women crazy with his sensuality. Making the crowd feel like they are part of the show, sharing his microphone with various crowd members at times, singing to various people, thoroughly bringing the crowd into his space.
Dellacoma – front man extraordinaire
What can I say about a Sunset Riot performance? Well here’s taste, and if you wanna know more you’re gonna have to see for yourself:
UPDATE:
After spending most of today with the guys just hanging out I was asked by Ziggy “Why do you like Sunset Riot?” Here is my answer:
Sunset Riot is a band that just plain makes you feel good. Sometimes when things just seem to piss me off, there is Sunset Riot playing inside my head. The songs get inside you and just fill you with good vibes. Catchy, hook laden, flowing lyrics, combined with down to earth band members, what else could a music lover ask for? A Sunset Riot show? An hour of leaving your cares at the door, hanging with family and friends, a smile from ear to ear, and that smile will stay with you for a while.
Rob Traynor-Vocals/Guitar
Dennis Kimak-Guitar
Mike Meselsohn-Drums
Oddie Mclaughlin-Bass
The first time I heard the track “Brother Go On” by Black Water Rising it stopped me in my tracks. Groovin’ with a heavy vibe it was something special. After searching around for the record, to no avail in the stores, I ordered it online and was completely satisfied. Heavy with killer riffs, powerful lyrics it kept my attention with every song. Here we are years later and there is an impending new release from Black Water Rising and, I nailed an interview with vocalist/guitarist/founder Rob Traynor.
Before you listen to the interview, Which includes the new track “Show No Mercy”, watch the video which started it all for me “Brother Go On”:
ORCHID LAUNCHES “WIZARD OF WAR” MUSIC VIDEO, “THE MOUTHS OF MADNESS” ALBUM STREAM
“The Mouths Of Madness” out May 14 on Nuclear Blast
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – San Francisco, Calif. doom rocker, Orchid, has released the official music video for “Wizard of War,” the first single off the band’s upcoming masterpiece The Mouths Of Madness, out May 14 on Nuclear Blast. Check out the video on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/VA_Q8ci7bag.
Fans can pre-order The Mouths Of Madness on CD and vinyl via the Nuclear Blast web-store at: http://smarturl.it/Orchid.
01. Mouths of Madness
02. Marching Dogs of War
03. Silent One
04. Nomad
05. Mountains of Steel
06. Leaving It All Behind
07. Loving Hand of God
08. Wizard of War
09. See You on the Other Side
Carrying the 70’s-doom-hard-rock vibe to a new level of intensity and adding new facets to the work of art, Orchid has succeeded in staying true to its roots while refining its trademark sound at the same time.
The Mouths Of Madness instrumental recordings, split into two separate sessions, were done in Hyde Street Studios, San Francisco, Calif. (Dead Kennedys, Mr. Bungle, Joe Satriani, Exodus) as well as in Laughing Tiger Studios, San Rafael, Calif. (Santana, Sammy Hagar), before long-time producer and engineer Will Storkson and his home studio came into play, where the vocals were tracked.
The Mouths Of Madness was mastered by Richard Whittaker, who also took care of the latest Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy rereleases/analogue transfers. The legendary producer had this to say: “I’ve been a huge fan of Orchid since I first heard their debut EP back in 2009, and they’ve certainly come a long way since then. So, as you can imagine, to be asked to work with Orchid on their records was an honor and a pleasure.
“The Mouths Of Madness is such a well-crafted and awe inspiring album. Sonically, it’s 1974 meets 2013 which, for me, takes the Sabath/Pentagram vibe to a whole new level.”
As an appetizer for The Mouths Of Madness, Orchid recently released the exclusive 10″ vinyl EP. ‘Wizard Of War,’ containing a brand new track, a rare bonus track as well as one song off the band’s stunning debut album Capricorn. The EP can also be purchased via the above link.
Stay tuned for more information on Orchid and The Mouths Of Madness.
Gabriel Gambino – Lead Vocals/Guitar Matt Garcia – Lead Guitar/Vocals Joey Diaz – Drums Kody Audette – Bass Guitar/Vocals
Not only did I have the opportunity to interview this fun band, I have had the chance to enjoy some of their music. Hard rocking at times, mellower at others, Throw The Temple is a “peoples band”. Easy to like and VERY easy to listen to Throw The Temple makes you feel comfortable. My favorite tracks are “White Collar Baller” and “The Causeway”. Be on the lookout for Throw The Temple making waves soon……
ORCHID “UNDER THE INFLUENCE…” VIDEO TRAILER WITH KEITH NICKEL POSTED ONLINE
“The Mouths Of Madness” out May 14 on Nuclear Blast
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – San Francisco, Calif. doom rocker, Orchid, has released a video trailer featuring bass player Keith Nickel talking about his musical influences and its effect on the upcoming album, The Mouths Of Madness: http://youtu.be/Wn_rn9xLEbQ.
The Mouths Of Madnessis due out May 14, 2013 via Nuclear Blast.
As an appetizer for The Mouths Of Madness, Orchid recently released the exclusive 10″ vinyl EP ‘Wizard Of War,’ containing a brand new track, a rare bonus track as well as one song off the band’s stunning debut album Capricorn. The EP can also be purchased via the above link.
Check out the lyric video for “Wizard of War” on YouTube
01. Mouths of Madness
02. Marching Dogs of War
03. Silent One
04. Nomad
05. Mountains of Steel
06. Leaving It All Behind
07. Loving Hand of God
08. Wizard of War
09. See You on the Other Side
Carrying the 70’s-doom-hard-rock vibe to a new level of intensity and adding new facets to the work of art, Orchid has succeeded in staying true to its roots while refining its trademark sound at the same time.
The Mouths of Madness instrumental recordings, split into two separate sessions, were done in Hyde Street Studios, San Francisco, Calif. (Dead Kennedys, Mr. Bungle, Joe Satriani, Exodus) as well as in Laughing Tiger Studios, San Rafael, Calif. (Santana, Sammy Hagar), before long-time producer and engineer Will Storkson and his home studio came into play, where the vocals were tracked.
The Mouths of Madness was mastered by Richard Whittaker, who also took care of the latest Black Sabbath and Thin Lizzy rereleases/analogue transfers. The legendary producer had this to say: “I’ve been a huge fan of Orchid since I first heard their debut EP back in 2009, and they’ve certainly come a long way since then. So, as you can imagine, to be asked to work with Orchid on their records was an honor and a pleasure.
“The Mouths Of Madness is such a well-crafted and awe inspiring album. Sonically, it’s 1974 meets 2013 which, for me, takes the Sabath/Pentagram vibe to a whole new level.”
Stay tuned for more information on Orchid and The Mouths Of Madness.
PHILIP H. ANSELMO Talks Record Store Day and the Comeback of Vinyl Records with FORBES MAGAZINE
Earlier this week, Forbes Magazine (Forbes.com) posted an in-depth piece on the comeback of vinyl and Record Store Day, written by Tim Clark. In a time where people are quick to label the current state of the music industry as “failing” or “experiencing a downfall”, Tim Clark points out that the independent record store experience illustrates otherwise.
Down vocalist and Housecore Records CEO Philip H. Anselmo was interviewed for the piece, and gave his personal thoughts on the rise in record store activity and how it supports growth in the music business and community. As one of the leading voices of the recent indie label and independent music takeover, Forbes looked to Anselmo has a voice of authority.
From Forbes piece: “When he was younger, Anselmo used to constantly scour underground record stores and to this day still believes in the vinyl format. “Record Store Day promotes this type of passion of having the actual product in your hand instead of just a download,” said Anselmo. “I love having the full album, art, lyrics and I think vinyl sounds better. And as a label owner, it makes me happy to see that people slowly but surely want to have this tangible copy in their hands instead of a free [expletive] download, which is driving me [expletive] bananas.”
Record Store Day is now celebrated on the third Saturday every April is the one day that all of the independently owned record stores come together with artists to celebrate the art of music. Forbes calls Record Store Day, “an industry phenomenon.”
MICHAEL MONROE: Iconic Rock ‘N’ Roll Frontman Releases New Studio Album, ‘Horns and Halos’, onAugust 27th 2013 via Spinefarm Records
New Video/Single for ‘Ballad Of The Lower East Side’ Released TODAY via YouTube
In 2010, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and uber-energetic front-man and all-round rock ‘n’ roll legend MICHAEL MONROE unveiled his new side project in grand style via an exclusive press conference. Flash forward six months to a full UK tour with Motörhead, and another few months to the release of Another Night in the Sun, a globally-anticipated live album that teased fans clamoring for a final, polished taste of the new project. Finally, roughly a year after MICHAEL MONROE’s original public reveal, the band released their first critically-acclaimed full-length release, Sensory Overdrive, produced by Jack Douglas (Aerosmith, John Lennon). The album went on to win Classic Rock Magazine’s ‘Album Of The Year’ award and landed at #1 on the charts in MM’s Finnish homeland.
In 2012, after touring throughout the UK in support of Sensory Overdrive, Monroe announced that he would go back into seclusion to prepare for the band’s next offering. Monroe’s touring and recording outfit, comprised of bassist Sami Yaffa (ex-Hanoi Rocks/New York Dolls), guitarist Steve Conte (ex-New York Dolls/Company Of Wolves), guitarist Dregen (Backyard Babies, formerly of Hellacoptersfame) and drummer Karl ‘Rockfist’ Rosqvist (ex-Chelsea Smiles/Danzig), worked tirelessly in the studio, providing creative support for a frontman whose reputation is genuinely global and whose influence continues to be felt, with musicians of all ages (from Dave Grohl to the original Gun n’ Roses members) citing Michael’s ground-breaking career as a source of inspiration.
Now after several months, the wait is over. MICHAEL MONROE can finally reveal that the band’supcoming studio album, Horns and Halos, will hit stores everywhere on August 27, 2013 via Spinefarm Records. The band offers a taste of the new album in the form of a new single and video for the track ‘Ballad Of The Lower East Side’, which can be watched now via YouTube at this location.
The track includes a nod to Michael’s early days in New York, a city he moved to for a decade following the mid-’80s break up of glam punk pioneers, Hanoi Rocks. The clip – directed by celebrated videographer/photographer Ville Juurikkala, who has photographed Michael for the past 10 years as well as working with Linkin Park, Good Charlotte and HIM, amongst others – features archive footage and photos of Michael in prime Big Apple mode, interlaced with current live and backstage scenes.
“The song ‘Ballad Of The Lower East Side’ is about New York and especially The Lower East Side – what it was way back in the days when I lived there, how times have changed and how it is nowadays.,” states MICHAEL MONROE. “New York has always been an important city to me since I lived there for 10 years. Two members of our band still live there. It’s the City of all Cities.”
the Hellion Rocks 