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VAST
There are very few
things that I find as exciting as watching a band that's on their way
to the big time taking their fledgling steps. |
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To keep this review from being a total love fest, I'll start by telling you a bit about the opening bands. The first one was called T.H.E.M. If you ever see that band name again, RUN! Run for your lives! Chinese water torture is more pleasant, Britney Spears more intellectual, fingers on a chalkboard more sonorous. I was seriously angry at The Galaxy for allowing them on stage. One of my group was contemplating suicide. Two singers who couldn't carry a tune in a bucket, and taped backup music (with a bass and keyboard onstage, although I doubt being played) that was as bad as the singers. Enough said. The next opening band, Redshift, was actually pretty good. Of course, after the former band (even NAMING them should be illegal!) damn near anything would have shined by comparison. But they really were good. If you can imagine Nine Inch Nails and Lynard Skynard getting together to write some songs, that's what you had. Ok, not exactly, but the techno/EBM style of songs sometimes had "arena rock" sing-alongs and the guitarist, sporting an 80s rocker shirt and long, straight blond hair, was a stark contrast to the "GQ" image of the lead singer, grunge image of the bass player, and raver/goth keyboardists. I poke fun, but seriously, it was enjoyable. I'd see them again. And then came VAST. Jon Crosby looks like your little brother. Trimmer than he used to be but still sporting baby fat, humble, cherubic, he seems like the true "underdog" rock star that you can't help but love. He gives absolutely every ounce of energy he has on stage, sweating and panting so much you almost fear he will collapse at any moment. He rocks out, he reaches for the sky, he runs all over, he jumps into the audience and sings directly to the crowd. He has all the moves, and he executes them with a natural grace that is made absolutely adorable by traces of lingering shyness and a deep appreciation for the response he receives. Not to ignore the rest of his crack team of musicians, they were also energized and fantastic. Justin Cotta played expertly and still managed to bolt around the entire stage. Thomas Froggat held the bass end down admirably. Steve Clark was totally unbeatable on drums. All of us were in total awe of his rock solid, creative, dead on drumming. He could play full out rockers, techno-drenched songs, and ballads absolutely perfectly, never showing off, always adding to the music in the best way. I would recommend all drummers experience the finesse, power, and accuracy of this man. It doesnít get better than this. VAST's first record was a masterpiece, and it was definitely greeted as such by the rabid fans. They also played quite a few tracks from the less exceptional current album, but even the new songs had a fresh power and vibrancy live. The band clearly believes strongly in all their material, and they put that across with every fiber of their being. Even audience members who just came as friends of the opening bands couldn't help but be caught up in VAST's energy, musicianship, and sincerity. They earned all the applause and goodwill they received. At it's best, rock and roll can be more than just entertainment. It can be a spiritual, cleansing release. VAST gave completely and unreservedly everything they had, and by finding their own release in the music, helped the audience to transcend as well. The intimate venue, the energy, the depth to the songs, all combined to create a truly unforgettable show. This band is too good to pass up, too deserving of success for me imagine them getting lost in the ocean of mediocrity that is popular music today. People NEED to see this band, it will remind them what rock music is capable of achieving. For more VAST info, check their website at www.vastmusic.net . |
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