Bombchild Live at the House of Blues

Bomb Child @ The House of Blues

Hollywood, CA

04/01/03

ari01 So here we are at House Of Blues and the guitar center’s ‘GUITARMAGEDDON’ (yikes! are we scared yet?) Amongst the evening’s wild festivities is an actual band in the shape of Bomb Child. Hailing from LA the first thing I noticed about this band is that they possess a very accomplished sound and everything sounds clear and not muddy. The band played with a real energy and are clearly passionate to their cause.

A tattooed, long haired, skinny singer /guitarist by the name of Taka prowls the stage in a manner not dissimilar to Dave Navarro, and he loves to pull all the shapes necessary in the name of rock. He’s possessed with a strong voice which is also soulful. Ari on bass is a tall fellow who stalks with a confident air reminiscent of Kris Novaselic. In fact, partway through the set the band tears into a cover of “Breed” and it sounds great - very powerful. The drummer ‘Thr3e’ sports a gravity defying mohawk and pounds away at his kit with a solid performance. The second guitarist Travis takes less of a spotlight role but he doesn’t just stand there either.

Of their own songs, standouts for me included “Shine On,” which is a really just damn groovy song with a really hooky chorus that is easily remembered. The opener ”Don’t Let Life” was very strong—with its line of “Live all your fucking dreams with style,” it has an Alice In Chains vibe to it (not low drug hell Dirt era, but certainly something off of Facelift). There is certainly a glam element to Bomb Child’s sound, but it’s not glam as in a dated ‘Coconut Teazer’ sense of the word. “Roller Coaster” is another belter. Other highlight’s - - “Tomorrow” with its “woo oo” intro and “Pain”. But, first prize goes to the band when they end there set with a fantastic version of my beloved Janes Addictions’ “Mountain Song”. It feels as though it’s being played just for me. WONDERFUL! -Glenn