SEVENDUST

BiteMe! Show Orgy

[As I sit here compiling the show orgy I’m listening to Alice In Chains and trying to comprehend the loss of Layne Staley. It’s sad that such a gifted individual, whose diaphragm driven growl has been and still is copied by many, wasted away in a hermitic, drug-induced stupor. We all knew it would end this way; it was only a question of when. Yet, we all held on to that glimmer of hope that Layne would overcome his demons and AIC would rise up, like a phoenix from the ashes, better and stronger than before. But, sadly, Layne’s story does not have a happy ending. And so I sit here listening to a band whose music was not only timeless but also influential. Every band aspires to make such an impact. There are many lessons to be learned from Layne’s death. The day we got the news my friends and I talked about other musicians who lost the same battle as well as those who won. I now have a greater respect for those who have been strong enough to overcome their addictions and regain control of their lives. May everyone learn from Layne’s tragic ending. R.I.P. Layne and all the other musicians who have passed away this year. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us - NIN]

BiteMe’s show adventures began at the Troubadour where Sinister warmed up their chops in front of a packed house before heading out on the road with Rob Zombie. The enthusiastic bunch delivered a scorching set that contained cuts from their Geffen debut, Future Shock. Sinister’s sonic barrage of metal crunch and industrial overtones will delight fans of Professional Murder Music and Nine Inch Nails.

A few weeks later Switched unleashed their fury upon the Troubadour inhabitants. Fans, industry folks, and the curious rocked out to a number of high-energy tunes from the group’s debut Subject To Change (Immortal/Virgin). The buzz on these guys must be huge because a number of big wigs were spotted in the house.

Speaking of buzz, the Toilet Boys have been creating quite a ruckus lately. Their show at the Key Club was on our must see list. Unfortunately, some lame ole band by the name of Candy Ass made us want to slit our wrists and ran us out of the club before the Toilet Boys even hit the stage. (Word has it that Pink has recruited this band as her opening act. Why?) Candy Ass is comprised of four talentless chicks that look like they came straight out of Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield” video. The vocalist even mimicked Benatar’s shimmy every five minutes. It was so annoying, but not nearly as annoying as her comments about wanting to have sex with all the underaged boys in the house. “Suck” is too kind of a word for this band and sitting through four songs was sheer torture. The “stuck in the 80’s” rocker dudes at the table next to us were snorting coke to pass the time, and we seriously thought of joining them just so we could make it through the Ass’s crappy set. But we couldn’t do it, and a delicious raspberry martini was sacrificed as we ran as fast as we could for the door. Normally, we would have sought shelter in the VIP room but tonight they were hosting a poetry reading and if you’re a longtime BiteMe! reader you know that WE HATE POETRY! [Jeez, what a sorry fucking night that was! -ed] Sorry, Toilet Boys. I guess some things just weren’t meant to be. We did hear from a number of sources who showed up after those sorry ‘heshers’ left the stage that the Toilet Boys put on one hell of a show. So catch them if you can. Just steer clear of Candy Ass.

A few weeks later BiteMe! was back at the Key Club to check out one of RoadRunner Record’s recent additions Five Pointe O. The Illinois based group did their best to win over the jaded L.A. crowd but, unfortunately, they were a little rough around the edges. However, if you like heavy music that strays off the beaten path you may want to see what Five Pointe O has to offer.

Next, it was off to the Roxy to witness Home Town Hero’s big homecoming. Thanks to the Roxy for giving us the ticket even though we didn’t quite make the list! When we arrived, Hotwire was on stage. They smoked! Their lead singer was climbing like a monkey all over the club while the band pounded out their grunge-style songs. Home Town Hero then gave quite a show, with the lead singer, Aaron Bruno, doing a vocal workout while looking like he works out in an argyle vest. Their Weezer meets the Strokes sound should do well -- be sure to check out their Maverick Records self-titled debut.

It’s rare that an artist or band performs at their own record release party, but those lucky enough to squeeze into the packed house at Moomba were able to catch Rosey perform songs from her Island Records debut, Dirty Child. Rosey lit up the room with her presence and warmed the crowd’s hearts with her smooth and sultry urban rock n’ roll tunes that fuse together elements of pop and funk. The soulful songstress ended her set with the critically praised single “Love”. Many thanks to Rey Roldan (the best damn publicist in the universe) for hooking us up. – NIN & J