Another amazing lineup at the All Access magazine sponsored concert series hosted at Harper’s Bar & Grill-Northridge.
Stone Soul’s lead singer Jeff Alpin came out in an “I F**k On A First Date T-shirt,” not disappointing by taking it off half way through the set. Stone Soul brings it with a sound that is sometimes dark and operatic like Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), but also has the unexpected pounce of the attacking growl of James Hetfield (Metallica). The themes were the most sophisticated of the night ranging from a song called “No One Cares,” about teenagers turning tricks to a song called “White Demon Fuel” about meth addiction! Soul combines spoken word, RATM style rap and song. I wasn’t entirely satisfied with the cohesion of the drums, but the looser style seemed to fit the darker sound – which is especially unique when joined by the electric harmonica stylings of Alpin. This unique addition along with Alice In Chains style harmonizing with guitarist Jamie Revere definitely adds a sexiness to the sounds that makes Stone Soul stand out amongst the competition.
Web page: www.stonesoulrocks.com
National Dust is about the most un-southern southern rock band you will ever hear. They deem themselves, “Hard Kickin’ Southern rock” and their catchphrase for the evening was, “Hellraisin’.” The themes are southern if by south you are defined by whiskey, the devil, slavery, and “Civil” disobedience. Definitely the tightest performance of the evening, Dave Ducey’s (who also performs with WWIII) drumming syncopation was like a panic attack – stopping with intention for breaks just short enough to keep you guessing, and every song building to a crescendo just the way we like it. I couldn’t help but compare the sound to Black Sabbath’s “Time Machine.” This is mostly original stuff including a great tune called “Kentucky Grain” completely devoted to the ultimate “southern comfort,” whiskey. Jack Daniels unabashedly sponsors national Dust, and this song could almost be a commercial if it weren’t so hard-core! But National Dust’s cover of The Allman Brothers’ “Whipping Post” slowed down to an eerie tempo that begged to be
taken seriously. When Eric “Evil E” Dust sings, “Lord I think I’m dying” you almost feel like you’re standing next to a cypress tree. Ironic in another National Dust song we are assured, “It Ain’t No Sin To Rock.” Definite allusions to Southern Baptist retribution!
Web page: www.nationaldust.com
The third band of the night was Storyteller with lead singer Kenny Charles who pulls out a vocal styling of no less than David Lee Roth, Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart. Storyteller has toured with Ratt, Mr. Big, and has that epic ‘80s metal sound that many of us miss and love to see performed live. They covered a bit of everything from Elton John’s “Saturday Night,” Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back,” and Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love A Bad Name.” Storyteller definitely got the crowd involved, with a group of girls giving the Rockettes a run for their money! Storyteller also teased the audience a bit by playing opening riffs for Metallica’s “Wherever I May Roam,” and Prince’s “Purple Rain.”
Web page: www.storytelleronline.net
You don’t want to miss these shows; $8/$5.00 w. a flyer to enjoy an amazing night of top notch hard rock energy performances and a venue that has great sound!
For more info on the All Access Rocks Summer Concert Series, visit Myspace.com/ALLACCESSROCKS
All Access Magazine.com where it’s “All About The Music”
