Rivet
Rollin’Up to the Knitting Factory, for another Club Vodka event, local boys Rivet had just taken the front stage and had enraptured a small crowd. Walking into the dark, yet welcoming, vampire-lair of a club, I couldn’t help thinking about The Hills Have Eyes or something directed by Rob Zombie. I don’t know ~ it’s just the first thing that comes to mind when I see the slightly disturbing combination of a shaved head and overalls. Despite the ‘I'll Kill You’ persona, this band did seem to have an edge. Rivet’s music was a bit lighter than I’d anticipated, treading waters similar to Puddle of Mudd or Seether. They’re in the nu-grunge vein, but with a tinge of ‘heavy’ that’s heard mainly in the vocals.
Some of the better songs they played were; "Bring You Down," the caustic "Do It Again," rhythm-driven "Bad Boy," and the stomping "Any Way You Want It". Most of the tunes they played had choppy chords and deep choruses, some just a bit too similar to each other. “L.U.V.” was a dark, brooding piece with a monster groove. “Lady Jane” had that fluid, melodic, Cheap Trick-ish guitar-chording. They played their patriotic title track, “American,” which was laden with some great Cookie Monster vocals, while still maintaining excellent harmonies. Rivet sounds like early STP in places, with some shades of Alice in Chains filtered throughout their sound.
Rivet is: Eric (a.k.a “Sleight”) on vox, Matt on guitar, Luis on bass and bestial beat-keeper, Ronnie on the drums. Rivet got together about three years ago. Personally, I think the potential is there if they can harness the music with stronger song distinction. Vocalist Eric and guitarist Matt, have certain charismatic qualities. Very catchy tunes for the most part, but still managing to remain fairly tough. What do I love most? The fact we’ll probably never hear a ballad from Rivet. See & hear them at www.myspace.com/rivetband
Black ‘N Blue
Then it was onto what we came here for, BLACK ‘N BLUE on the main stage. When I first heard Jaime St. James was no longer in Warrant (Jani Lane is back in that band), and how Jaime had resurrected his original band, BLACK ‘N BLUE, I had two initial reactions. One was “What a loss for Warrant”, and the other was “Right On! BLACK ‘N BLUE is back!” Now - here they were. And I was pleased.
Today BLACK ‘N BLUE is: Jaime St. James on vocals, Jeff “Woop” Warner on guitar, Shawn Sunninschien on guitar, Patrick Young on Bass and Peter Holmes on drums. They opened with “Chains Around Heaven” and right away they were in command. It was impressive. More balls than your average 80's glam band, bucko.
The band's older style shined through while they played “Stop The Lightning” and “Autoblast”. Jaime’s powerful vocal range hasn't lost a bit over the past ten-plus years. Being in Warrant for the past the past four has obviously only helped. The singer joked to the audience how Club Vodka provided entertainment for the entertainment, as he acknowledged the dancers on stages nearby.
“Action” was performed swift and strong and “Without Love” was both melodic and tough.
Killer riffs and a driving backbone fueled the classic B’N B tune, “Wicked Bitch." BLACK ‘N BLUE fans filled the room to its capacity. Don’t underestimate this fan base ~ it’s large. Some even sported the band’s hometown, Portland, Oregon T-shirts. A surprise guest appearance by former BLACK ‘N BLUE guitarist, Tommy Thayer, (who’s now in KISS), both killed and thrilled. "Miss Mystery" had super solid rhythm, and a nice bridge leading into the solo. The tune actually had a very fresh sound to it, hearing it now, and it had some spectacular double-rhythm guitars.
After all those delights, it was time to enjoy the band's true gem, "Hold On To 18". That mean, nasty pull-off riff ~ meshing into a killer romp groove. A standout marker for the “‘80’s riff”. Total rock and sass. At the end - the band's exuberance boiled over into the audience as they encored with “I’m The King”. This was hard rock done the way it’s supposed to be done, heavily with finesse.
BLACK ‘N BLUE plays the Rocklahoma Festival this Summer.
