Santa Monica rock band ACIDIC has been etching out notable performances all over the landscape lately, and on Tuesday, November 18, ACIDIC's three members made their mark at a historic Los Feliz nightclub called The Derby, beginning a bill that included local rockers Benevolent Tomorrow, two acts from further south -- Stevi Madison and Dark Haven -- and still others as well.
Long-time Angelenos might remember the venerable Hollywood hot-spot eatery called The Brown Derby. Glory hallelujah, the spirit of The Brown Derby lives on at a Los Feliz nightclub known now as simply The Derby, which is a direct descendant of the original Brown Derby restaurant that opened on Valentine's Day in 1929 at Hollywood and Vine. That establishment became a world-famous watering hole for showbiz luminaries through Hollywood's "Golden Age of Film," and other eateries were opened under the same name, all attracting top-end clientèle. But of the several former Brown Derby sites in L.A., The Derby, located at Hillhurst and Los Feliz, is the only one still in operation, serving up swing music on Sunday, and diverse showcases during the week -- including Sheena Metal's "Club Carnivale" on Tuesday nights. The big main room is well-appointed and inviting, featuring a high half-domed ceiling and intricately-painted wooden beams to intrigue the eye, a central circular bar with comfy chairs, and plenty of open floor space.
For this night's Club Carnivale concert, doors opened just after 8 p.m., and ACIDIC guitarist Michael Gossard came onstage right away, along with bassist Ted Dubrawski and drummer Matt Whitaker, ready to plunge into what was announced as a new song, "Erotic Dreams." Michael chopped out a punky start with his clear Lucite axe, getting into his groove and working through the initially un-crisp amplification in the unfamiliar environs. 
Michael's enthusiasm was evident as he and the band nailed down the fresh offering, and then, beginning with a snappy snare-drum intro, the band charged through "Lost the Will" and "Black Box," by which time Michael seemed to have found his vocal and instrumental "sweet spot," chunking through a bass-heavy riff reminiscent of The Toadies' "Possum Kingdom." Next, ACIDIC tuned down for "The Addict" (and when a bit of electric dissonance was heard, Michael wryly commented, "Perfect!") -- and then the trio tuned back up for "Goodbye," which had a kind of U2-inspired ringing treble tone, and which included a short but sweet guitar solo, plus backup vocals from Ted. An ominous tune entitled "Fade Away" was announced as the band's most recently written song, and will reportedly soon be recorded, probably along with another new number that followed, "Strata Red." That piece began with a surfer-themed opening and built to some more trebly lead work from Michael, after which the band ended with a vigorous rendition of "Break Me Down." The lads really broke it down properly, with Michael bobbing his head while Ted thumped and Matt tossed off tight drum rolls, all three justifiably gratified by the cheers from the floor that acknowledged a set well-played, new numbers and all. Thus was added another feather to the band's collective cap, a s ACIDIC's members concluded yet another stop on their rocky ascent to the broader acclaim and popularity this energetic young Westside trio merits.
Next came an outfit that ACIDIC once competed against at Harper's Bar & Grille in Northridge: Benevolent Tomorrow, led by singer Ben Bensadoun. Ben was in fine voice when the band opened with "Eidolon," a grungy rocker that held echoes of Stone Temple Pilots, with lead guitarist Shivan's pliable plucking accented by wah-wah. Joseph Kaufmann chunked out chords on rhythm guitar, while Daryl Falconer beat the drums and Steven Stensager handled bass and back-up vocals. The second number, "Redemption," rolled to a redeeming power-chord progression, after which "Twenty Years" again suggested the Seattle sound, fleshed out by poignant guitar tones and powerful vocals. "My World" showed expert use of feedback, and then the band went down to "D" tuning for "Down the Rabbit Hole" -- and Ben truly leaped into the song, getting some good air with an impulsive jump. The band then presented a new song with another alternate tuning, "My Last Breath." Daryl began with a kick-bass beat like a return visit from "Iron Man," 
before the musicians headed into a creatively-captured near-dissonance that exhibited artistic reach and instrumental competence. In closing, Benevolent Tomorrow laid down a solid rendition of "Save Me from Myself," a strong conclusion to an engaging set.
A singer from Orange County named Stevi Madison then took the stage, a charismatic young lady with the polish and presence of seasoned professionals many years her elder. Lithe and limber in leather pants, stiletto heels, studded belt, and an off-the-shoulder top, Stevi began with a retro-vibe bit called “So Close,” and then, after a subdued intro filled with yearning, she lit up with shining, hopeful smiles through the sad lyrics of “Black Jacket.” “Every Time” featured a good three-chord drive, followed by the acoustic picking and light cymbals of the title track to her CD, “Ready for My Life.” “Just Another” was a tight power-pop nugget, and Stevi ended with “Beautiful,” a sweetly chiseled ditty highlighted by ringing, triumphant guitar work. Stevi's voice was emotive, lilting, and inviting throughout her setlist, but thankfully minus the sometimes off-putting warble of another well-known singer with almost the same first name (Stevie Nicks, of course). Her band, consisting of guitarists Chris Vazquez and Steve Crane, bassist Steve Phillips, and drummer Justin Krajenbrink, was clad mainly in jeans and T-shirts -- low-key in appearance, but high-energy in performance. Stevi Madison, who has already attracted much favorable attention from So-Cal to Nashville, is sure to continue charming new fans, as she did at The Derby.
Also on the bill was the Temecula-based band Dark Haven, whose recent song, “Infernal,” is reviewed in this issue's “Sound Bites” feature. And there was even more, just as there is always much to enjoy at any “Club Carnivale” evening. Learn more at www.clubderby.com, and don't keep it under your hat!
