Sad to say, despite the happy review given last year about ACIDIC's show at The Derby with Benevolent Tomorrow and Stevi Madison, among others, it looks like the venue may be shutting down, how very sad. Though not privy at this time to all the facts regarding The Derby’s demise, All Access Magazine was invited by ACIDIC to witness what could well have been a final rock show at that site – at least under the sign of The Derby.
Michael Gossard announced that for this gig, the band would be doing something a little different, as he explained that they would just plunge into their songs “without a set,” sort of like without a net, and therefore it was right on and in keeping when ACIDIC opened with "Without A Trace." In fact, Michael made sure to introduce the shiny new face in the band, second guitarist Andrew Sabatine, an old friend from another local rock band, Nou. Andrew said that Nou is “on hiatus,” so he laid down his bass from that band and picked up a six-string axe to add another layer to the already-rich sound carved by ACIDIC. Andrew also had a microphone for back-up vocals, as did bassist Ted Dubrowski, while drummer Matt Whitaker laid the percussive foundation in back. “Ironic Dreams” moved on to “Move On,” followed by “Strata Red, with rolling surf-music chords and frisky bass fills. When ACIDIC played the new song, “Let Me Take You Away,” the addition of Andrew’s guitar gave Michael a chance to truly shine as the front man he is – in fact, permitting him to at times leave the string-picking in other hands, while baring his heart and soul at the microphone. After ACIDIC nailed down their “Black Box,” they ended with a satisfying rendition of “Break Me Down.”
Next up was an experienced quartet from Camarillo, Cessation of Life, a band that identifies their music as “High Velocity Speed Metal.” Fronted by a heroically-bearded singer called Chris Violence, Cessation of Life confirmed this designation from the gate, beginning with a thrashy ditty called “Life In Camarillo.” That cut is found on the group’s latest CD, “Path of Totality,” along with other songs they brought forth, including the ominously vigorous “Murder In The Pit” and “Necropolis.” Cessation of Life includes guitarist Marty Mostad, a seasoned pro who wields his axe with both precision and passion, alternately strumming and picking to flesh out the band’s manic excursions. The sound is supported with fluttering, frenzied basswork from Justin Harrison, plus expert skin-pounding from a guy who might be the happiest-looking drummer in the world of speed metal, the ever-smiling Ron Ostlund. Ron frequently accented his drumming with flourishes that strayed from the typical pummeling of the genre, and which ventured almost into the alternate realm of jazz, what a refreshing and creative contrast. Indeed, Cessation of Life rose above the standard “scream-o” template, adding thoughtfulness and feeling to the velocity of their expertly-played speed metal.
What then followed was both a blast from the past and a breath of fresh air, a trio of fellows calling themselves Joe Steel. The band’s name has indeed endured for decades, ever since bygone days in New York City, when bassist Doc Phillips and guitarist Spyder Williams established a hard-rock outfit that sought to break new ground in a somewhat homogenous field. Across the years, the dream has endured, and lately Doc and Spyder, re-established in North Hollywood, have enlisted a drummer named Mike Zwaff to round out their vision, which could be summed up in one of the core songs they played, “Rock Hard Or Die.” Doc proved to be an affable and entertaining centerpiece for this solid power-trio, urging all latter-day “Steelheads” to unite. Joe Steel galloped through a freewheeling taste of “groove metal” called “Let’s Get Naked At Noon,” among other savory slabs of sonic artistry. Affirming that “Joe Steel is back!” the threesome concluded with an outstanding tribute to the Eighties called “California’s Burning,” saluting such storied bands as Black and Blue, Trixter, and BulletBoys, to name but a few. Now seeking to rock to the top of a new era, Joe Steel did well by giving a tip of the hat – in fact, perhaps, a “doffing of The Derby” – to those who have gone before, to keep alive a rockin’ flame that burns ever bright.
