Metal Assault: Gig Reviews

Review & photos by Andrew Bansal

June 28th 2014, Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills CA: Formed in London in the early 70s, Foghat is a classic rock band that despite several lineup changes has largely been going strong for all these years, and still retains original drummer/founding member Roger Earl along with bassist Craig MacGregor in its current four-piece lineup. It’s been four years since their latest studio album ‘Last Train Home’ but every year they play plenty of live shows, mostly as part of festivals, state fairs and rallies, but amidst those types of appearances they did a headline show at the Saban Theatre last night. For me it was an unprecedented two shows in a row at this venue, and even though I was honestly not too familiar with the band’s entire musical catalog, I knew enough about them to want to check out this show, and so I did. Continue reading “Foghat Perform At The Saban”

Review & photos by Andrew Bansal

June 27th 2014, Saban Theatre, Beverly Hills CA: In 2012, a new power trio was born out of the union of bassist Billy Sheehan, drummer Mike Portnoy and guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen, called The Winery Dogs. They released their self-titled debut album in 2013, earning plenty of plaudits from fans and critics alike, and embarked on a world tour to present these tunes live. Although they played the Canyon Club in Agoura Hills last October, which is technically part of the Los Angeles County, fans were awaiting the Dogs to mark their territory with a proper LA show, and it finally happened last night at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills. Continue reading “The Winery Dogs Rock The Saban”

Review & photos by Andrew Bansal

June 26th 2014, King King, Hollywood CA: Even though the city of Los Angeles has always been, and perhaps will always be known in the rock and metal community for its affiliation with 80s/glam/classic metal, there is no denying that a scene for progressive heavy music has existed over the past two-three decades and continues to inspire young musicians to take up the genre as their choice of musical style. Groups such as Tool, Spock’s Beard, Cynic and Intronaut have successfully embodied LA’s progressive outlook in their music, and influenced by them there’s a whole new generation of prog bands developing locally. As an apt demonstration of this, the folks at LA Unsigned organized an event called ‘Progressive Underground’ at King King in central Hollywood last night, featuring Socionic, Elixir On Mute, After and All Hail The Crimson King. Continue reading “Socionic, Elixir On Mute & Others Play ‘Progressive Underground’ Show At King King”

Review & photos by Andrew Bansal

June 25th 2014, Silverlake Lounge, Los Angeles CA: For genuine rock/metal lovers in Los Angeles, there is no such thing as a dull weeknight, and at any given time, if it isn’t one amongst the plethora of national and international touring acts coming through town, there’s usually a solid local show to attend. Last night at the Silverlake Lounge, three LA rock bands Cinderella Motel, Fire The Animal and The Echo & The Sound played a show presented by Badass Bands Blog, an LA-based blog that’s been doing good work with local independent bands and been putting forth some interesting events through their collaboration with venues such as Viper Room and Silverlake Lounge. Having seen only one of these three bands previously, I went into the show not sure what to expect but hoping for a healthy dosage of ‘badassery’. Continue reading “Cinderella Motel, Fire The Animal And The Echo & The Sound Perform At Silverlake Lounge”

Review & photos by Andrew Bansal

June 24th 2014, Boardner’s, Hollywood CA: Continuing on with their Tuesday rock nights which they do on a regular basis, the Kitty Club at Boardner’s put on a show last night featuring Los Angeles rock groups Caveman Voicebox, Bang Feather Bang and Glam Skanks. A cozy, intimate little place in the heart of Hollywood, Boardner’s is a venue I’ve visited a few times in the recent past. Its friendly and welcoming vibe to go with the decently sized stage and suitable sound setup makes it a cool hangout spot as well as a good live music venue that’s certainly doing its bit to retain the city’s longstanding rock culture. Having previously seen and enjoyed all three of the bands on last night’s lineup, this was a show I already expected great things from. Continue reading “Caveman Voicebox, Bang Feather Bang & Glam Skanks Rock Boardner’s”

Review & photos by Andrew Bansal

June 24th 2014, Guitar Center, Hollywood CA: One of the biggest perks associated with being a music lover or aspiring musician living in the city of Los Angeles is the large number of opportunities that come our way on a regular basis to directly interact with high-profile professional musicians, to go behind the scenes and get to know their working process. Last evening was one such chance for drummers and drum enthusiasts, as Thomas Lang and Matt Garstka visited Guitar Center in Hollywood for a free clinic, as a preview to the upcoming Big Drum Bonanza in Thousand Oaks CA, an already sold-out drum camp they are both participating in as instructors. A sizable gathering occupied the Pro Audio room inside GC in the early evening, and everyone waited for the arrival of the two drummers. Continue reading “Thomas Lang & Matt Garstka Hold Free Drum Clinic At Guitar Center Hollywood”