Saturday, July 29, 2006

Show Review - Latitude 21

So as usual, Northwest Royale ROCKED the house, and although we got to the show too late to see Six Ounce Gloves, they generated enough talk that I'll be sure not to miss them the next time they're in the area. The surprise of the night (for me anyway - I'm sure plenty of the fans there already knew the score) was Re:Ignition. Hard music fronted by a guy with the voice of an angel. Holy cats. Fabulous show. The venue is kinda small, but that means one of two things - you can get really close to the stage, or it's so packed you can't get in, and the band can't move either. One downer - the moshers were a bit out of hand. I like a solid mosh pit as much as the next girl, but c'mon guys - show a little respect. If a girl doesn't want to join, being an asshole isn't going to convince her. Other then that, it was a fun show - good music, good company - ROCK-N-ROLL baby!

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

CD Review - Recommendations (or not :))

Those that know me will probably read this review and think "I can't believe she is listening to that!" Well, before you get ahead of yourself, remember that a good groupie will try anything once, twice if she likes it. ;) I did put my tongue on the CD covers, but it just isn't the same as putting it on the band [sigh]. So, here we go:

Peeping Tom/Self-titled: Interesting mix of music. Since this really isn't my style, I don't know that I would continue to listen to it if it weren't for all the cool sounds and structures that an online project like this brings to the album. Oh yeah, and the fact that it's MIKE PATTON on vocals keeps bringing me back, but y'all know that's a personal preference - I could listen to that man sing all day. That said, there are some catchy tunes on the CD - Mojo, Kill the DJ (this one is my fav), and We're Not Alone are the songs that keep my attention, but Sucker and Don't Even Trip are good too. If you're in the mood for something kinda different, pick up this disc.

The Raconteurs/Broken Boy Soldiers: Cool. That's really all that needs to be said. This album is contemporary and nostalgic at the same time. Lots of levels to the music and the lyrics are not too literal and not too subtle - intelligent song-writing seems to be the name of the game on this one. Give it a listen if you like The Beatles or Led Zeppelin or Jack White. :)

Sunday, July 16, 2006

Show Review - Local Boys Make Good

The crowd wasn't very big, but man the house was ROCKIN. One thing about shows at the W.O.W. - when it isn't packed, the pit really gets moving and you can get some momentum going. Northwest Royale is at the top of the local list when it comes to hardcore - I haven't seen anyone yet who matches their energy (go BREAK!!!). A few items of note - there were some technical difficulties with the equipment, which caused some excessive downtime between songs. The band handled it well by engaging the crowd, and managed to keep things charged in spite of the time gaps. Maybe they need some more roadies to help with the gear. ;) They also wished one of their long time fans a happy birthday by playing a song from one of their very early albums, which they hadn't yet played live with the current line up. Completely pulled it out - if they hadn't said anything no one would have known. Last but definitely not least, these guys are a band for the fans. The last two songs had the stage packed with all the kids from the floor, adding their voices to the show. It's so cool that NWR knows that fans are what makes them - not only did they let everyone up without throwing a fit, they welcomed them and even gave them center stage. PROPS boys - that is the classiest move I have seen by any band in a long time, local or otherwise. For all of you slackers out there, get off your asses and go see these guys live. You won't know what NWR is all about until you do.

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Project Update

Gyefinger has started his first collaboration project, and it promises to be educational as well as fun. The studio will be instrumental (pun intended :P) in the creative process, and gyefinger's many musical talents have the potential to make this project something truly amazing. Look for the finished goods around Mother's Day next year.

Saturday, July 08, 2006

Northwest Royale Concert Dates

From one of our favorite locals:

"My band Northwest Royale will be at the WOW Hall in Eugene, OR on Saturday, July 15th. Support will come from Grynch, Awake and the Athiarchists. It's all ages, with a beer garden for those with ID.

Check my band's page for all other pertinent info. (http://www.northwestroyale.com/)

For the 21+ crowd, we'll also be at Latitude 21 on Friday the 28th, with our labelmates Six Ounce Gloves as well as Bluntpoint. Show up at 9 to make sure you catch every minute!These are the last couple of hometown shows we'll be playing for a while, so come out and party with us before we turn into terminal road dogs for the forseeable future!

Later, BREAK"

Groupie note: This band ROCKS and is well worth the price of admission, not to mention they will show you a really good time backstage. :)>

How Many Groupies Does it Take...

...to change a lightbulb?
Never let a groupie change a lightbulb! She'll blow the fuse.

Lesson #1 - Definitions

Even though the general definition of a groupie is:

group·ie (grū'pē)
n. Slang.
A fan, especially a young woman, who follows a rock group around on tours.
An enthusiastic supporter or follower: a ballet groupie; a fashion groupie.


...don't forget that groupies are a key part of the music scene - gobs and gobs of songs have been written about us, jokes abound, and the world of rock-n-roll definitely wouldn't be the same without us. Groupies are as much a part of pop culture as the bands.

Think of us as part artistic inspiration and part physical enticement, and you're starting to get the picture. And ooooooooo what a picture it is...