Far

Live Review: Chevelle and Black Map at The Wiltern

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With the times changing and album sales decreasing, longevity isn’t one of the most promising things to relate to in the music industry today. There are a few bands that have been able to really hold their place and still pack a punch. Chevelle is one of those bands. Since the release of their album Wonder What’s Next, they have been packing venues and releasing a steady catalog of solid rock albums. Friday night at the Wiltern, was tremendous. Chevelle’s 90 minute set blazed through their hits, deep cuts from their album Wonder What’s Next, and songs from their latest release La Gargola. The light show that accompanied the band was stunning. The blasts of light matched perfectly with every beat of Sam Loeffler’s drums. Pete Loeffler’s voice live, mixed with that of brother-in-law, Dean Bernardini (bass/vocals), were in perfect unison. The crowd’s age ranged from late teens all the way to late 30’s and even early 40’s. You could definitely tell the long time fans, especially when songs like “Closure,” “Forfeit,” “Comfortable Liar,” and “Grab Thy Hand” were played.

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The direct support was the exceptional Black Map from San Francisco. This power trio of Ben Flanagan (bass/vocals), Mark Engles (guitar/vocals) and Chris Robyn (drums) left the Wiltern in shambles after their set. Formed only a year ago and featuring members of Dredg, Far, and The Trophy Fire, Black Map is definitely a site to see! All the songs off their debut EP Driver and those from their upcoming full length were played and to great reaction. Ben’s voice is one of the purest and uncompromising voices in the rock genre today. The tone of the guitar of Mark still has some of the elements from Dredg, but adds more of a heavier grit. Chris still has the fury he played with in Far and some new energy, thanks to his new bandmates. Black Map has come out at the right place and right time. They are on their way to stealing the show from anyone they play with and making a name for themselves.

Opening the show was another trio called Highly Suspect from New York. While they were a decent opening band, there was something missing with them. The singer/guitarist was the most enjoyable part of the band. His voice was stellar and reminded me of the singer from Kings Of Leon (in a total good way). Though, throughout their set I couldn’t contain my excitement for seeing Black Map and Chevelle.

All in all this was a great night for rock music. Having Chevelle firing on all cylinders (no pun intended), and Black Map rocking the stage was the perfect blend of melodic heaviness.

Chevelle Set List:

1. The Clincher
2. Grab Thy Hand
3. Send The Pain Below
4. Sleep Apnea
5. Take Out The Gunman
6. An Island
7. Closure
8. Forfeit
9. Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)
10. Envy
11. Hunter Eats Hunter
12. Hats Off To The Bull
13. I Get It

Encore:

14. The Red
15. Comfortable Liar
16. Face To The Floor

Black Map Set List: (abridged names)

1. Code
2. Gold
3. Hills
4. Eyes
5. Ropes
6. Mellee
7. Chinaski
8. Gemini
9. I’m Just The Driver

By: Brian Lacy

Photos by: Alisa Diaz

Black Map: Live at The Viper Room

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When it was first announced that Dredg’s Mark Engles, Far’s Chris Robyn and The Trophy Fire’s Ben Flanagan had gotten together to play music, the hairs on my arms stood up (all in a good way). The three formed the band Black Map, a melodic hard rock band that shows the harder side of what they all have to offer. In a live setting they are undeniably awesome. Their live show is intense as it is raw and powerful. Chris plays with the same intensity that he’s played with since back in the FAR days, only this time he has added more groove to his playing. Mark has a very unique tone with Dredg and parts of that carry over but in this band you can tell his love for the heavier side of things, especially with the riffs he plays. Ben has a great sense of melody with his voice and his bass tone is thick and driving. All three of these guys make what a power trio should be. Their set at the Viper Room on Saturday night was inspiring. Despite a few technical issues, they were on fire. Playing the four songs from their EP and others yet to be released, everyone in the audience was really into it. The unreleased songs has a great balance of melody and heaviness. Even their banter in between songs provided a few chuckles while at the same time engaging to everyone. I can’t wait to see them again.

Their debut EP DRIVER is 4 songs of nothing but fantastic. Kicking off the E.P. is “I’m Just The Driver.” This song is what a lead of track should be as well as a great introduction to what the sound of the band is.  The next track “Gold” has a melodic edge to it all the while rhythmically driving. “Head For The Hills” showcases Ben’s vocal ability as powerful rock singer. The music that accompanies the song is melodic in nature and shows off more of what Mark can do on his guitar. The closing track “Ropes” is a great song that features a rocking sing along (which has been missing from rock music in general). Musically this song has a nasty vibe to it with it’s dirty bass and pounding drums, but also has a sheen to it with the guitars bouncing back and forth between clean and distorted.

Black Map has recently stated that they have enough songs for a full length which they hope to have out later this year as well as lots more shows to come. These guys are the real deal, they know how to write great songs and bring back hard rock with melody!

 

 

http://www.blackmapmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/blackmapmusic

http://blackmapmusic.bandcamp.com/album/driver

 

By: Brian Lacy

Crosses Full Length Review

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A lot can be said for when side projects become as good as a main project. With that being said Crosses is just that. Made up of Chino Moreno (Deftones, Team Sleep, Palms), Shaun Lopez (Far, The Revolution Smile) and Chuck Doom, this trio has created something rather special. I’ve written about them before, but I can’t get enough. They recently released their full length album. It combines the first 2 EP’s with 5 new songs. It was also put together in such an order to make a cohesive album. The new songs are just as good as their previous release, especially Bitches Brew, The Epilogue, and Blk Stallion. The mix of influences from each member and the amount of talent that each possess create such an intriguing blend. This album is great for driving around, gearing up for a night out, sitting at home and relaxing and for baby making. Crosses live is a whole different animal. Having Dino Campanella on drums and Jono Evans on guitar/keys, rounds out the entire sound. When I first saw them they had 2 drummers. Dino plays in such a way that it is almost like there are still 2 drummers there. Chino has such a distinctive voice that can be soothing as well as ferocious. Shaun has a signature guitar tone that many people try to emulate from his days in Far. Mixing those elements with an electronic sound is unbeatable.

Chino has said that this is not something that will keep him from Deftones. In fact he’s recently said that he can’t wait to get back with his Deftones bandmates to work on the follow up to their great album Koi No Yokan, not to mention working on new music with Team Sleep and Palms. It’s only mid february and I can already tell that this album will be in constant rotation for me and will probably be in my top 10 of the year

 

Crosses:

 

Previous Write Up:

https://audioeclectica.wordpress.com/2012/02/03/crosses-not-just-a-supergroup-or-side-project/?relatedposts_exclude=1045

By: Brian Lacy

Anticipated Albums of 2014

Crosses (featuring Chino Moreno and Shaun Lopez) are gearing up to release their full length debut on February 11, 2014 through Sumerian Records. The first single and accompanying video (featured above) “Bitches Brew” is an intoxicating sexual beast. It features a very sultry groove and beat, that invokes some R&B love making soul then switches gears to an awesome rock track. Be on the look out for when they hit your city on tour. Their live show is very intimate and makes you want to dance.

 

By: Brian Lacy

Crosses (not just a “Supergroup” or “Side Project”)

When the term “side project” is thrown out in the public most people’s reactions are quite speculative. Throughout the past few years there has been a number of “Supergroups” that have formed and have failed miserably, though there are now two that stand out and surpass the “supergroup” and “side project name. The first being Them Crooked Vultures (featuring Josh Homme, Dave Grohl, and John Paul Jones) and followed in a close second is Crosses (featuring Chino Moreno of Deftones, Shaun Lopez of Far/The Revolution Smile, and Chuck Doom)

In late 2011, Crosses released their first EP. This collection was met with great anticipation and was quite intriguing to fans of all the members involved. From the moment the first song “This Is A Trick” kicks in there is no denying that this was going to move you. Every ounce of the individuals working on this project is included in the songs especially my personal favorite (from the first E.P. “The Holy Ghost”. It’s a wonderful blend of electronic music mixed with the warm subtleties of alternative, all the while showcasing the talents of Chino Moreno as a vocalist and lyricist and Shaun Lopez’s guitar and production work.

Come to January of 2012 and E.P. number two was released, continuing where the first one left off. The collection of songs on the second E.P. have a more live feel to them allowing the listener to really grasp the raw feel but at the same time have the same effect that they felt from the first E.P. The stand out track “Telepathy” has a fun good time dance vibe to it that makes you want to get up and and start moving.

Crosses recently went out on tour and I had the wonderful opportunity of getting to witness their first show at the Glass House in Pomona. They played every song they had including the B-side “The Years” and a new track that had the audience silent just listening. While it was the first show, and of course there were the fair share of routine sound issues, they certainly didn’t disappoint. Their live band consisted of Chris Robyn (from FAR on drums), Dino Campanella (from Dredg on drums/keyboards), Jono Evans (From Endless Hallway on guitar/keyboards), Chuck Doom (bass), Shaun Lopez (guitar/keyboards) and Chino Moreno (vocals).

The set while short, sure hit every note and struck a chord with all in attendance. There is no denying that once these guys have a few more shows under their belts, Crosses will be one amazing entity live.

Do yourself a favor and head over to their site www.crossesmusic.com and download both E.P.’s you will be completely satisfied that you did, and it will leave you wanting more from them soon!