Indy Rock Critic On The Fence About Real Rock Band
June, 2010 ZaptownMag.com
Being an avid rock fan in Indianapolis, having seen plenty of live shows in the region; it may come as a surprise to some that I have never made my way to Radio Radio. Located in the heart of Fountain Square, it is a breath of fresh air in the tentative indie alteration community. Don’t be intimidated by the location on a map, Radio Radio along with Fountain Square will be, if not already, steady fixtures on the Indianapolis beaten path. One could say what Broad Ripple once was, before the death of the rock club and the invasion of the dance club. Radio Radio has a very swanky lounge lizard vibe. The area is kept dark with nothing but illuminated red domes and the beaming light between liquor bottles at the bar to cascade the patrons.
That is, of course, until the bands play at the south end. First band of the night’s double header is Rotovox. They seemed like a no-frills bunch and the crowd seemed indifferent when they introduced themselves. It wasn’t until they rolled in the riff laden chant “So Into You” that ears perked up, eyes towards the stage. Vocalist/Guitarist Aaron Anderson has a unique vocal style. My best description would be a melodic Pepper Kennan of Corrosion of Conformity. As if CoC and Systematic were mixed in a potent cocktail, Rotovox is grungy stoner rock goodness. Bassist Mike Glassburn wallops his way through the gritty “Runaway” while guitarist Keith Flick frolics through the thick sludge of “Disconnected.” The audience seemed more than intrigued now. Rotovox unfortunately lost this thunder on brooding tracks “Not Breathing” and “Feel.” As the songs were well crafted and enjoyable in a different setting, they were just more sulking than emotionally preferred. Momentum was regained in the swift yet riffy “Already Low” with drummer Heath Moreland bashing the addictive dirty beat of the chorus in our skulls. I won’t go so far and say Rotovox are original with fellow rockers Devil to Pay and Cocaine Wolves also serving similar rhythms in the Indianapolis area, but I could care less. Rotovox was an interesting take on the locally thriving genre.
Singer of Blue Luster, John David Brake, had a demanding presence, even if in eyeliner and a campy leather vest, as he stood idly by while Rotovox wrapped up their set. When Blue Luster took the stage and throttled into “New Attitude” with Brake’s throaty howls and “Blindsided” with guitarists Patrick E. O’Connor and Brandon Moss’ dueling squealing solos, I noticed this band was hungry. Some would consider it confidence but others may mistake it as egotistical. I’m still on the fence with my opinion but it was a definite 180 degree turn from the timid Rotovox. They craved Radio Radio’s attention with its brand of nostalgic 80’s hard rock and its obvious influential impact on their music. Inspiration was almost apparent on certain songs. “Time Away” is no doubt Van Halen. “Fear of Flight” could be considered Def Leopard if you just closed your eyes. “Curse of the Czars” is Motley Crue without Tommy Lee. Though they tried to transplant a modern rock vibe into their material, it just came out like Godsmack with feathered hair.
Apparently, Blue Luster are closet nerds or find odd examples for material. One song, the fist pumping refrain “One of Us” is inspired by John Carpenter’s “The Thing.” Based on the true story book/movie Exorcism of Emily Rose is the thundering standout “Anneliese.” Brake was able to display his true singing potential with his swaying chorus of this noteworthy song. He continued down this path with the welcoming curve ball, the Queens of the Stone Age cover “Make It Wit Chu.” Though they were no Josh Holmes or QotSA, it was just nice to see Brake and Blue Luster show some heart in their performance rather than be continuously over the top. It almost served as an intermission. I had to admit though, as thoroughly drained I was by driving down memory lane, they played one amazing cover of Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper.”
It was more than likely their intention but Blue Luster were high octane and unrelenting as their set paced on. “Take it Hot” was the last song of the night which was my least favorite. Lyric-wise, it sounded quite hokey and almost like some Steel Panther eye rolling antics. Blue Luster definitely had some followers in the midst of the masses that came out specifically for them. Which only goes to show, there is an accepting audience out there, craving their overindulgent version of rock. Go to www.blueluster.net, no false impressions as they are exactly as advertised. Eh, or maybe it was just me not ready for the nostalgic assault.
Cody Jones
Zaptown Mag Music Critic
