Rocket 55 at The Rave- more photos... photo by brian rampacek - staff photographer |
Emergenza is a worldwide music talent contest. The largest part of the contest is done on local levels, with actual audience vote. You can think of it as American Idol for rock music. When attending an Emergenza show, be prepared for incredibly short sets. Each band is only allotted 20 minutes from introduction to closing, and the timekeeper watches closely. There are also the elements for the bands to deal with. Bad mixes at some locations, equipment that isn’t theirs (Emergenza has bands use their equipment to speed the band switches), malfunctions. This is also probably one of those venues where being an early performer is probably a good bet.
We were invited by Conniption (previously reviewed as Wrath, but the name had to be changed due to legal issues), and when we finally made it to one of their shows, it happened to be their last on the festival. It's a shame since I still feel pretty much the same way as I did before about them.
Anecoic at The Rave- more photos... photo by brian rampacek - staff photographer |
We arrived a bit into the show due to previous commitments in the evening, but we were there for five out of the eight bands for the evening. Many types of music were represented, and the mix was pretty rough, which I think really messed with a few of the bands.
Rocket 55, from Waukesha, WI, was the first full band we saw and they happened to be a victim of the mix. The vocals were
way louder than the rest of the band, and they sounded strained. The level of feedback was almost teeth-cracking, and I don’t think this was the band's fault. It was, after all, at the Rave. I do give them props for the song name "Cheese Whiz." They had a fill in drummer for the evening. Their sound was the sort of poppy punk that is popular these days.
Anecoic was up next and had a decent following present. They had some nice melodies and a great ballad-y song they played. Both songs "Livin' a Lie" and "Shattered Memories" were the highlights of their set. Definitely some stage presence and totally dug the pirate flag.
Sunshine Harrison at The Rave- more photos... photo by brian rampacek - staff photographer |
Sunshine Harrison, while not well received by most attendees, was really my big surprise. From Milwaukee, WI, this band has a mix of bluegrass, funk, pop, hippie music and classic rock. I do think they spent their entire 20-minute set with three songs. All I could think is that they would be a great local act to open for Les Claypool. They had a Les/Primus feel to them that was still somehow their own and not a copy.
The next band, well they have the name right, was Roxtar. I really dug this band. They have a heavier feel to them without being overbearing. They have a very mainstream appeal while still keeping it cool. Kinda thrashy, kinda rock. The vocalist is very comfortable working the crowd. “Fade Away� had a dash of punk to the feel, and the song “No More� had a very cool solo. They fell victim to an equipment malfunction on their cover of “Rock Star.�
Roxtar at The Rave- more photos... photo by brian rampacek - staff photographer |
Conniption was the last band, and I still like these kids. A new guitarist who is a little less flashy in his solos rounds them out. Vocalist Michael still reminds me of a young Dave Mustaine in how he works the crowd and the stage. That isn’t a bad thing, but it's amusing nonetheless. I liked that this time around the fancy guitar work was left at home and more originals played. “Eye for an Eye� is still their strongest song. Closing out their set dedicating Pantera’s “Cowboys From Hell� to Club Kingsnake was a nice ending. Too bad they didn’t get through.
I lost a lot during the show to the mix, and it was sad. Many times I couldn't understand speaking due to feedback. It’s hard on these kids who are just trying to get somewhere. Take a minute to check out Emergenza and see what shows are in your area. These are young bands that are trying to give it their all for a small house. They don’t get paid for these shows, but just the chance to compete again.
Thanks to Michael and Conniption for inviting us.
Conniption at The Rave- more photos... photo by brian rampacek - staff photographer
|