8771 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
©
2003-2004 - Myracleworks Engineering Group/Aaron D. Settipane - ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED
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| SPACY WITH SPUTNIK MONROE AT THE JOINT | ||
| By Aaron D. Settipane // June 12, 2004 | ||
| WEST LOS ANGELES, CA – The Joint in West Los Angeles has been host to many acts who endeavor upon the inordinately high and extraordinarily small stage to showcase their wares to the drunk and disorderlies below. Playing before a lively crowd crushed into the somewhat small digs of The Joint in West Los Angeles, Sputnik Monroe, armed with their somewhat odd name, captivated with an animated and brisk show. | ||
| We had heard of this band by way of receipt of their self-titled EP. Our curiosity was aroused simply by the artful and dramatic theatrics of their sound, blending what appears to be a techno-industrial melody with good old fashioned electric guitars, backed by a funky, piercing bass line and powerful drum combinations. Our questions were simple: could they replicate this sound live and if they do, are they opening up the Fry’s Electronics’ computer department on stage, unfolding Mac after Mac to synth that perfect sound? | ||
| Well, after sneaking a peek at guitarist Noel Bass’ five foot by two foot pedal and effects board which contains nothing short of the entire Guitar Center inventory on pedals and effects and must be powered by a small nuclear fusion plant buried somewhere on stage, we got caught on to the idea very quickly on how they forge their sounds. | ||
| Singer Kevin Netzley showcased his booming and haunting falsetto, which complimented the simply psychedelic and sometimes strangely (in a good way) eerie orchestrations from Bass’ compositions. Showing shades of Pixies or even Public Image Limited, this band stimulated and enthralled the fans with the sheer influence of sound and energy. | ||
| Buoyed as well by the fiercely professional pounding on the skins by Dave Murray and the fresh funk pouring from seriously spikey-haired bassist Patrick Doyle, Sputnik Monroe can be described as a fusion of several different, but highly talented artists forming one distinct and refreshing sound. Hardcore this is not, so don’t believe that you’re going to see some pulse-pounding metal god screaming his lungs out. | ||
| One unique difference this band presents is the enchanting melodies crafted during several long instrumental segments. The exquisite musicianship showcased during these periods in the set show where this band shines, punctuated more forcefully when coupled with a venue’s professional lighting kit; these intelligently imagined symphonies headed by Bass’ sheer expertise with the effects, then coupled with the adroit assistance of the other members of the band (including Netzley’s use of a vintage keyboard) ratchet up the intensity of the set bringing to mind such magical live experiences from Radiohead and such even in the vein of Pink Floyd. | ||
| If you dig some of the more aggressive alternative rock artists on the scene, these guys may not be for you. If your tastes tend to skew more toward the Radiohead-like genres of music, then this band is a must to check out. | ||
| On the web at http://www.sputnikmonroe.com. | ||
| The Joint 8771 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 |
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©
2003-2004 - Myracleworks Engineering Group/Aaron D. Settipane - ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED |
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