Saint Rich - Rusty Maples -- DC9 - Jul 27 2014

Rusty Maples - I have not seen a Las Vegas band, since I hung around there in the punk community some thirty years back. Thankfully, Rusty Maples is several cuts above that of Subterfuge in both quality and style. What I thought might be a good indie rock band turned into a great little group of rockers with fine songs and a high end style. I really focused on the rhythm section as they created a fast and rollicking environment for the lead guitarist to run around in with busy and unique patterns. The singer had a powerful voice and added acoustic guitar to steady things a bit. But not too much, as this band had a sense of danger even as the overall tone of their songs was comforting. Yet they were loud and intense as everything came together. They definitely went over well with the small Sunday night crowd tonight. This was their first time out east and if they stick to their guns, they will be back many times more with even bigger crowds who know their name.

Saint Rich - Spirit was a fabulous band that is rather forgotten about these days, although many have read about the recent lawsuit regarding Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway to Heaven'. Perhaps it is the lead guitarist's height and somewhat big hairstyle that reminds me of Randy California. But also, this band does a lot of the things a second generation Spirit might do today. Randy California was a great guitarist and the guitar work here is innovative and excellent. Both bands had a rootsy style with an understanding of exploratory pop and rock styles as well. Clearly Saint Rich is a smart bunch that can handle pop songs with a post punk approach that is more intellectual than musically showy. This was a great introduction to this music that keeps the intellectual side working, while rocking out. This was a quite a showcase of upcoming talent tonight, for those that made it out on a steamy Sunday evening.

Quote of the Night, or rather another installment on the best/worst musician on musician insults...

14. Noel Gallagher on Jack White
“He looks like Zorro on doughnuts.”