The Big Gun Show Not Engaging Us In A Screw Job

The Big Gun Show's live rendition of Screw Job really does hit all the right notes for Saxon Pub enthusiasts. Gunter's singing has never been more smoky and accessible. The guitar work at the bridge is nothing short of top notch, the kind of thing Saxon Pub pub crawlers crave. As usual the harmonies gel nicely, not a note out of place or wasted efforts put forth. The drumming is a combination of laid back and authoritative. He bats the sticks like he owns the place. Just look at the smirk on his face while he's at work. He knows his stuff and doesn't mind telling you how much of a legend in his own mind he thinks he is. This band is the epitome of easy going but never complacent. They always give the people what they want in spades and it really pays off for them in spades. Whoever was at the Saxon Pub that night definitely got its money's worth. Liquor appears to be a common theme in its work, with bourbon and gin taking center stage here. Saxon Pub attendants should feel right at home with that concept. Nursing that gin and tonic while bemoaning a lost love sounds like familiar territory for anybody frequenting the facility. Maybe bring a few friends for a joint misery loves company session. Pretzels in the snack bowl. Good old cold beer on tap in the fridge for anyone whose tastes run to Budweiser rather than a smashing zinfindel or harder than hard liquor. Having corresponded with the man himself I can tell you Gunter would give you the shirt off his back if you asked him for it. His band has the mojo needed to rope in repeat customers time and again. I am proud to have reviewed this band's many tracks each one a sonic revelation of epic proportion. If you haven't checked them out by now, what are you waiting for? You're missing out on a good thing in full flower.

Knocked Loose A Bit Too Lifeless For My Taste

Oldham, Kentucky's own Knocked Loose knows its way around Cookie Monster vocals. Just ask vocalist Bryan Garris. He's got the whole thing down pat throughout the band's "Deadringer" a showcase for Kevin "Pacsun" Kane's skin work. Lamentably it's the only really strong aspect of the song. The vocals are too gruff too be palatable. The pacing is uneven at times which detracts from the listener's ability to have a chance to truly appreciate the artistry at work here. Macabre lyrics like "I have dreams of dancing with the dead but my feet won't keep the tempo. A circus of ants. My feet won't follow suit. My tombstone was made at birth. My coffin is on my back. Wrapped in chains I carry burden. Dressed in chains I carry burden. Dressed in tarnished rags I carry burden." Very heavy stuff to absorb. The musicianship does gel well but its a shame the content is so garbled that you don't get a clear enough picture of what could have been a rewarding experience. I feel sorry that I couldn't serve up a nicer review given the potential for greatness is there. It really has a tight sound when it sets its mind to do so. Kevin Otten lays down some cool bass riffs that, again, are wasted on material that is not up to snuff. Isaac Hale lead guitar and vocals add some zip to the proceedings. He's got what it takes to thrive on the stage at this level but again the material isn't up to the level on display. Cookie Monster vocals are so new millennium. A modern upgrade would be nice but I don't see one coming for this group. Not if "Deadringer" is any indication.