On stage, Fishbone performs like an aged fighter backed into a corner and down on points. At the High Noon Saloon in Madison on Friday night, the band reinforced their reputation as uncompromising musical pioneers and thick-headed stalwarts even as bar-band doom stares them in the face. Continue reading
When the definitive star-making moment came for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in 2001, the group’s big chance slipped away. No matter. During Wednesday night’s concert in Madison, Wis., the band emphasized that they’re going to continue to persevere and do the hazy, distorted music even if they never make it big. Continue reading
California freak-folk ambassadors Vetiver might be one of underground rock’s best kept secrets, but the quintet’s concert on Tuesday night proved this shouldn’t be the case for much longer. Continue reading
With the release of their terrific last record in 2008, it was uncertain if Philadelphia retro-rockers Dr. Dog were really a stupefying, sometimes exhilarating mishmash of ’60s tribute bands who had unexpectedly struck gold or if they were something more. The band is now road testing a batch of new material in a short preview tour of North America and the new tunes only deepen the mystery. Continue reading
Long stuck in the shadow of the metal titans Queens of the Stone Age, the Eagles of Death Metal have so primed their swaggering, rock ‘n’ roll engine that no one will mistake them for a hot-rod side project again. Their recent concert in Madison, Wis., demonstrates their groove-oriented tunes can shake hips as well as preconceptions. Continue reading
For all the jokiness inherent in the Melvins’ music, many might think fate has played the ultimate joke on the hardcore/metal pioneers. After all, 20 years is a long time to follow an artistic vision with meager results. But the group proved on Sunday night’s concert in Madison, Wis., that being eclipsed by Nirvana and other grunge grandmasters hasn’t tamed their sonic firepower or their sense of humor. Continue reading
Soundbytes Music Column 