SLAMMys: Week 2: Night 1 Recap

[Local Music] Last night's SLAMMys metal/hardcore showcase at Addicted Cafe almost went off without a hitch. I showed up around 7, dragging along a friend who insisted she doesn't like "loud" music. Come on, I said. You need to free your mind! She left after one God's Revolver song. So they're not for everyone, but man did they deliver some much needed catharsis for the end of this hectic work week. In fact, I could only finish one of two tasty vegan sloppy joes before the rock successfully stole my attention.

I tried out the new City Weekly camera, trying to capture all of the action but often losing track of both God's Revolver and I Am the Ocean's lead singers who roamed the floor in front of Addicted's raised corner stage throughout each of their sets.

I Am the Ocean was tiiiight. Guess touring more than half the year really helps a band's chops. Perhaps more impressive--the star-struck fans circling the stage floor, mouthing the words to nearly every song. The front row mainly featured cute young girls who were downright salivating over the young musicians who are "not metal or hardcore," as bassist Jeremy pointed out. Yes, we know. But we can't have specialized labels for every group in town. It's a loose category, for continuity's sake. And, sad to say, the general public doesn't know the difference between metal-core, grind-core, screamo, metal, etc.

The evening closed with Salt Lake City hardcore band Tamerlane who performed about two songs before the packed audience before some jerk got out of control and punched (!) Addicted Cafe owner Kelly's wife in the face. Half the crowd chased him out into the street, ostensibly to teach him a lesson and Kelly, understandably, asked Tamerlane to cut their set short. I was behind the cafe counter with one of Addicted's friendly employees. Though the room was soon covered in tense, uncomfortable silence, he was nice enough to ask if I still wanted my hot chocolate with soy.
A grim end to an otherwise killer evening.

I still suggest checking out Tamerlane whose solid instrumentation and double-team vocals left me wanting more. Here's to controlling yourself and having respect for others. (Jamie Gadette)