The
Key Club opens for the Pre-Warped Tour Party
By Naughty Mickie
notymickie@earthlink.net
Ah, where do the beautiful people
go on a Friday night? For me, not too many Fridays
ago, it was to the Key Club... or at least it looked
that way when I stepped out of the elevator into the
venue's second floor to go into the VIP lounge.
The room was wall-to-wall with
media, musicians and managers. I mingled with
members from bands such as the Fabulous Rudies (love
these guys!) and shared a few moments with Warped
Tour founder Kevin Lyman. Then I grabbed up a spot
on the couch with Beat Union and we chatted about
instruments, touring, writing and their new effort.
Finally it was time to make our way upstairs for the
show.
Broadway Calls was first up on
the stage and these boys rocked it hard. I was
totally unfamiliar with their music, but soon found
myself able to catch on and sing along with the
choruses. Their well-written grooves made their way
into my head.. and heart... and I hope to see these
guys, not only on Warped Tour, but other concerts
yet to come.
3Oh!3 is a rap duo that is just a
tad off-kilter. They're weird and aggressive and -
dare I say it ? - maybe just a bit too whitebread
for their chosen genre. I know this group is making
waves, but I don't quite get it. The audience seemed
split as well with some totally into the
performance, while others just seemed to be bearing
with it. And then, there were those, like me, who
just laughed at the fun, but aren't about to run out
and buy their record.
Katy Perry is sweet, saucy and
sexy. At first I didn't quite know what to make of
her-- she seemed to have her own quirky style which
didn't fit her music. Then the more I listened, the
more I liked. Her voice isn't fantastic, but she
knows what to do with what she has. Her lyrics were
fun and interesting. And she's definitely not afraid
of being a part of the "boy's club." Katy- keep it
going grrrl!
Beat Union was what I came for
and I was not disappointed. This British punky/edgy
band delivered their songs with such energy that the
crowd was moved to cheers. I really like this band--
their sound is rooted in the familiar, but still
manages to be truly fresh. The lyrics and music is
very well written and offers new perspectives on
what could easily be the same-old. I've recently
interview Beat Union, so keep watching DaBelly.com
for their story, as well as another review of their
show at the Warped Tour... Look for me, I'll be in
the front row of their stage!
The Aggrolites rock. Need I say
more? This is one of my favorite bands so it's
almost unfair for me to review them, still, I looked
around and the audience was thrilled. To further
prove my point, members of the local band, The
Sheds, were in attendance and making their way to
the front of the stage. Before you say, "Hey, that's
rude to push through the crowd," I'll clarify that
The Sheds is a trio of elementary/middle school
boys, the youngest just a head above the stage. I
was happy to let them get in front of me so they
could enjoy the show. And enjoy they did! The
Aggrolites gave out their ska, reggae, upbeat
grooves, holding nothing back and turning the crowd
into one big dancing thing. Their performance left
us wanting, which is how it should be, so I know
they're destined to be a Warped Tour favorite.
See you at Warped Tour, Pomona!
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