i4Ni

SPINESHANK

STATIC

IGR

at The Rock

By Lexie

How I spent my Florida vacation:

Despite the demands of full-blown Dodger-mania, I made time to trek to Orlando to visit Race Rock, a sparkling new attraction which is just what its name implies. Co-owner Michael Andretti's Indy race car revolves over the bar as hip fans imbibe to the sounds of highest quality hard rock. Leaning against the display of a champion sprint car while enjoying wave upon wave of heavy music, I could only conclude this is the place for me.

Once again back in L.A., sadly there is no Race Rock. But there is The Rock! So off I went. . .

Rock temperature was rising rapidly as IGR fire-bombed the room with their chunky, growly heaviness. IGR's angry energy proved irresistible as the band leaped and stomped with unrestrained power. IGR's standout, "Big Teeth," actually evokes images of its title with a gnawing, gnashing, crunching kind of sound. Without question this band fits firmly in the mold of contemporary hard music, but IGR shows many flashes of individual identity with will soon grow into a completely distinctive band personality.

Long-favorites i4Ni made their victorious return to the scene complete with a talented new drummer in the fold. Though i4Ni's signature ramrod slam was more apparent than ever, their music's groove felt smoother and subtly more pronounced. i4Ni's legendary double A+ musicianship was fully in effect, but it didn't deter their ability to relax and have fun with the crowd - and fun, of course, is the prime attraction at the always-packed Rock!

While widely renowned for mass-moshers like "Epidemic," i4Ni used this performance to unveil some intriguing new facets. "Face Full O' Me" slowed the pace with a sturdy, deliberate groove which accented the versatility of the rapped/sung vocals. Most remarkable was "Chains," a beautifully melodic urban ballad, one so gently-crafted that the ever-active i4Ni actually sat (!) for its delivery. Ardent Rock patrons were surprised but obviously appreciative. Soon the pit raged again for hip-hop hard-rock favorite "Parabellum," offering a fever-pitched conclusion and a fitting "welcome back" to this always outstanding band.

Evidentially much of The Rock crowd attended for i4Ni and many filed out after their set. That's too bad because lots of great music was yet to come.

SPINESHANK is a rapidly rising new band who has, I think, fully developed their niche in the heavy scene. The sounds of a hurricane gale signal the opening of "Stain" and are a good indication of Spineshank's music, which itself is a blast of ultra-weighty guitar and rapid-fire rhythm. Interspersed within Spineshank's demonic howls is genuine singing which offers an innovative counterpoint to their generally dark sound. "Novacaine" was particularly absorbing with its alternating rhythmic patterns and bone-shattering guitar.

Insightful fans eager to know more about Spineshank (and their coolest staunch supporters) should make a point of checking out the COAL CHAMBER website.

Rounding out an exceptional Rock evening were those stellar industrialists STATIC. No other band I know so successfully emphasizes infectious techno-styled beats without in any way diminishing their hard rock essence. Static, a three-piece unit of impeccable tightness, hammers hard on break-neck rhythms while using a mesmerizing musical complexity to avoid any sense of repetition. Static's precisely-phrased lyrics accent the music to a "t" and, particularly on "Bled For Days," reveal intelligent thought as well.

How long do you think it took me to notice Static's Wayne's Indy '96 t-shirt? Suffice it to say, we skipped right over discussion of Static's Ministry support and their impending indie deal and got straight to assessing Michael Andretti's chances at the Long Beach Grand Prix. (Damn good, agreed by all.) Talking racing while basking in the afterglow of a night of truly awesome music, I could only conclude this is the place for me. Rack Rock indeed!

The Rock provided me a much needed, best possible, reminder that L.A. is fun, too. Now, Rock, about hanging that sprint car over the bar. . .