Cincinnati Rock foursome American Hardcore is set to release its first album Saturday in conjunction with a live show at Downtown's alchemize. 6 Sigma and Bluf open.
The band's self-titled debut is a loving throwback to the debauched, mascara-drenched days of Metal when the music crossed over from Big Hair pomp-and-stomp to the Guns 'N' Roses-nudged grit-and-rumble; when too-much hairspray and pink, glittery scarves were replaced by leather jackets and bandanas and the music went in a more grounded, less "Glam" direction. American Hardcore actually most resemble Mötley Crüe, who managed to successful straddle both "eras." The band aptly calls its approach "songs to drive fast to ... music to fuck to," as they mesh thunderous rhythms, thick and meaty guitar riffage and strutting, heavy songs about (mostly) sex and girls. The music is predictable yet expertly played, the melodies are infrequently memorable and the vocals tend to be too thin at various moments on the disc. But, for the most part, this is "Big Dumb Rock" done well. Though there is certainly a timeless quality to this kind of close-to-the-bone Rock & Roll, American Hardcore are the kind of band who might have been the kings of the Sunset Strip in 1987. In 2005, they are a refreshing reminder of Rock & Roll's eternal "bad attitude," a pleasurable form of escapism drenched in an intoxicating swagger. (americanhc.com)
Green Gigs
It's a safe bet that if you're out bar-hopping Thursday, you're going to have a hard time avoiding St. Patrick's Day madness.
We suggest you just give in to the green and get McWasted to the sounds of some of the area's finest musicians, Celtic or otherwise.
· The Dubliner in Pleasant Ridge is geared up for it's always spirited, all-day St. Patrick's shindig. For their seventh annual party, the music and revelry goes from 1 p.m. until midnight and includes local acts Liam's Fancy, Bodhi Fannin & Anam Cara, Roger Drawdy and The Firestarters, The Hiberian Pipe Band and The McGing Irish Dancers (who we predict will be very tired by the time the day is done).
· Bodhi Fannin & Anam Cara are pulling triple-duty Thursday, starting the day at the Claddagh Irish Pub in Mason (beginning at noon) and closing it out at 10 p.m. at the Claddagh Pub at Newport on the Levee (with the Dubliner gig sandwiched in between).
· Eternal Celtic masters Silver Arm start the day off at the Cincinnati Public Library's main branch in Downtown Cincy (at 11:45 a.m. with those McGing Dancers ... see?), before taking over Jack Quinn's in Covington at 3:30 p.m. Local Jam/Rock band Grand Oversoul play Jack Quinn's Emerald Ballroom later that night.
· Downtown, Arnold's will feature Irish-flavored sets from The Blue Rock Boys (6 p.m.) and The Flock (8 p.m.) and plenty of Irish culinary "delights."
· At C.C.'s Showcase in Middletown on Friday, it's hair-of-the-dog time as Alpha Dawg Recordings presents a "St. Patty's Lost Weekend" party. Performing at the 8 p.m. show are area Roots/Americana acts The JW Laswell Trio and Uncle Daddy and the Family Secret, plus some Celtic sounds from Trenton's Michael D. Myers. Kettering's Dancers for Life will add some period-costumed Celtic and medieval dances and organizers have several other fun activities planned for the night. (alphadawgrecords.com)
More Local Notes
· Local Modern Rock troupe MOTH performs Friday at the Southgate House. The band plans to play songs from their forthcoming album, Drink You Pretty, which is due this spring on the H&B Recordings imprint. The band also looks a little different these days. Founder Brad Stenz recently added Eric Diedrichs of Cari Clara on guitar. Diedrichs (cryptically referred to only as "The Billionaire" on the band's Web site) replaces longtime member Bob Gayol. (themothwebsite.com)
· Habañero restaurant in Clifton turns into a sound lab on Friday night. The eatery's "Coldwell Sessions" features local avant-garde musical artists Realicide and David William Confidential, plus Worm Hand from Missouri and Broken Tape, No Choir from Tennessee. Sounds start at 11 p.m., the show is all ages and admission is $5.
· New local label Phratry Records presents a mini-label-showcase at Crush on Friday. Phratry artists Humans Bow Down (who are getting good reviews for their stunning debut, A Mirror) and Caterpillar Tracks (who are consistently touring behind their own excellent debut) will be joined by Hilltop Distillery for the 9 p.m. show. (phratryrecords.com)
· Pop rockers Gravy8 are reuniting for one show this Friday at the York Street Café. It is the band's first gig in two years with the original lineup. Emily Strand and The Town and Screaming Mimes also perform.
