Put together the reggae rock of Sublime and the funk rock of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and you'll get something like El Sancho. They really mix it up - every song sounds different, and I love that. I was talking to some of the guys after their set, and they told me that they're always writing new songs and that they play a different setlist at every show. That's cool - keep it fresh - you never know what to expect! You also never know what instrument they're going to pull out. They had bongos, maraccas, a tambourine, a vibraslap and something else that I missed.
I tried to buy one of their CD's, but I took too long to get over to the table and when I got there, the CD's were gone. They promised to send me some mp3's e-mail, and when I get them, you'll be able to hear one of their songs on the jukebox. In the meantime, you can listen to two of their songs on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/elsanchomusic.
I did get a CD from the next band, Open Chapter, and as soon as I decide which song I like best, they'll be on the jukebox, too. You can also hear their music on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/openchapter.
The guys in Open Chapter are very young and have a lot of potential. The singer has a great gritty voice and a good range. Some really cool-sounding harmonies with the guitarist. The bass player is way hyper - I kept waiting for him to knock out the singer with his bass! My only complaint is that I'd like to hear a little more variety within and between songs. Change it up a little...different rhythms, more complicated riffs, etc. It's things like that which make a song catchy, memorable, make it stick in your head, make you want to hear it again. Other than that, good modern alternative rock sound. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.
Next up, Sintense. These guys sent me a CD a while back, and I've been trying to get out to see them ever since, and I finally made it. I'm so glad I did. It was a great show!
Sintense has a great alternative rock sound, mixing heavy driving songs like "Probandt" (my fave) and "4 O'Clock Rush" with a bit more mellow tunes like the rock ballad "Define Happy" and the almost classical-sounding "Julias Tune". The singer, Dex, is extremely energetic, damn near moshing on stage. That boy needs a much larger stage! Here I kept waiting for him to take out the bass player! Great guitar and bass riffs from Paul and Ike. Bernabe jammed on the drums. I think, if given the chance, these guys could make it far.
They also have a pretty large following. I've never seen Rock City so packed. About mid-set, I looked over at the far wall and realized that it had become standing room only in there. They definitely have a loyal (and violent) fan base...one guy kept threatening to kick their asses if they didn't play one more song. They ended up doing several encores!
You can listen to "Probandt" on the Flash jukebox above. They also have 4 other songs up on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/sintense. "Define Happy" will be on the upcoming Edge Magazine compilation CD. Also, they're now playing "4 O'Clock Rush" on KISS, so call up and request it!
Guest blogger Alfonso was also at the show and did an interview with the guys from Sintense, which should be up on here sometime tonight, so watch for that.
When to catch 'em:
Sintense will be at Broadway Brew Haus September 22nd, at Bonds 007 Rock Bar September 30th and again on October 7th, then back at Rock City Bar on October 28.
Open Chapter will be doing a Hurricane Katrina benefit at Sam's Burger Joint September 24th with The Naos Project and Hazik. They'll be at Sam's again on October 21st. You can also catch them at Nightmare on Grayson October 14th and 29th.
I don't have any future dates right for El Sancho, but I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for them so I can go catch a full set!