Thanks to Darren for this great review from Jack's Saturday November 12th:
I came to Jack's Patio Bar & Grill on Saturday, November 12 for another taste from the Monkeysoop stock pot of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, old Rush, Mr. Bungle and sci-fi film score influences. However, my stomach cried out for food and that hunger diverted me to the Pizza Italia next door before their set. While ordering, awaiting and eating my chicken lasagna, I unfortunately missed their set. They later told me it featured their newer, even more way-out material with strange time signatures.
Monkeysoop was Act I in The Edge-sponsored event that began at 8:30. The others, in order of appearance, were Seven Perfect, The Addictions, Desdemona and the Jolly Garogers. The music was mostly from the punk and alternative categories.
Seven Perfect was more punk pop and alternative rock. I believe Seven Perfect's lead guitarist is classically trained from how he held and fingered his guitar. However, he kept the flash on a leash. Although somewhat subdued his talent shined, especially on part of one song where he played an arpeggiated pattern similar to a keyboard sequencer effect.
The punk rocking Addictions displayed a Sex Pistols influence. The lead guitarist sang like Johnny Rotten, played some impressive blues riffs, and shared vocals with the frontwoman who also served as a third guitarist. The other guitarist was also remarkably skillful. The band did a cover of Motley Crue's "Livewire" that topped the original.
The riot grrrl-y Desdemona had a respectable female guitarist and was fronted by another woman with some demonic eyes like Vampirella's. Without question girl power was in the house on Saturday night. One of their rave-ups was "Make My Name 'Whore'."
The pirate-costumed punk/pop metal Jolly Garogers opened their set with a rendition of "Blow The Man Down." Their intoxicating mixture of talent and humor recalled Scatterbrain. Their set featured props, incredibly tight musicianship and hilarious and dead-on impersonations of pirates, David Lee Roth, a stuttering man on quaaludes and an employee calling in absent with a lame excuse. The Edge magazine's table had no Jolly Garogers CD. I guess the compilation will have to do until one is available. Arggh!
The above bands and numerous others are featured on The Edge magazine's CD compilation The Real Texas Edge: Vol. 3.
Covering San Antonio's music scene since 2005