Having never been to Club Kristal, we weren’t sure what to expect. When it was Sneakers, there were cool band logos painted on the walls and a drum kit sticking out of one wall, with Peter Criss (and later Tommy Lee) behind it. When it was Odyssey, the walls were decorated with psychedelic alien landscapes.
Odyssey WallsNow the walls are decorated with contour drawings of people dancing. It still retains the important features...a large dance floor, a large stage, large bathrooms, good service...
Now, forgive me if I don’t have a lot to say about each band. I was so distracted by the fact that I was once again in my old home away from home that I didn’t focus as closely on the bands as I usually do. I kept looking around to see what was the same and what had changed, who was there, etc. But they all sounded great and it was just an all-around awesome show!
The first band up was Brothers Keep. I hadn’t heard of them until I found the listing for this show, so I’m unfamiliar with their songs. But what impressed me the most were the guitar melodies...very beautiful but still with a heavy beat. Loved it.
Brothers KeepNext up was Muncy’s Nurse. What I liked most about them was the hypnotic rhythms. All of their songs are very rhythmic, making you want to move and groove. The singer is very hyper, all over the stage; he seems to be having a blast! The highlight of their set was when they pulled out a vihuela and played a very mariachi-oriented, but still very rockin’, number. Highly impressive.
The Only Decent Pic I Got of Muncy's NurseMy only complaint about their set was the overuse of the fog machine, because (a) I only got one decent picture...all the rest just looked like a bunch of smoke, and (b) I’m recovering from a pretty severe case of bronchitis where for a week I felt like there was a boa constrictor wrapped around my chest and they were killing me!
Open ChapterGreat performance from the third band, Open Chapter. I saw them before at Rock City Bar, but I think this show really proved what they can do. The larger stage may have had a lot to do with it. Emanuel on vocals was much more animated and talkative. I absolutely love his voice. If I had to describe it, I’d say it was a cross between Sully Erna of Godsmack and Chris Cornell, if you can picture that - he can hit the deep booming notes and move into the high gritty sounds with no problem...never a foul note. Also, great drum solo, reminiscent of the solos Neil Peart used to do with Rush - all hands, no sticks - sounded great!
Open Chapter Drum SoloHeadlining was Structure. I’ve been wanting to check these guys out for a long time now. They’re one of the first bands I contacted when I started this blog, because I had heard their stuff and wanted one of their songs for my jukebox, and they were kind enough to comply. Their sound was thus no surprise to me...straight-forward rock-n-roll, very tight, very talented. What impressed me the most was their professionalism. Despite the fact that the club had emptied out somewhat due to it being a weeknight, they treated the crowd as though it was a huge crowd at a big amphitheater. They knew just what to say between songs and had all the moves of seasoned professionals.
StructureThey were just so in sync with each other and passionate about what they were doing that their enthusiasm couldn’t help but spread to the audience as they moved around the stage in perfect harmony with each other and with the music. Great rhythms, great guitar, high energy. What crowd remained was riveted. They definitely deserve a larger audience and have the potential to “make it.”
Structure AgainAwesome show, and I’m looking forward to more of the same. Next week at Club Kristal (I still want to call it Sneakers) will be Lokey, Meek, When Words Attack (formerly Scary Manilow) and Get the Belt (or G.T.B.). Please, if you can, come out and show your support for a great new venue for local music in San Antonio!