M.G.M. R.O.C.K's Palatine!
Report and Photos by Mario Salazar
It was a rainy Saturday in mid-September at the popular Durty Nellie's in Palatine, and the entertainment for the night was in charge of Machines Gone Mad. They are a local band from the Arlington Heights area who play a variety of music which includes mainstream rock covers and original music. This was my 2nd opportunity to see them live, and the band did so well tonight that I'm not sure it's the same group of guys I watched some 4 months earlier elsewhere.
The band, led by Darrel Kathan on lead vocals, initially comes across as a bunch of goofballs that are just having fun on stage rather than on the floor, but the truth of the matter is that they are very accomplished and experienced musicians that not only play well but are very good entertainers who put a good amount of work and effort into their show.
On this particular show the band performed a variety of songs ranging from Zepellin's "Inmigrant Song", to Prince's "Kiss" and the popular but incredibly overplayed "Crazy Bitch" from the likes of Buckcherry among others. I particularly enjoyed their original material which included the song "Last Breath", a fairly mainstream rocker with catchy melodies and lush vocals, which the crowd present appeared to like as well. Whereas on the original material or on a Journey cover, the band shined with Kathan's vocals cutting thru the rock solid, tight sonic groove provided by David's bass and Eric's drumming, and the soaring, melodic licks courtesy of the very talented Lenny V. on lead guitar.
My only "bone" or complaint for the night, was the fact that they didn't play more original material and wish their set had been longer as I really enjoyed watching them perform. If you like mainstream rock and can appreciate a mix of cover and original material from your night's entertainment, then Machines Gone Mad would be a nice addition to your list of options. For additional information on the band regarding future dates, song samples and such, visit them online at www.myspace.com/machinesgonemad or www.machinesgonemad.com
Enjoy the photos and I'll see you next time.