Originally published in February 2011
In the years I've been writing Rock Reports and my thoughts on area bands for this publication, I have been approached by many of them to come and check them out.
I make an effort to check most, if not all of them, either by attending a show or checking out their websites and/or materials submitted. In trying to maintain a certain degree of quality and showcase the best that we as a scene have to offer, not everyone makes "the cut". Cover bands playing the same repertoire of Journey, Crue, Buckcherry, etc., don't spark much interest from me anymore. No matter how "killer" they think they are, unless they truly are doing something out of the ordinary, there are bands just like them in every town/city across the USA so [for me] there isn't any uniqueness or anything 'Chicago' about them.
With original bands, there are a number of remarkable acts out there. Some are however, simply not good enough at the time, and just need more polishing of their act so I pass on them. Others play well and have good songs but don't get the opportunity to play in venues that will allow them to not only fully showcase their abilities, but to present them in a flattering and desirable manner. It doesn't matter how good anyone may be, but seeing them playing by a kitchen door, with a chicken wing/beer special posted behind them does not exactly scream - "We're Rock Stars. Come check us out!". That reason keeps them from making the cut as there isn't much to look at in those instances. Finally, there's the trainwrecks which are just not worth my time even thinking about them.
I make an effort to check most, if not all of them, either by attending a show or checking out their websites and/or materials submitted. In trying to maintain a certain degree of quality and showcase the best that we as a scene have to offer, not everyone makes "the cut". Cover bands playing the same repertoire of Journey, Crue, Buckcherry, etc., don't spark much interest from me anymore. No matter how "killer" they think they are, unless they truly are doing something out of the ordinary, there are bands just like them in every town/city across the USA so [for me] there isn't any uniqueness or anything 'Chicago' about them.
With original bands, there are a number of remarkable acts out there. Some are however, simply not good enough at the time, and just need more polishing of their act so I pass on them. Others play well and have good songs but don't get the opportunity to play in venues that will allow them to not only fully showcase their abilities, but to present them in a flattering and desirable manner. It doesn't matter how good anyone may be, but seeing them playing by a kitchen door, with a chicken wing/beer special posted behind them does not exactly scream - "We're Rock Stars. Come check us out!". That reason keeps them from making the cut as there isn't much to look at in those instances. Finally, there's the trainwrecks which are just not worth my time even thinking about them.
|
Having said that, the band West 34 falls into one of those groups. They first contacted me a little over a year ago [if I'm not mistaken]. They have been primarily a cover band performing "deep cut classic rock and blues covers" with "...a little bit of Surf Rock thrown in just because we dig it", as stated in their website profile. In addition to that, they also had been working on original material which they wanted to incorporate into their regular show. I listened to their music online and thought they were pretty decent, but because of logistical & scheduling issues, had been unable to see them in the flesh. That is until now. I had the opportunity to meet and see the band perform at an original music showcase on January 27th 2011 @ John Barleycorn in Schaumburg. The band, made up by Dave Johnson & Tim Majewski on guitars/lead vocals, Aaron Allan on drums/vocals and Tony Melnick on bass guitar, took to the stage shortly after 9:30 P.M. and without much hesitation, went straight into a repertoire which not only included and showcased their original material, but also featured a few covers which I actually enjoyed in this case as it gave me a much better perspective into what they have done and how it has influenced their writing. West 34's style is most definitely rock but with a very strong blues influence to it both musically and lyrically. With songtitles such as 'All I Want Is You', 'Politricks', 'Cost of Peace' & 'Broken Bones' the band kept it pretty real while keeping things musically entertaining with strong hooks and songs that can stand on their own. The set also included [as covers] Jeff Beck's Led Boots, Albert King's version of 'Play The Blues For You', a surf medley which I understand is pretty popular with the band's following and was very nicely done, in addition to a jazzy improv tune which really showed how tight and musically tasteful is the band. |
|
|
Their musical performance was very good. As I mentioned, the band is tight and incredibly tasteful. Dave Johnson is not only a very accomplished guitarist, but also played keys, sang on some songs and played the trumpet on a number of tunes which really added a new dynamic to the songs and set the band apart from others in the genre. Tim Majewski's vocals were clean, soulful and didn't take a backseat to his playing which shined when it needed to and locked into a groove the remainder of the time. Aaron Allan's drumming was energetic, precise and the guy actually sang really well. Tony Melnick's low end was very clear, fluid and along with Allan's beat, was the machine that kept things tight and 'in-the-pocket' throughout the performance. As good as the band was musically, and as interesting and fun Johnson is to watch as a performer, the overall show was lacking a certain level of enthusiasm and intensity that I have come to expect out of a rock show. Now don't get me wrong, I think West 34 is a great band but I would have liked to have seen Majewski step it up and take a more assertive approach as frontman. Perhaps it was just this show. I don't know. I still liked them, enjoyed their music and have no reservations in recommending them as one of Chicago's quality rock acts. West 34 is quite active in the area. You can get more information on the band, upcoming shows, song samples and more, by visiting them online at: www.west34.com www.reverbnation.com/west34 www.facebook.com/West34Band |
