03.15.2001 - Japanese Metal
Fantasy's Core, Wrench,
Rain, Jimi Lee Band
Here it comes... some of the most kick ass heavy metal
music I have ever heard.
Who? Where are they from? JAPAN!!!!
The new invasion of Japanese metal is here at SXSW and it
was the best show I have seen in years. These guys and gals know how to rock.
Well crafted guitar riffs, driving bass undertones and in
some cases two drum kits to keep the rhythm and tempo of the music.
The groups we were lucky enough to catch were Fantasy's
Core from Nagasaki City and Wrench from Tokyo.
These groups were hot, and by the attitude and composure of
the crowd, it was obvious that we were not the only ones who enjoyed it.
During a break from watching the Japanese acts were
wandered into two other clubs that were not SXSW venues, but honored our badges none the
less, and we got to see two really good - yet different acts.
At Fat Tuesday, we saw a band called Rain
that mixed southern rock lines with a touch of metal overtones. Not a hard edge to
the metal, just enough to give the music a rebel quality.
Moving down to a club whose name now escapes me, we were
drawn in by the guitar and blues sounds spilling out into Sixth Street. The band was
both joining and yet standing out from the cacophony of sound that bombards you as you
move down Sixth during SXSW.
Entering the club, we just absorbed the sounds of the Jimi
Lee Band. This rockabilly-meets-the-blues band just grabs you and sucks you
into the obvious pleasure they get from performing.
The rockabilly guitar and the impassioned harmonica blend
with a driving bass to nearly drive you to dance uncontrollably - this band rocks the
house.
Many audience members would just jump up and grab a partner
and start dancing. Although it did get difficult to dance when the solos got going on the
guitar and harmonica.
Rick & Richard at SXSW
