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Tulsa Rocks! Thursday's Pre-Party Features Tulsa's Talent

4/26/2015

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The Greater Tulsa area is home to over a million people, two universities, and an astounding number of fantastic bands from a wide variety of genres.  Much of that will be on display on Thursday at the Campground Pre-Party, ranging from the acoustic sounds of Skytown to the heavy grunge of Severmind.  While the regular Rocklahoma pitch might be “three days of amazing bands," the truth is that Thursday, while lacking in headliner power, is another evening of fantastic local Tulsa, Oklahoma, music.

Skytown

An acoustic hard rock band that really gets you moving, Skytown is an exciting way to get the night started. Skytown is not a new genre, but they are talented, sound great, and write really fun songs, the best of which is “The Drinking Song.”  Did I just give away too much about me?  Anyway, Skytown is definitely worth getting to Pryor on Thursday and starting your week off right.  And if you are someone who says “hell no, I don’t want any of that acoustic stuff,” get over yourself and come get wild at Skytown.  The following video is fun, but the audio does not do justice to how good this band really is.  Check out their Reverbnation or Facebook pages.

Dirty Crush

Following Skytown will be a completely different sound from alternative metal band Dirty Crush.   Their offering on Reverbnation gives a great example of the wide variety of music they have to offer.  With the songs “Lust,” “Pride,” “Wrath,” and “Envy,” this is a band that can entertain you no matter what you are in the mood for. "Lust" is an old style blues, soul song, while “Envy” kicks your ass.  The first song, “Intro,” is a wonderful instrumental song, reminiscent of one of my favorite songs of the past few years,  “Mescaline” by Mount Salem.  Dirty Crush is a veteran to Rocklahoma and adds to the enjoyment of the pre-party party.
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Fight The Fade

Dirty Crush gives way to heavy Fight The Fade, or FTF.  Fight the Fade really rocks, with the benefit of a talented front person with a great voice.  Probably my favorite song on their CD is "Rise," which is both powerful and inspirational.  FTF is known for exciting live shows and positive, uplifting lyrics, which I can really appreciate.  The songs I have listened to online are really enjoyable and I have enjoyed them all.  They have an Adele cover, which is really good, but I have to admit my favorite Adele cover so far was at Warped Tour when Ice Nine Kills covered "Someone Like You." That was quite the event. FTF uses keyboards in an outstanding way, really complementing rather than taking over.  Fight the Fade is an example of the amazing talent coming from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Check out their Reverbnation page. 
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Severmind

Now things get really heavy with the return of Rocklahoma veterans Severmind.  This band has all that wonderful Black Sabbath-esque darkness that I absolutely love in metal music.  If loud is your style, Severmind is your medicine.  Severmind has played Rocklahoma for a few years and I can totally see why they are invited back.  Bone crushing metal and ear-shattering rhythms are what these guys offer. “Tyrants Fall” is a great first taste.

The name Severmind refers to “intellect in the state of discord,” or when mind and body become separated.  The hard-core groove metal of Severmind is the perfect live music for completely losing yourself in the moment.  If you need to see some video, here is "Long Haul" live, but the audio just does not do them justice; go over to Reverbnation, or better yet, support the band and buy their newest release, Imminent Misfortune.
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Dryvr

Dryvr is next up on the lineup. Dryvr is one hell of a heavy-hitter. But they don’t just make noise.  They can do it all. Their new song "Pit" is fantastic. The song has a bit of everything: great guitar work, powerful vocals, and a driving rhythm.  And it comes with an outstanding video that seems to only be available on their Facebook page.

Dryvr has a lot of great music on Reverbnation.  I spent the afternoon listening and had no problem playing all the songs through again…..ok…..and again a third time.

"Pulse" is a power ballad and they pull it off as well as anyone. "Broken Glass" is a great song with a quality lyric video. Dryvr is in the running to play the Hard Rock Stage and they should definitely be given the chance.  The guys from Tulsa know how to make music.  I will definitely be there to enjoy it. 
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We The Ghost

We the Ghost is probably the most polished of the Tulsa bands playing on Thursday.  I am incredibly impressed with this band and wrote them up earlier as a must-see band when I was first looking over the preliminary lineups. You can read about We the Ghost here.
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Dan Adler was raised in Southern California to a mom and dad, one of whom appreciated Creedence and left wing anti-war politics.  By the teenage years, Dan became obsessed with Black Sabbath, listening to the same seven albums repeatedly for 5 years.  During this time, his favorite concert experience was seeing Metallica open for a bunch of bands that no longer exist and winning the 1st ever Santa Cruz Air Guitar contest.  After several years in Africa listening and dancing to Chimurenga music, Dan returned to have the two best children in the world, one of whom spends a lot of time at concerts with him.   What a lucky dad!
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Three Must See Bands for Sunday at ROK 15

4/23/2015

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For Sunday, the less well-known bands will have to get their own write-up later, and I have some great ideas of what to watch on the Axis and Retrospect Stages.  But Sunday has things I am really looking forward to, and these qualify for my must-see bands for day 4 of Rocklahoma (I will be around on Thursday for the campground party).

Breaking Benjamin

Wow, how long have we waited for this moment?  This has been one of the best bands for a long time, and BB fans have had to endure a seemingly endless period of time between shows.  But here we are, 2015 and the time has come. 

The band has gone through a lot of changes, with Benjamin Burnley as the only original member.  His new bandmates come with a lot of experience, like guitarist Kieth Wallen from Adelita’s Way and Jason Rauch from Red.  BB’s old stuff is top quality, and incredibly popular, with two platinum albums under their belt and some amazing awards and accomplishments.  How will things be with the new band?  Are we going to have the old sound with new musicians or will their own sound be stamped onto BB’s traditions?  With a new release, Dark Before Dawn, due out June 23rd, and a nationwide spring tour, Breaking Benjamin is back on the scene and I think just about every rock and roll fan is seriously looking forward to finding out what is in store.  The recently released “Failure” has been on YouTube only a few weeks and has over 2 million views.  This is going to be great.
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Breaking Benjamin has reconstituted and is ready to make some noise at Rocklahoma 2015

Motionless in White

I think this is my most anticipated set of the weekend because I always have an amazing time in a MIW pit.  I am a bit old for the pit, but MIW makes the bruises worth every minute.  I have had some epic times in the melee of Motionless in White pits. 

My favorite story of MIW is without-a-doubt Rocklahoma 2013, which I attended with my 14 year-old daughter.  So there was this guy Matt who was flirting with her the whole weekend, and I finally just went up and introduced the two of them during The Sword.  Cool dude, and we all talked and went our separate ways. (He was 15, nothing creepy here folks.) Anyway, I am thrashing in the pit to MIW several hours later while my daughter had pushed her way up front, when suddenly this teenage boy, thrown from several rows back, lands on my head.  We hit the deck together and gather our senses.  It’s Matt.  Crazy dude, if you want to meet my daughter, just talk to her, you don’t have to land on her dad’s head to set up a date!


I have seen MIW a few times since and their pits are active, intense, and respectful of old farts like me.  MIW music is perfect music for exercising the body and exorcising demons at the same time.  I just love the energy, intensity, and accessibility of the music.  The MIW genre has a lot of music I just cannot digest, but MIW themselves are awesome.  Get in the pit and I will see you there!

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Shaman's Harvest

My concert buddy and I, Hank Lujan,  agree that one of the best bands we listen to, yet have never seen live is Shaman’s Harvest.  I have yet to hear a song by Shaman’s Harvest that I have not really liked.  They have a great sound, and singer Nathan Hunt has a fantastic voice that sounds as good screaming as balladizing.

Shaman’s Harvest from Jefferson City, Missouri, is heavily influenced by the country sound.  Hunt could easily have been a country music star, but instead uses his incredible gift to front this fantastically talented band.  SH has been together for many years, with its first release back in 1999.  The amazing new CD, Smokin’ Hearts and Broken Guns is packed with dynamic sounds and intense lyrics.  It was during the recording sessions for this CD that Hunt was diagnosed with throat cancer, and according to his bio, this redirected his focus to making the best album of his life.  I believe that he has succeeded.  The songs are incredibly well written, and the instrumentation is fantastic.  However, what stands out is the multi-faceted vocals.  One part Five Finger Death Punch, one part country, and one part everything else, Hunt makes the perfect lead.  I am focused on not missing a second of this dynamic band.

“Dragonfly,” their most successful single AND       “Dangerous,” from the new album
There you have it; three bands for each of three days.  My next post will focus on Tulsa bands playing at Rocklahoma.  It would be a shame to be in Pryor, Oklahoma, and not experience the amazing local rock scene.  Thanks to the organizers of Rocklahoma; local talent has a chance to really shine for the out-of-town crowds.  And let me tell you a secret: Tulsa’s music scene is awesome.  Come back in soon and find out.
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Dan Adler was raised in Southern California to a mom and dad, one of whom appreciated Creedence and left wing anti-war politics.  By the teenage years, Dan became obsessed with Black Sabbath, listening to the same seven albums repeatedly for 5 years.  During this time, his favorite concert experience was seeing Metallica open for a bunch of bands that no longer exist and winning the 1st ever Santa Cruz Air Guitar contest.  After several years in Africa listening and dancing to Chimurenga music, Dan returned to have the two best children in the world, one of whom spends a lot of time at concerts with him.   What a lucky dad!
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Saturday's Hat Trick of Must-See Bands

4/16/2015

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Saturday is a bit unfair to someone choosing three must-see bands.  What if I told you Linkin Park, Volbeat and Halestorm?  But then again, I guess that would be like having an article that said, “Three must-do things today; Breathe, Eat and Drink!!”  I really don’t think that advice is necessary, regardless if it is true or not.  So to avoid sounding irrelevant, I think I will skip those bands and talk about them on another post. If you miss the three Saturday headliners, well, just don’t.

How about three bands you might not know that you must see?  Three bands that will be playing early in the day outside, or in the middle of the night at the Retrospect Stage, or even in the wee hours of the morning at the Jagermeister stage? 

LOVEBETTIE

THIS is a band that should be on your list right next to the top three on Saturday as
“a band to know.”  Lovebettie, from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, is that eclectic mix of rock and roll, blues, and fun, that will have you dancing in the streets [look out for the golf cart (if you’ve been to Rocklahoma, you’ll know what I mean)], and happy as a clam.  Nominated by Rolling Stone magazine as a “Band to Watch,” and given rave reviews for their EPs The Red Door and Rise, Lovebettie is the perfect band to get you in the mood to party in Pryor.  Pioneers of what they call “Swagger Rock,” Lovebettie has catchy fun tunes and a dynamic, talented frontwoman: Alexandra Naples.  Wait until you hear her sing. After you hear their set, I can guarantee you’ll be begging for more.

A live version of “Red Roses” can be seen here:
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There are some great tunes on their website, such as “Not Quite Right,” along with a few new songs, including “Follow.”

I will be there wherever Lovebettie is playing because there is no way I am missing this show.

SONS OF TEXAS

Okay, I am not big on cussing on this website, but HOLY SHIT!  This is a debut CD?  This band from a small town in South Texas is going to be big and you are going to have a chance to see them up close and personal before they become incredibly well known.  They are a mix of Pantera, Metallica, with a couple shots of ZZ-Top and a twist of Metalcore.  What a great sound they have developed for themselves!  Their debut CD, Baptized in the Rio Grande is 11 fantastic songs with enough energy to recharge your own batteries.  It is becoming my afternoon reinvigoration medicine when coffee just won’t do it anymore. 

Don’t miss the official video for the title track:
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Sons of Texas from small town South Texas
Get a sense of their harsher side by listening to “Bury the Hatchet,” and you will see why I am convinced it will not be long before this band is on the main stage.  Catch them this year.  In a couple of years, as you can tell from the music, it is going to be awful rough in that pit to get near the stage.

CROBOT

I will get to see Crobot in LA next week; however, I am sure the Viper Room show will only further convince me that their Oklahoma show will be amazing.  A definite not-to-be-missed Saturday experience, you can get a real taste for their mission by watching the video for “Legend of the Spaceborne Killer.”  This is not my favorite Crobot song, but sit in a comfortable chair and watch the video.  Ahhhh, you get it.  I have not decided if “Mano de Lucifer” or “Nowhere to Hide” is my favorite song, but regardless this is going to be some serious fun.

Crobot is from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, and has a short EP, but recently released their first full-length CD, Something Supernatural, which has a fantastic collection of music.  It is a sound which is as easily enjoyed in a moshpit as it is in a bean bag chair while half-conscious.  
Below is an official video for "Nowhere to Hide" from the new CD.  Next to that is, well, sit back, get comfortable, grab a beer, and enjoy.
In conclusion, Shaunt Sulahian was right; Crobot rocks!  Be there.

I managed today to write about three great bands on Saturday without even touching the truly unbelievable headliner offering in Pryor that night.  If Friday is a great way to start the weekend, Saturday is going to be epic.  After seeing so many great bands all day, we get to see Halestorm, Papa Roach and ......Linkin Park?  How does one get up on Sunday.....afternoon?  
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Dan Adler was raised in Southern California to a mom and dad, one of whom appreciated Creedence and left wing anti-war politics.  By the teenage years, Dan became obsessed with Black Sabbath, listening to the same seven albums repeatedly for 5 years.  During this time, his favorite concert experience was seeing Metallica open for a bunch of bands that no longer exist and winning the 1st ever Santa Cruz Air Guitar contest.  After several years in Africa listening and dancing to Chimurenga music, Dan returned to have the two best children in the world, one of whom spends a lot of time at concerts with him.   What a lucky dad!
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A Hat Trick of Bands for Friday at Rocklahoma 2015

4/14/2015

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By Dan Adler

Now that the daily lineup has been put up, there are a whole bunch of bands that were not listed on the original lineup that I am completely stoked to see.  Yes, Rocklahoma has an incredible lineup of big, popular bands, but it is the plethora of amazing talent off center stage that makes Rocklahoma an epic experience.

ViliFi

First and foremost there is ViliFi, whom I have seen at Rocklahoma the last two years, and thought I would not see again after a scheduling/lightning-induced mess-up that left Shain Honkonen and his band playing to a dozen people on the Axis Stage.  The 50,000 people inside at the time truly missed out.  ViliFi is a band composed of three of the most talented musicians you will ever find.  Honkonen is one of the best guitar players I have seen in modern rock music, and his writing and heart-felt lyrics need to be experienced to be believed.  This band is one that should be on the main stage and you are absolutely blowing it if you miss this act.  Wherever they play, they should play to a packed audience.  ViliFi’s first CD, Common Eyes, has been a highlight for me in the past few years.  Honkonen and company have been working on their sophomore effort and the sneak peaks on Facebook have been incredibly promising.

For a taste of this amazing band, hit their YouTube channel and listen to “Travail,”  “Anguish,” “Price I Have to Pay,” and “Better Days.”  There is a story behind every song to go with the absolutely stellar guitar work.
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Vilifi's Shain Honkonen, Jake Hogeland and Dylan Thomas from Merritt Island, Florida

KingShifter

Another band I have seen twice at Rocklahoma is KingShifter from Wichita, Kansas.  They played on the Axis Stage at mid-day, but also at 0-dark-30 at the Jagermesiter Stage.  Regardless of my exhaustion at 3 am, there was no dragging me away from this grungy, down-home growl.  I bought their CD and played it incessantly for weeks when I got home.  I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to experience some more live KingShifter.  Again, get your butts to their show.  Awesome, amazing, fun, unique, full of deep grooving riffs that will make you dance at 3 am like it is 10 pm.  They released a new CD, 26 Tons with the single “Peace of Mind.”  Check out the video:
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Wichita, Kansas-based KingShifter is coming back to Rocklahoma this year.

NICNOS

Oklahoma’s very own NICNOS is another top draw for me at this year’s event.  Nicnos brings their own fantastic “fusion folk rock” band that blends so many different styles into an auditory joy. Of course they played LA recently, and I missed it.  DAMN!!  How does that happen?  But they are back at Rocklahoma and this is one of those small bands I would be late to the main event to see.  Fun and happy music, great beats, fantastic guitar work, invigorating violin accents and super spirit, NICNOS is simply awesome.  Oklahoma is not just home to the biggest rock festival in America, but it is clearly a mecca of great music of its own.  Can you say "Kicktree?"

Here is a live video shot at the Chevy Music Showcase in OKC.
There you have it.  Three bands I am completely stoked to see on the first day.  You know what is crazy about that?  I am still on the bottom row of the lineup!  I probably will not even have stepped into the main arena, and I am already flying high with fantastic music. Friday is going to be a hell of a way to get this festival rocking.  Tune in tomorrow for my, "Three for Saturday" post.
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Dan Adler was raised in Southern California to a mom and dad, one of whom appreciated Creedence and left wing anti-war politics.  By the teenage years, Dan became obsessed with Black Sabbath, listening to the same seven albums repeatedly for 5 years.  During this time, his favorite concert experience was seeing Metallica open for a bunch of bands that no longer exist and winning the 1st ever Santa Cruz Air Guitar contest.  After several years in Africa listening and dancing to Chimurenga music, Dan returned to have the two best children in the world, one of whom spends a lot of time at concerts with him.   What a lucky dad!
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