Concrete Disciples Music Reviews - Brainspoon - Luck of the Draw - The Run

Brainspoon
Luck of the Draw
The Run
Leche Cruda

Nov. 8th 2002 @ the Loft, Ventura CA.
Words and Photos by Mark A. Whitaker

Having seen the many great shows put on by Brainspoon I ventured out on a wet and rainy Fri. night to the Loft at Skatestreet to watch another great show. Accompanying Brainspoon that evening were Luck of the Draw a great sounding Rock n Roll band out of Ventura. Also performing that night were Leche Cruda who I have no idea what they sound like because I was figuring out how to best avoid getting my camera bag wet and possibly damaging my camera, after a bit the rain let up and then it was time for the show.

I made a quick dash up the stairs in time to see The Run, they are a young band but full of energy. Their bass player would jerk around and swing his bass like a maniac, the Run go for the Indie Rock mixed with feedback and distortion to kick things up a bit. They had a good set and were entertaining to watch and were also kind enough to give me a CD which I have not gotten around to listening to yet.

Luck of the Draw are awesome too, they play some fast rock and roll tunes that get you all fired up to go drag racing down the back roads, not that I would go drag racing down any back roads. Things were a little tense for Luck of the Draw, because they had a new Bass player who goes by the name of Crow. Even though things were a little nerve racking, I knew that Luck of the Draw all had faith in Crow. They even wrote a little note of encouragement on his set list that simply read "Crow don't choke" love your friends and band members, Luck of the Draw. Ok so that last part after don't choke, wasn't really on the note, I just threw that in for fun. Crow didn't let anyone down and took full charge, handling bass duties like he had been playing those songs for years and this was just routine for him. Feeling a little bad for him and to give him some encouragement after the show I told Crow that he played well and didn't look like he had any trouble with the songs, for which I was quickly scolded by the singer for putting ideas into his head. Like I said before, lot's of love man. You could just feel it.

Not wanting to give Chris their drummer, too much time to get bored, Brainspoon took the stage next. If you have not seen them play or even know who I am talking about then you should definitely see them play. Fronted by Daphne on Vocals and high kicks, Brainspoon rocks out like the rock stars of old. She has a great voice and doesn't just stand at the microphone, she dances around and leans over the mic stand. Backed by Geolyn on vocals the two of them make the songs great. When she isn't singing you can catch Geolyn rocking out in full metal fury, her hair in her face and her hands flying up and down the frets as she plays those wailing metal guitar solos. Brainspoon would not be complete without the help of Vino's contortionist bass style as he bends and twists himself to fully rock out at his optimum level. Keeping everyone on course is Chris, who plays sometimes three shows in one night, back to back depending on which of the three bands he drums for are playing that night. This night he was fortunate he only had to play in two bands. Brainspoon played to a small crowd of onlookers, mostly friends and stalkers, I mean fans. The small turnout didn't bother them in the least, they laughed it off and charged on with the show, putting on a great performance that was greatly enjoyed by those who were smart enough to stick around, the lucky few that stayed till the end even got a bonus prize in the form of a free Brainspoon CD, that I have listened to and really enjoy. Thanks Brainspoon for another evening of fun and excitement, oh and if you just happen to mention to Daphne that she looks evil when she sings, watch out because she might beat you up.