Metrolites, From the Wreckage, Pumpkin Seeds

By Terry Johnson, freelance writer

I had a pretty diverse weekend as far as music goes. I went down to Copia with a good buddy of mine to check out the Metrolites on Friday. From there we made our way to Lumpys to see From the Wreckage and Waco Jesus. After being brutally assaulted by in your face death metal we wound down the evening with a little jazz at Hunters Club. Saturday I checked out the Pumpkin Seeds (a Smashing Pumpkins tribute band).

The Metrolites are a great band! From the amazing drumming of Mr. Josh Duffee, to the soulful saxaphone of "Nervous Neal" Smith, aka Dr. Space Pants, they keep you interested and keep you smiling. All that before even mentioning the gritty guitar playing of Kathleen Gallagher, the multi-talented Scott Morschhauser, and last, but not least, the bass playing of Devin Kirby-Hansen.

I had to ask my buddy, Joel, what some of the stuff Scott was playing was! What the hell is a Feramin anyhow? [maybe he said "theramin"?] These guys always put me in a good mood, and reaffirm that music has no rules and no boundaries that a little creativity can't overcome.

Next I headed to the metal show. From the Wreckage has always been a favorite of mine. Steve Cravens' voice is amazing. It's definitely not for the easy listening crowd! Some might say his style of vocals doesn't take talent. I would ask them if they could do an octave chord with one voice?

Then there's Chris. Chris IS metal. It's just who he is. He doesn't have long hair and wear corpse paint. He doesn't have to. He bleeds metal. Heavy riffs and high energy combined with great drumming and killer vox make From the Wreckage a must see.

Saturday night was my chill-out night. I went to The OtherSide to have a few drinks and talk to my favorite Saturday night bar keep. To my surprise there was a band. The Pumpkin Seeds are a tribute to the Smashing Pumpkins. I like the Pumpkins! I was expecting to hear "1979" and "Today", etc., but I was pleased to hear some lesser known tracks and almost the entirety of "Gish". These guys are good at what they do. If you like the Pumpkins, it would be worth your while to check em' out. Show info and more can be found at www.pumpkinseedsrock.com.

That was it for my weekend. If you want me to check out your band, drop me a line at subtle_shades@yahoo.com! I will try my best to make it out. You can check out one of my bands, Closer Than Now at The OtherSide this Saturday night with Four Ways to Find it. Hope to see you at a show soon!

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Copyright 2001, Moline Dispatch Publishing Co.