Sick Puppies 4-21-11

 HARD ROCK AT OGDEN 4/21/11
John C. Drew

On Thursday,4/21/1 the Denver Ogden Theatre hosted four rock bands:
Madam Adam, Framing Hanley, Adelitas Way, as well as Sick Puppies at the top of the bill. Frankly l  was both surprised and very impressed to, say the least.

The show was far more than what I expected or anticipated. All four bands went right to work and wasted no time in delivering a good solid dose of "no frills" very hard rock to a full house of dedicated fans.The  stellar performances of the bands  were complimented by precision timing, good stage crew organization, superb lighting and mixing. All of this was accomplished with in a small intimate venue which the historic Ogden Theatre provides.

The  show opened with South Carolina's Madam Adam. These four very talented musicians played a none stop set of very raw and intense hard rock which virtually left me in awe. Each of these four performers is a genius entity in themselves who combine their talents to present a unified, unique surge of powerfu rock 'n roll. Vocalist  and Guitaris, Scott Could, is front man for the band sharing guitar licks with guitarist, Drew Reindollar; backed by the heartbeat of bass guitarist, Kenny Varner, and drummer, Matthew Reindollar.There are no theatrical antics nor unnecessary stage fluff with this band.The hard core serious bare roots solid rock of Madam Adam  is fully loaded and hit me hard enough to desire far more than just their one short stage set.This band is "tres cool" no doubt!

Framing Hanley from Nashville took the stage next. Similar story and critique for this five man fantastic act; screaming guitars and superb drums complimenting singer Kenneth Nixon, for some tough "down to earth" excellent  hard rock 'n roll .Nixon's raging vocals, combined with flowing melodies stood out as particularly prominant in this band's back drop of fine guitars and pounding drums, bringing the audiences response to even a greater enthusiasm and fervor.The ladies in the crowd seemed ecstatic with Nixon's passionate singing talent and showmanship. the dualing guitars of Ryan Belcher and Brandon Wooten were spectacular.

Adelitas Way from Las Vegas was the third act to take stage.As with the first two acts,  Adelitas Way was also powerfully loaded with electric very hard rock energies. Roben Zakaryan on lead guitar,Keith Wallen on rhythm guitar and backing vocals Derek Johnston on bass guitar.Outstanding!

Rick DeJesus, as lead vocalist a, adds justice,and highlights the band's charge as their front man. However, DeJesus seems to be overly concerned with his crowd appearance and act. Never the less,  Aelitas Way kicked butt!

By the time Sick Puppies, the headline act, took the stage, the audience was beyond full tilt.This trio is the epitome of a live band! The laser lighting, sound system and equipment, instruments, props and special  effects are not only state of the art, but set a very  deep heavy hard rock ambiance for their performance. Mark Goodwin, drummer and percussionist, is the aggressive and powerhouse force behind this band and a musician extraordinaire. Emma Anzai, bass and back vocals,adds both a mystical and enchanting touch with her unique artistic flair of bass licks, singing, costume and movements. She Is stunning to watch! Front man,Shimone Moore, lead vocals and guitar, is, no doubt,the spotlight of the band. The Nirvanain fluence is obvious and appropriately present in the band's style.

Sick Puppies certainly has had the desired effect on this concert reviewer. Their raw emotions are genuinely  felt in their heavy grunge rock sound,as well as during their enticing, more mellow acoustic set.This approach emerged in to a very fine mix of both their electric heavies and their unplugged accoustics for the show at the OgdenTheatre. The audience was given a very well rounded range of the Sick Puppies at their best from their early efforts from "Dressed Up As Life" through recent  cuts on 'Tri-Polar". Sick Puppies continue to rapidly evolve in to a versatile mix, ranging from folk melodies to hard rock mayheM. Their lIve performance is ultimate.

Theconcertscene.com