Takeover Tour 2008
“We had two options, stay a night in the hotel or come out and play for this private party. We decided to come play for you guys.” This was the famous opening words of Bonesaw, guitar player and vocalist for Austin, TX based band, Full Service. A private party was more of an over-statement considering the turn out last night. Only 20 people (at most) showed up at Bob’s to see the opening band, Orra, and the headliner Full Service. Half of those people were patrons that came to support Orra. But I think those that didn’t show are the ones that truly missed out. Orra is a young, Metallica-esque band from Bartlesville that very much reminded me of another Metallica/Megadeth influenced band from Tulsa, Reborn In Fire. Yet, Orra has a much better melodic singer as well as better stage presence. I definitely had to give it to Orra for keeping it old school with the flawless and effortless guitar playing. The only shame in this band’s game is that they sound just like every other rock band in Tulsa.
Photo courtesy of Barry Dolton
However, one band that does not mimic any bands from Tulsa is Full Service. The first song FS played brought me back to my Caribbean cruise vacation. Very reggae sounding with a nice blend of hard rock. A few songs parodied a blending of Sublime and Alice In Chains, as well as a mixture of Mastadon and Nirvana. A very unique concept of FS is that the drummer, Hoagman, did most of the singing while playing drums, and at times jumped up to slap the bongos. When Hoagman wasn’t stretching his diversity across the stage, Smellman would run percussion and the cutaway tambourine. The bassist, Twinky, was too cool for school most the night. That is, until the band played the song ‘Trumpets'. Twinky was bouncing off of the walls on his own self-induced sugar high by this time. One thing I could not get over was Bonesaw’s resemblance to the many painted depictions of Jesus Christ. (I don’t think I can necessarily go to hell for saying that a living mortal looks a lot like our savior, so for those of you who want to comment otherwise, please don’t waste any of your time).
Photo courtesy of The Leez
Near the end of the night I ventured to the merch table to take a look at a few items they had set up. Cheeto, the merch guy, came along and we began a conversation. Many, if not all, of the shirts and FS paraphernalia were printed with white whales. I had to ask, “what’s up with the white whale?” To which Cheeto replied, “That’s the white whale man, the van. It’s outside if you want to see it.” As we endeavored outdoors I imagined to see a van paper-mâchéd into the image of a whale. Much to my surprise it was just an old white van that smelled of pizza rolls. I was given the honors to sign the interior of the van, as so many others before me have had the chance to do. I have to promote myself and Examiner.com in/on/with as many facets as I can find. Even if that constitutes the backseat of an old white “whale.”
I’ve always thought that crowd participation was where it’s at. FS seems to think so as well. Cheeto went around the ‘crowd’ and passed out little red kazoos. These were to be used in the next song (and one I had mentioned earlier), ‘Trumpets’. A quick lesson on how to use a kazoo, as well as what tune was to be played by the crowd when queued, and the fun was underway. The crowd surprisingly took directions very well and it turned out alright.
Overall, I was very impressed with Full Service and have been gladly throwing their name out to many people who have never heard of them. A must see band if you’re ever in the Austin, TX area.
Check them out at: www.fullservicemusic.com/ or www.myspace.com/fullservice. Also enjoy Orra at myspace.com/orraband
Please email your questions or comments to d.brandt007@gmail.com, friend me on www.facebook.com/dina.brandt or twitter with me on www.twitter.com/dinalive.
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