100 Proof headlines Anaheim House of Blues

Redlands based 100 Proof headlined an exceedingly exceptional show at the Anaheim House of Blues on Sunday evening January 29th.  For a local IE band, bringing hundreds of fans for a Sunday evening show in the OC was quite impressive.  For those hundreds of fans from the IE who traveled an hour or more to come to the show, they were treated to an explosive 45 minute set that had the crowd screaming and chanting for an encore. 

 

Previous to 100 Proof performing their headline set, three other LA and OC based bands graced the House of Blues stage.  Red9, KaVaN, and The Chimpz each performed their own Rock infused sets to the delight of the masses packing the floor and lower level of the venue.  Each band thanked and acknowledged promoters and show presenters Gig Boss and Bombastic Entertainment who played vital roles in bringing all of the bands together and making the show happen.

 

OC based Red9 opened the show with a 30 minute set of originals and one cover.  The three piece, fronted by bassist Jeff Lyons, started the night by drawing the crowd away from the bar to the floor, as any good opening band is challenged to do.  They reminded me a bit of a more up-tempo Kings X with some Foo Fighters mixed in.  Most three piece Rock bands, especially those fronted by their bass player, get compared to the iconic Canadian super group Rush, but I wouldn’t make the same comparison with Red9.  They’re harder, more modern hard rock, and less Prog influenced…at least that’s what I witnessed during their live set.  All three members were skilled musicians and every song they performed was melodically rich and all Rock.  In those ways they compare to both Rush and Kings X.

 

Second on the bill was KaVaN, fronted by Irishman Paul Harkin.  This was my first KaVaN experience, and will not be my last.  I will admit I have a personal bias/love for classic Heavy Metal/Power Metal bands, most notably Iron Maiden.  My opinion, before KaVaN ended their set with their version of Iron Maiden’s fan favorite “The Trooper”, was “HOLY CRAP - these guys F**k’n Rock!”.  HammerFall, Helloween, and Iron Maiden jumped in my head immediately.  Twin guitars, hard driving bass, Thor hammering on the skins, and a singer with the vocal strength and range of Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson, and Ronnie James Dio.  If you love classic Metal and/or more modern Power Metal, catch these guys live.  Personal bias aside, I believe they have all the musical skill, stage presence, original material, and passion to reach the next level.  I could easily see these guys breaking out if given a legitimate shot on a major tour, with an established metal band or a festival tour such as Uproar.  The Summer Festival/Tour season is booking now and these guys have “the skills” - I would advise any Metal Promoters and/or Booking Managers to check these guys out for yourselves at one of the many LA and OC shows they have booked over the next 6 weeks.  

 

Third on the bill was LA’s homegrown “West Coast Metal Gangsters” - The Chimpz.  Yes, I said “Metal Gangsters”.  Not rap metal.  Not hip hop metal.  Authentic, hard core, and proud to represent the toughest streets of LA “Metal Gangsters”.  They are the NWA of Heavy Metal.  I wouldn’t compare them to Korn, Limp Bizkit, or even the collaboration of Anthrax and Public Enemy (“Bring the Noise”).  These guys are harder, rougher, and a lot more fun.  They epitomize what I loved about late 1980’s/early 90’s West Coast Hip Hop/Rap scene.  It’s all about their hood. Real stories, real lyrics, and a “F U…You Can’t Hold Me Down” attitude.  When it comes to Rock - they go beyond it and they reach the “Heavy Metal” bar.  I’ve seen tons of bands that fuse Hip Hop and Rock together.  I like most of these bands.  The Chimpz are unique and have created a new sub category under the massive tree of Rock.  My calling them “Metal Gangsters” doesn’t automatically create this new sub category.  Their performance, style, and swagger have done so.  However you or I label or categorize their music doesn’t really matter - just catch one of their shows if you want to bang your head and shake your ass.

 

Last to play but first on the bill, representing Redlands and the IE, headliners 100 Proof stormed the House of  Blues stage around 10:30 pm.  These guys were the reason my wife and business partner Melissa Anderson struck out on a Sunday night to see a band we had only heard goods things about.  Our expectations were high even though we had no first hand knowledge of their musical chops.  Everything we knew about them was from second hand sources - friends, promoters, and other bands.  Everything we heard about 100 Proof was 100% positive.  We were told they worked hard, drew big crowds, and were great to see live.  After seeing their show Sunday evening, I can say they did not disappoint on any level.  In fact, they exceeded expectations on every level.  Brothers and Front Men Jimi and Eric Estrada tore through their Hip Hop infused Rock set with a fury and passion reminiscent of late 90’s Rage Against the Machine, with a little IE attitude thrown in for good measure. Prior to the show Jimi Estrada stated in an interview with me (coming tomorrow) that they were hoping to tour Arizona with The Chimpz this Spring.  I hope for both bands that they can make it happen.  They compliment each other greatly, but are different enough to add a little something different for the fans.  Being a music fan myself and seeing these two bands playing back to back, I also hope lots of other fans get the same opportunity I had last Sunday evening.  Not featured on the show bill was guest vocalist Lefty TwoGuns who joined 100 Proof onstage for two songs, mid set and for the closing song. His performance added the cherry to an incredibly delicious Sunday night show.  The fans clearly loved it and as the curtain closed they chanted for an encore.  Unfortunately it was late and the House of Blues didn’t re-draw the massive floor to ceiling curtains.  Fortunately for the fans, 100 Proof is gigging as much as possible and will be performing soon in the IE at Bailey’s in Yucaipa and Stinger’s in San Bernardino.  Check them out on Facebook…OneHundred Proof…and in upcoming articles about shows and news on and in the Riverside/IE Rock Scene.  

 

Photos by Rockwell Anderson Media (Wes & Melissa Anderson)