Circus Asylum
Whisky A Go-Go
November 23, 2009
By Lucky
(SugarBuzz Hollywood)
SugarBuzz Magazine
They only come out at night. Real rockers, sans the weekend warrior crap are what you get on any given Monday night on the Sunset Strip. A tad chill in the air, allowing for the leather piece and my favorite Jack Skeleton scarf. Dropping seven smackers at the 9000 before my feet even hit the pavement and a quick stop at Turners prequel a visit to The Rainbow Bar and Grill. Even on a Monday there is always a face or two from the past to shoot the shit, reminisce the crazy times.
Half past ten and time to roll. A near miss snafu almost brought the curtain down but without too much ado I was in safe and sound. Exquisite eye candy abound and then on with the show.
Circus Asylum hit L.A. as part of a nice tour package that includes a swing east of the Mississippi and a roundabout back to their home turf of Battle Creek Michigan. There was word on the street that preceded this bands arrival and I just had to see for myself.
Pumped up and ready to rock, Circus Asylum busted out “Can’t Escape” with explosive high potential delivery and an eagerness much welcomed. Dual guitar assault from the likes of TJ and Zach kept it full, well rounded and solid.
Courtney’s powerhouse lead vocal shone through in the relentless “Price of Fame”. Still a youngling, Courtney is in for a thrill ride of success in the not so distant future. Awesome now, stellar awaits. Evil as it sounds, when this girl has had her heart shattered, she will be unstoppable with unmatched venom.
From the self titled Circus Asylum EP was “Heart on a String”. Swirling phase enticement allures, then Nick kicked it into a grind and chew. A grabber with gumption, Courtney sang of heartfelt anguish while the boys in the band packed the punch.
The highs and lows of the shattering “Scarlet Harlot” left an undeniable imprint on the rock and roll gathering. Part coffee house, part stadium, this hypnotic hit parade mystified like smoke filled iniquity.
Strong in showmanship and presentation, Circus Asylum delivered a tight–ass package in the form of “Winds of Change”. Maiden momentum brought the power all the while beseeching a dream-like state of uplift. Inspirational came to mind, as the band processed the chops necessary to close the deal.
Shaking things up a bit, TJ broke out the acoustic laying the ground work for “In My Dreams”. Smoking leads and plenty of thick tone, Zach electrified. Driving and dreaming, pedal to the metal, the band was truly bringing it full circle and heading for home.
Leaving the crowd desperately begging for more, Circus Asylum brought the curtain down with the crowd pleasing rocker entitled “The Edge”. Arguably the best of the bunch, Circus Asylum pulled no punches, with lots to prove, point made.
Shout out to the bands management for turning me on to a copy of Circus Asylum’s EP. After mega multiple listens, I just had to tell you about track two entitled “Friday Night”. Not included in tonight’s set list, this Foo Fighters meets Joan Jett hybrid has become an absolute rocking favorite in the car and around the house.
After the show I spilled back out on the Strip and like a moth to flame, I headed straight back to the scene of my many crimes, The Rainbow Bar and Grill. On the way I encountered the beer dude. For those familiar with the scene, past and present, the beer dude is the homeless guy that use to sell beers to lit out hipsters after the bars and liquor stores closed down at 2am. I heard a rumor he really wasn’t homeless at all, that he actually had a nice place to call home. Bullshit I am sure, but it was good to see his familiar face in the wee hours of La La Land.
