Middle Finger Mob

Whisky A Go-Go

May 21, 2009

By Lucky
(SugarBuzz Hollywood)

SugarBuzz Magazine

The Sunset Boulevard of Broken Dreams. Musicians, local and from the vast lands of the east, have trodden the strip in search of the ultimate glory. The rising star status. Excellent tone. Big payola. A good groupie. Some clean blow. And in their fight to climb the rock and roll ladder to the stratosphere they landed themselves on the most historic stage in the entire fucking planet. The hallowed hard wood of the Whisky a Go-Go. Some have succeeded, and some have suffered in vain.

Vast varieties of musical groups have graced this stage, but none attract the Luckster more so than the down and dirty Hollywood rockers that epitomize the true meaning of Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll. Middle Finger Mob is truly one of these outfits. From the streets, around the block and pounding the pavement, Middle Finger Mob just doesn’t talk the talk, they walk the walk. Rock and Roll 24/7.

Tonight was just the second gig for this enigmatic ensemble and a blow out (did someone mention blow?) event celebrating the release of their brand spanking new CD “Songs of Life, Sex and Death”. Confidence was high as the decadent descended the stairs to claim the fame.

Breaking it out big was instant eye opener “Love Song”, The Mob set out to eliminate any doubt of possible naysayer. The beautiful people came close to embrace the band, and master of ceremonies Freekshow tore down the wall for all to see.

Shawn Smash’s scorching six strings sounded off “Sometimes”, an in the present, moving on and paying the price road hazard. Ultimate conviction sells this band as every utterance, note and beat is absolutely believable.

The heartbeat raced as the throbbing pulsate of “Ghost Town” reverberated the hall. I suddenly realized that percussionist Danny “Boy” Virus was skintight and a heavy hitter. He is exactly the kind of drummer that I search out in my personal music adventures. (Or is that misadventures!) After the show Freekshow told me that “Ghost Town” is a brand new song conjured up for their future second CD release. Talk about striking while the iron is hot!

Middle Finger Mob was off to the rat race with “No Desire” D.J. Cruise’s bass rumbled like an illegal exhaust Harley pulverizing the way for Freekshow to make his move. Thrilling lead break-a way to metal madness.

A touching tribute to fallen friend Traci Michaels (Peppermint Creeps) entitled “Save a Place in Heaven” brought forth a kindred camaraderie. Traci was so well known and loved by many of us here in Hollywood and the world throughout, that his passing has reunited many a alienated rocker into a closer knit rock and roll community. And speaking of a rock community, many a hater has stated that there is no “scene’ in Hollywood anymore, or at least none that matters. Freekshow set the record straight when he said that the “scene” is alive and well, and albeit underground a bit at present, all you got to do is hit the streets and shows and you will become aware of the resurgence of rock. I believe that thanks in part for this resurgence go out to the new crop of young hot and horny rockers that are taking the banner and waving it high. Coupled with the tried and true die-hards a new found glory is inevitable. Traci Michaels may well be the new patron saint of rock.

OK, where were we? Awe yes, The Whisky. And we are “Doing Time”. Middle Finger Mob tore through this ripper at a feverish pace. Freekshow seethed and snarled while the deadly Lenka Danger taunted and tantalized. Lenka is not just a background singer, but a vital part of the group that compliments the visual as well as the audio presentation, almost like Hell’s rock and roll cheerleader. Lenka, I think I love you!

What has to be my personal favorite from Middle Finger Mob was next on the set list. “Boys Night Out”, originally done by a band called Trouble Tribe from New York, just lit up the night with it’s Krokus like energy and unrelenting assault. The Whisky crowd loved it, the bartenders loved it, the bouncers loved it, hell I think even Mr. Banker Man loved it.

Standing just as tall as the nefarious 9000 Building was “20 Stories”. Taking it to the limit and going 100 more, Middle Finger Mob just kept on chugging and a churning. Like a well oiled machine they showed no sign of a let-up and certainly not a let-down.

All bets were off as The Mob whipped us all into frenzy with the delightfully decadent “Rock ‘N’ Roll Outlaws”. Freekshow sang, “It ain’t good music till its loud and rude” and man that sure fucking was the case here. No holds barred bully.

Closing out the night Middle Finger Mob put their own rock and roll brand on Poison’s “Fallen Angel”. Instantly The Whisky a Go-Go turned into a good time sing along with all in attendance on the partake. The crowd certainly were left begging for more.

At the close of the set, we hit Middle Finger Mob’s merchandise table to pick up a copy of their new CD “Songs of Life, Sex and Death”. A fucking huge bargain at like $6. I have played it over and over again, digging it more and more with each repeated listen.

Get yours like now!

www.myspace.com/middlefingermobband

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