The Substitutes
The Viper Room
West Hollywood , California
July 14, 2006
By Victoria
(SugarBuzz Hollywood)
Photos By Victoria
The Substitutes shot from San Francisco to The Strip and played at the Viper Room on Bastille Day. Know what that means, don’t ja? Liberte! Fraternité! Jägermeister! “Would you have it any other way?” was guitarist, Joel Proto’s response. “Oui” is we say.
Self described as “The Doors Filtered thru the Stones then re written by a horny old black man” nails it. Taking the stage ‘round midnight wearing a pork pie hat, lead singer and bass player, Britt looked right at home on this stage. Hell, he was just here few weeks ago for the smashing annual Blackboard Jungle reunion show. He’s a two-band man.
Hadn’t seen them in a while and they have changed their look from city-boy leather and denim to county-boy plaid shirt and denim. A lot more Rock Blues coming through with guitars from Joel and Mike Mcshane playing off each other ala Allman Brothers. Real pretty stuff. Joel doing some amazing waa waa, like Hendrix, swear to God. Paul Roybal hitting hard and sharp on the drums.
A lot of tonight’s songs were from the new release “Exploding Plastic Inevitable;” “Hardcore California” being a real standout. Britt’s voice is big and deep and ripped with texture is perfect for the rock blues. Very Morrison. Counterpoint that with very strange tales of writing songs in his parent’s basement and following with “Down on My Lady.” A wonderful show.
The evening’s highlight: Pretty Tommy Black, Viper staffer and one half of “Frankie and Tommy’s Social Club” and band; Golden State joined the Subs on stage. “I think we got the ugliest rhythm section in Rock” was Britt’s take. We would pick a different word.
Evening’s lowlight: Blackboard Jungle’s vocalist, Kenny Price in attendance, did not join them on stage. “We didn’t know any of the same songs!” he lied. Freebird?
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