Moss Rock/Sons of Nova @ Monty's [Feb.6th,2011]

Sex, drugs and rock n' roll is a basic cliché to live by in the business of musique. Well, Monty's offers two of those things and one you need to supply yourself. These are bands I've seen on more than one occasion, but this was the first time I've been to Monty's - the venue. It was a night to be remembered. A night that the crowd upstaged the bands themselves.

First up was Moss Rock. This three-piece are a band I've often confessed should be more popular. The songwriting is there. It's a pop rock formula but not one that is watered down enough to be in heavy rotation on Much. Nate Ripley demanded attention on stage as he sang with conviction. He holds a lot of restraint as he rips through solos on his guitar. I'm a little bit indifferent about his furry guitar strap. Every time I see it, I want to laugh, but if you ever see this bands profile picture on Facebook, then you'd understand this band doesn't take themselves too seriously. Bryan Reiber is a monster on drums and played yet another precise set. Every drummer I have talked to that has heard Reiber wail have all paid compliments to his flawless style. Jeff Bauman was a lot less "in-your-face" than the last time I saw them play at the V-Lounge, which I described as if he thought it was a Slayer concert. Bauman and Reiber were matched up dress wise with ties and vests. It would have been nice if they sent Ripley a memo to do the same, as he was wearing a simple black t-shirt. One thing I noticed right away was the vocals sounded a bit strange. Not because Ripley was singing off-key, but if you close your eyes, you might imagine him singing into a soup can on a string. I can't blame the venue's speakers, because when they pump out Guns n' Roses or Poison, the sound is great. So, there must be some sort of funky happenings with the EQ on the PA. Although Moss Rock played a solid set, it was the crowd that was more exciting than the band. Two or three songs in, a man had climbed on stage to dance. I don't know what he was thinking, but he started taking off his shirt. Was it to impress his girlfriend? That is unknown. What is also unknown is how the bouncers could just stand around as this man knocked Bauman's microphone off the stand. He continued to dance, and finally security tries to talk the man down from the stage. "Let's hear it for Chuck Norris", calls Monty's DJ Jayme Black. Finally he complies, and puts his shirt back on. A minute later, a woman from his table is now on stage doing some sort of striptease, getting on all fours and jiggling her ass. This is a crazy group! She steps down, and here is Chuck Norris again taking off his shirt. At this point, I'm not even paying attention to the show...but it looks like they are getting ready to leave. Ok, they are heading for the door. Moss Rock has already blown through favourites like Cop and My Heroin. Suddenly, everyone's attention shifts and there is a catfight by the door. I miss it, as everyone had seemed to be thrown out by the time I swung my vision. Yes, it was the same group, if you are wondering. Their last song is announced as a song that isn't finished yet, which is very familiar, because when I saw them last year, they had this song and they made up the lyrics on the spot. Ok, so it's a bit tighter than last time, but I don't know why in the span of two months or more this song wouldn't be finished now. I'm not sure what the song is called, but all I can picture is Bauman going "Wha wha". I guess that part stuck, even though it would be more suited to a Jay-Z song. It was a short set, and I couldn't help wonder, with all the troublemakers gone, will Sons of Nova be as exciting?

Before that all, yes...a stripper. I will mention it was the same girl about an hour ago. Interesting format. The crowd at Monty's is more there for the girls than the music. People like me went for the intention of seeing bands, so I knew what I was in for, but for those that pay cover to see naked chicks, being interrupted by a band on stage may be seen as a nuisance. If only there was some way that the bands could play with the strippers at the same time. Something off to the side. I wouldn't say to put the girls directly in front of the band. People go to a sports bar to watch sports. The same way people go to the strippers to see women. Monty's is a tough sell, but it's always great to have another venue for local bands in this town. So, I really can't complain.

Without further ado, here was Sons of Nova. This band played as good as I've ever seen them and didn't waste any time with banter. It was song, song and song after the other crammed into the thirty minutes they were given. Aram Heinze, on bass, blasted through I Wanna Fuck You with his gritty vocals. I'm so glad to see them so cohesive. The last time I saw them at Logan’s [which was fun, yet a bit sloppier than what the band is capable]. When this band is on, they take no prisoners. Codine Vandal is an excellent guitar player. Maybe even one of the finest in Victoria, and he makes it look so easy with a big smile on his face. He was on top of his game vocally. Vandal and Heinze traded off duties as frontmen with ease. Guitarist Rex Gielfeldt hit his marks and crossed his t's without a misstep to the equation. Adam Griffiths hammered the drums like they owed him money. There was no crowd interference this time. I just saw people bob their heads while they drank from their six dollar beers. The band ran through their old favourites with the highlight being awesome rocker "It's On" with its epic intro and dance beat. Grand finale, Slo Burn's "July" is a firestarter. It may not be a recognizable tune for the stripper crowd, but if anything, it will turn people onto one of the more obscure stoner rock bands of the late 90's. It has certainly perked my interest. As the same with Moss Rock's set, it felt too short. Though, I bet they feel lucky all the troublemakers had been herded out of the building.

Was it a good night? Sure it was. It was nowhere near such places as Logan's, Lucky's or Sugar, but it was decent enough. All in all, I think Monty's would need a major overhaul if it wants to be a contender for a venue. The stripping part, well, they have that mastered.