From the Cronicles of Live Shows

Big Fish Pub is a small venue in a shopping center in Tempe.  Deep into the building, it provides a long stage with ample space for movement for the fans of the bands that play there. It also has a separate area simply for enjoying each other’s company, seperated by the bar.  For those smokers out there… leave your drinks inside!  The smoking area is outside the front door.  Not necissarily a con, however if you need a nicotine fix you will need to enjoy it without a beer.  One disapointing vector was the beer selection.  My favorite beer was not carried there, but they did have another dark ale I enjoy.   All in all a perfect example of a great place to enjoy the dive scene here in Pheonix. 

I went to see a particular band who was not scheduled to play until midnight.  Dissapointing, as they are a fantastic band with great music.  Prior bands were very much lacking for my taste.  Mind you, this is an OPINION, however one of the bands was a hardcore metal/thrash punk band with an emo image.  They had a large crowd, very much the minions of the band.  They had a great stage show, I will admit that, audience interaction and a mascot running around getting the audience riled up.  Absolutely a hobby gimmick band, with instrumental noise and a vocalist that had one way of singing, the gravel tone.  Unpleasant.  And I am a huge fan of cookie monster rock. 

So, this brings me to a point: Popularity over talent?  Yes, they could play their instruments, but how many kids out there know how to play?  Take lessons?  Get together with their friends and play real life Rock Band?  Despite their lack of talent, I do have to say that they had more followers than the other bands in the venue that night.  They are doing their thing for the fun of it, and that is admirable.  Kudos to them for continuing in the spirit of making music.  So for that, I thank you. 

The first good band that played was called Jam Stain.  Some of you may already be familiar with them.  They travel the country playing at small venues with local bands.  Their music is both musically sound and colorful.  With a large set of mostly vocally devoid music their presence on stage is enormously passionate.  In-line with both talent and entertainment, their set provides a sense of unruffled creativity. 

2 in the Chest played another awesome set, and I have to give my thanks to Rachel for performing passionately despite feeling ill.  Casey got out on the floor, doing what a bass player does best.  Amping up the crowd.  And Rich, well Rich did what sits within his soul.  Expressed an entirely enterntaining musical set.  As far as fans go, I have to give a shout out to their biggest fan who stayed up all night to see them play.  He knows who he is. 

I hope you all enjoy what is being shared!  If there is a band you would like to see featured here leave a comment on AZDiveScene’s Facebook page.