CONTENTS

The Roxy Theatre West Hollywood, CA
Contact: astockton@win-pr.com
Web: http://thisiskingsize.com
The Players: Jason Thomas Gordon, vocals,
drums, percussion; Cary Beare, guitar, bass,
piano; Matt DelVecchio, bass, organ.
Username: KINGSIZE
Material: Sometimes new artists obsess so
much about reinventing the musical wheel that
they forget that rock can often be powerful in
its most simplistic form. That’s not to devalue
the music that KINGSIZE makes; far from it.
This group are a no frills, straightforward rock
band, and they rock well. Harkening back to
classic acts like AC/DC and the Sex Pistols,
KINGSIZE pour extreme energy and raw
emotion into every one of their songs. As a
result, this blistering Los Angeles three-piece
could quickly find airplay on Alternative and
Active rock radio formats.
Musicianship: Gordon’s vocals are often
direct, almost primal in nature. Occasionally
he mixes in a surprisingly sweet falsetto,
providing just enough variety to keep the songs
from sounding repetitive. Beare is a wonder
on the fretboard. On “The Technocratic” his
riffs sound equal parts funky and haunting,
while “Elevator” sees him engage in a tirade
of fuzzed out, garage rock sound. DelVecchio
is the unsung hero of the group. Though his
steady bass playing isn’t attention grabbing,
it supplies the essential foundation for each
KINGSIZE
KINGSIZE song. Still, one can’t help but wish
the material gave a few more moments for him
to highlight his talent.
Performance: KINGSIZE filled the room with
energy from the moment the curtain opened.
Frontman Gordon displayed a dynamic stage
presence, his showmanship engaging the
crowd from the first note. Though his voice
was not perfect, it didn’t need to be. It was
powerful, at times guttural, and brought forth
the intensity necessary for the songs. An early
set favorite was “Heart Surgery,” its driving
beat and catchy chorus instantly resonating
with the crowd. “Your Camera Never Caught
The Lie” began subdued before building to a
powerful chorus, its tone reminiscent of some
of Bruce Springsteen’s finest work. Throughout
the night, Beare shredded through an array of
solos. At times, his focus was so intense you
could actually see the veins popping through
his skin. Closing number “Elevator” whipped
the audience into a frenzy, as all those in the
crowd chanted along to the words.
Summary: Thanks to forceful performances
like this one, KINGSIZE have already seen
their profile grow throughout the Los Angeles
area. Their songs have also been licensed
to films and TV shows, further expanding the
group’s reach. With their debut LP All the
Machines out now, KINGSIZE seem poised to
make the jump from local buzz band to natural
success story. – Corey Irwin
CORY IRWIN
Token Lounge Westland, MI
Contact: Dana Forreste,
dana@auralpleasuremusic.com
Web: http://facebook.com/deadinfive
The Players: Robert Libres, lead vocals;
Peder Seglund, rhythm guitar, backup vocals;
Brent Hall, lead guitar; Dana Forrester, bass,
backup vocals; Ryan Schimming, drums.
Username: deadinfive
Material: The music of the Motor City’s Dead
in 5 is visceral, aggressive and amped up
to 11. Combine one part Rob Zombie with
equal parts Ministry, Velvet Revolver and even
Johnny Cash and you’ll feel the power of their
aural onslaught. Songs such as “Pressure
Head” and “Outlaw Hellride #9” drive it home,
built on a foundation of post-‘90s industrial
noise, melodic metal and a no limit attitude.
Musicianship: The term “veteran” would not
be an overstatement in describing this band.
You get the sense that you are witnessing the
culmination of those who have experienced
years of one-nighters, all-night diners, smoky
beer-soaked stages and insomnia-tinged
recording sessions. Hence, they hit the stage
with a musical arsenal that imbues a team
concept, mad skills and big ears. Each member
appropriately interacts and feeds off the other’s
energy; the rhythm section is steady, the guitars
are huge and the lead pipes of Robert
Libres slice through the din like an angel.
Performance: Dead in 5 appeared in a proverbial
cloud of smoke and, from the first note,
proceeded to pummel the audience like a
freight train. Grinding it out with all the bravado
DEAD IN 5
and fervor reserved for a major arena, Dana
Forrester’s warm and pulsating bass lines gave
solid footing to Peder Seglund’s crunchy chords
and Ryan Schimming’s frenetic beats. Libres
frequently hopped on a separate platform that
shot up beams of ominous light. Guitarist Brent
Hall weaved melodic lines in and out with
Seglund, adding warmth and fullness to the
band’s hard, melodic mix. Libres had a nice
rapport going with the crowd as well, further
stoking the room’s interactive vibe.
Summary: Dead in 5 are one of the finest modern
hard rock acts on the scene today. They’ve
got all the classic touchstones one would seek
in a band; a tangible “street cred” image, stellar
musicianship and a visually strong fan base.
Highly entertaining, their songs contain memorable
hooks and are vividly engaging. One to
watch! – Eric A. Harabadian
MARK TRYBU
54 November 2013 musicconnection.com