By Jake Rage, Rock At Night Orlando
Venue: West End Trading Company, Sanford, Florida–August 31, 2018
Last night Central Florida fans were treated to an amazing line up of six bands at The West End Trading Company in Sanford, Florida. Rock At Night was there to cover this awesome event!
A Brilliant Lie
I really love West End as do the many locals who flock there every night. With that said The stage much like Sound Bar in downtown Orlando isn’t the biggest. The last time I watched ABL perform it was at the Orlando HOB. ABL is an experience in and of it self. The band is comprised of Tara Lightfoot, Chris Lane, Jason Lemrond, Matthew Movens and Nick Scout. The band lists themselves as alternative rock. The music is fast paced and upbeat, which matches their lead singer’s non-stop performance. They played the songs their fans came to hear including an amazing cover of Toto’s “Africa”.
The first band to hit the stage was A Brilliant Lie. Now, let me explain the energy this band puts out! The entire band was at least a foot and a half off the stage jumping in unison during the chorus. At one point Lightfoot was explaining how songs start low and go for the big build-up and joined her band as they laid on the stage and she on the ground performing the next song. I can’t stress what a great performance the band gave and was the perfect band to get the crowd exited.
Auditory Armory
AA is made up of April Rose – vocals, Oscar Garcia – drums, Dennis Burns – Guitar, Justice Maynard – bass. The bands genre is listed as alternative metal. The band is talented and works cohesively with their vocalist April Rose, and they had no problem involving the crowd. I have been lucky to have seen them perform at other venues so it was easy to recognize their many fans who showed up for their performance. I have seen many female fronted bands but AA really adds a lot since April Rose is also an accomplished guitarist. It was no time at all into the set that both she and her lead guitarist Dennis Burns were burning through double leads as the rest of the band completed their unique sound. You could see with the response of the crowd the positive metal energy was flowing. Like A Brilliant Lie, you definitely want to check out these Orlando favorites.
The Crowned
This insanely funny and talented band hails from Texas. The band is made up of Marc Coronado – vocals & drums, Shane Ellis – lead guitar, Eric Salinas – rhythm guitar, Lazar Blackfire – touring guitar and Johnny Damien – bass. I’m not sure what it was. It was hot to say the least in the club with the wall to wall crowd, but that didn’t stop The Crowned from blowing up the stage. In between songs vocalist Coronado had the crowd and his own band members laughing their asses off as he playfully interacted with the audience. He made it a point to explain where the merch table was set up under the sign that say like the back of his shirt “No one fks you like I fk you”. Each time he explained it was funnier than the next.
During the middle of the set their bassist Johnny Damien tore open a large leaf bag of blown up condoms which the band and the audience batted through the air. Coronado made it a point to let everyone know that he was their daddy. Again, this brought laughter and cheers from the crowd. Before this night I had not heard of The Crowned. What an amazing surprise to hear this band. Make it a point to check their music out online, and if you have the chance to see them in person, run don’t walk!
Brand of Julez
The next band calls home New York City, New York. These guys are all show, and all go. When they hit the stage you can’t help but think of the term “hair band”. I’m not talking in terms of 80ties hair and glam bands, I mean long hair and lots of it. The only thing more out standing than their hair is their talent. From the first song to the last this band made up Julez Zamora – lead vocals/guitar, Nick Kashmanian – lead guitar, Brandon Zamora – bass/vocals, and Frankie D’Esposito – drums hit the crowd with a tidal wave of sound. From start to finish these NY boys gave 150%. If this band ever tires of the road, a career in hair modeling might be in the cards. Make it a point to check out this band as well. You won’t be disappointed.
Motograter
It took me a few minutes to collect my thoughts before I started to review Motograter. Hailing from Santa Barbara California, Motorgrater has probably one of the most interesting evolutions of any band ever. Their name is based on an industrial instrument created by one of the founders Bruce “Grater” Butler in 1995. They have changed members quite a few times and actually had Ivan Moody the current lead singer of Five Finger Death Punch as their lead singer at one point. I was able to speak to Nuke their guitarist and one of the veteran members. He explained that even though their line up has changed even recently, he feels that this is the best version of Motograter ever. After hearing them, I would have to agree.
Motorgrater isn’t just a band, it’s an experience. When they take the stage covered in black or white body paint matched with red or black skeletal/tribal markings, you know they came on a mission. From the first note played to very last sound made Motorgrater destroyed. Their show is part metal mixed with horror and a dab of brave heart. There is no credible way to do this band justice in a review, you need to see this band live, upclose, and in your face. Don’t just make it a point to put this band on your list, put them on your bucket list so you can brag to your friends.
Orgy
This band needs no introduction. The band is currently comprised of Jay Gordon – vocals, Carlton Bost – guitar, Ilia Yordanov – guitar, Nic Speck – bass and Ryan Browne – drums and appears ageless. Jay Gordon who is the polar opposite of static never stopped moving the entire set. Growing up listening to this band made their show all the more surreal. Their signature sound and performance is unmistakeable. By the time they hit the stage the room was packed out with little room to move. Gordon being ever the consumate performer had the crowd cranked up giving him the very musically respectful middle finger. The set list was made up of all the favorites. Talking to the crowd before the show you can tell how dedicated the fans just are. After 24 years of building a fan base, this band shows no signs of age, or stopping. Orgy was everything the fans hoped, and more. We wish all of these bands continued success!!!!
PHOTO GALLERY
His work resume runs from working in a locked psychiatric ward,to producing national television commercials. There was a lapse in creativity for the last few years until he once again decided to pick up a digital camera, and the rest is history. Combining his love for music and photography has been a rewarding surprise.
- WALK OFF THE EARTH: the greatest show in the universe? - November 2, 2018
- Alice in Chains in Orlando: continuing to rise from the ashes! - October 28, 2018
- RATT: don’t believe the hype! Great performance in Orlando! - October 13, 2018
