5/11/06 Bank St Cafe: Dan Rodriguez, Throwin' Fives, Chuck Hestons, The Chasers (show review)

I swung into The Bank St Café Thursday to check out the weekly $5 band night. The Sound Factory runs the show and brings in a new set of local bands every week. Unfortunately I caught only the last two songs of the opener Dan Rodriguez. What I did hear was a relaxing reggae guitar rift, with a final call to "legalize it".

The trio Throwin' Fives were next with a sound ranging from blues influenced rock to 90's feel good rock. Still finding their sound after only two shows, Throwin' Fives set had the variety of a cover band. The bassist can play... O.K., he can shred, and did so making up for the lack of a lead guitar. Throwin' Fives has talent and potential. I can't wait to see what happens when they become comfortable as a band.

The Chuck Hestons with their army helmet and care bear took the stage next. There is no easy way to say this; I didn't like them. The song "Road Runner" caught me off guard as good. The rest of the set was filled with experimental noise over chaotic drumbeats. A band better seen then heard.

The night ended ironically enough with The Chasers. This trio produced a nice but typical surf sound. I would definitely check these guys out next time around if you like surf. -Shaun