Apocalypso

First seen in "What's Up, Chuck?" vol.3, issue 2. Released 02/25/2000.

If you happened to be walking by Backstage a couple of Wednesdays ago, you more than likely stopped in to check out the band playing. It�s quite easy to be drawn in by some heavy riffed originals, a few recognizable covers, and a familiar voice.

Apocalypso is one of the newest bands of the Stratford music scene. Although the band has made appearances at different jam nights since September, the 9th of February was the bands first live show. If the name sounds familiar, it�s likely because it�s constantly brought up in casual conversation by the band�s drummer and guitarist. Whether you�re talking about Florence Henderson, or how much of an asshole Rodney is, the name will still be spewing out into your ears. The name was 5 months coming, due to failure of agreement on previous names like: Samurai Penguin, The Yodelin� Zeeks, Elton John, and Nirvana (which to their surprise was already taken).

The most familiar face and talent would be the band�s frontman, Rob Armstrong, whom you may remember from previous bands like Jusbox, Tasty and The Ordeal. Although Rob is a well versed guitar player, his talents translate well onto bass which is Rob�s role along with singing. The other two horsemen are guitarist Dave Brencic (formerly of Flamingo Fetus) and drummer, Matt Hartney (former President of the Friends of Leonard Nimoy Fan Club).

Apocalypso has a surprisingly large sound for a three piece band. This is largely to do with the massive sound of Brencic�s multi-effect guitar work, and Hartney�s massive drum set-up. Don�t be mistaken, however, the sound does not lie only in their instruments and equipment but in the talent of the musicians behind the gear. All three members are aces on their instruments and it shows in their live performance. In their premier show, each member took a few minutes to do an extended solo. What they lack in modesty, they make up for in talent.

Although the band is likely to take offense at being labeled a cover band, the vast majority of songs played were not originals. However, the band does have a small but growing, repertoire of original songs, and damn good songs at that. �The originals are very open ended and versatile,� Rob explains, �Each member adds his own style to the song. We haven�t completely clicked yet, and it will probably take a lot more shows for this to happen. I still think it�s pretty frickin� neat though. Neat. It�s neat.�

At this point I had to tell him to shut up or I�d conclude the interview with a sugary bitch slap to the Adam�s apple. That got him in order. Rob then continued, a little more cautiously �The covers we play are not total influences, but many are influences, in some way, to at least one member in the band. I listen to tons of Korn, and the Rheostatics are a big influence as well. Dave�s more into Hendrix and Vai, while Matt�s pretty heavy into Primus and Terry Bozzio. Matt�s horrible though.�

All three band members have a great stage presence and they are a great band to watch and listen to. Probably the hardest thing of all would be to take your eyes off Armstrong who seems to get emotionally possessed by the lyrics he sings in their originals and even in some covers, especially in the Rheostatics, �Shaved Head�.

The current song writing formula seems to work well for the boys and their live show is bound to become even more exciting once the repertoire of originals builds up. Although they do a good job with tastefully selected covers, like Zappa�s, �Wind Up Working In A Gas Station�, and Nirvana�s, �Aneurysm�, one can only hope that they drop the mentality that cover songs must be played when in a bar.

Still, Apocalypso is a band that shows great potential for becoming another local favorite. Look out, because the end is near, and it reeks of Pinacoladas. Mijym Tefbut?