Review of 2007 Self Titled "Camshaft" Release

     Camshaft:  A shaft (straight bar for transmitting motion) bearing integral cams (disk or cylinder having an irregular form).  Appropriately on their self titled CD, Braden Patchett (vocals), Mark Finckel (guitars, currently with Krynos), Damian Thompson (bass) and Tony "Crash" Carter (drums, currently with Enemy by Mourning) are decked out in their best Goodwrench Service uniforms - being a NASCAR fan, the late, great Dale Earnhardt immediately comes to mind, but that's beside the point.  The lyrics and the heavy southern rock feel of the music are exactly what you would expect with this image, however there are also some surprises showing their diversity.

     We are introduced to "Dead Cat" with a voice mail message from the police department informing us that the music is too loud.  This song is set in a minor key with a steady drumbeat, but there is nothing melancholy about it.  The pace actually quickens during the lyrics, "Eye spy a spy, I think that eyes believe, why did you try to deceive" suggesting anger within the typically upbeat mood of the song.  "Jumpstart the Joules" is just fun, it has a really catchy beat that sticks with you.  "Run for Your Guns" experiments with unique instrumental effects mimicking guns, and with the lyrics being a blend of the old west meets Mayberry, they fit perfectly. 

     "Empty Brown Bottle" is an instrumental, and I realize this is a bold statement, but I would put this in the category of Metallica's "The Call of Ktulu", Def Leppard's "Switch 625" and Black Sabbath's "E5150".  They did a really good job on this one, cool track.  "High Heat Candygirl" starts out a little like Iron Maiden's "Run to the Hills" with an awesome drum introduction, but then leads into something more similar to Blackfoot's "Train Train", once again proving that Camshaft doesn't fit into a specific genre, they truly have one of their own. 

     "Even After Days" slows things way down, being a story of honesty gone wrong, leading to the demise of a friendship and working relationship.  Braden really adjusts his vocals to fit the somber tone of the story, and you can almost feel the tension in the room as his band mates follow suit. 

     This 10 track CD isn't available anymore unfortunately, but luckily you can find some of their videos on youtube!  Of course you can see Crash tearing it up with Enemy by Mourning and Mark with Krynos, so definitely check their bands out!

    

Review of Nerd Table Concert at Packrat Comics - May 6, 2012

The most recent Nerd Table show I checked out reminded me yet again why I love and support local music.  Where else does the singer go out into the audience and thank fans individually for coming out and welcome them to the stage right in the middle of the show to assist with CD purchases?

            Nerd Table performed with The Fritz, Seven Book Trilogy and Tank Destroyer for Free Comic Book Day at Packrat Comics in Hilliard.  It was a Saturday afternoon, so unfortunately I couldn’t catch all the bands, but was able to see the entire Nerd Table set.  Everything you would expect to be in place at Free Comic Book day was:  Super heroes walking around, comic creators and stars of the movie “The Christmas Story” on hand to sign autographs, and, what has become a tradition, Nerd Table tearing up the parking lot…oh, and of course me walking off with my free Peanuts comic book (anyone who knows me won’t be surprised by that).

           

Ian Petrella (Randy from A Christmas Story - that is Ralphie's little brother) out showing his support for Nerd Table!

           This was my second Nerd Table show, and it reminded me of what I would expect an underground punk scene to look like.  They are proud of their music and accomplishments, however they don’t take themselves too seriously.  They mosh with each other, if they aren’t on the same page with a song they start over or pick a different one, when Adam accidentally disconnected his microphone while taking his shirt off during “Bloody Tooth” he just plugged it back in while they kept on playing.

            There were kids in attendance so they modified their set list somewhat compared to the first show I saw, including a slightly edited version of, “Please Don’t Rape My Grandma”.  The set list included favorites such as Chicken Farm, Bloody Glove, Floyd the Barber and Talk Show, including their unveiling of “Reagan’s Master Plan”.

            One of the fun highlights was when a boy from the BMX shop made the mistake of gracing the front of the stage area with his presence, soon finding himself dragged right in the middle of the “stage”.  Though traumatized maybe just for a second, he was a good sport, and later wound up with the upper hand when he gave Adam a friendly pinch!

            Hit them up on facebook -   http://www.facebook.com/nerdtablemusic - and check out a show when you can!  You will probably end up walking out with a CD just like I did!