Shots All Around! Bombay Black returns with “Bullets And Booze”!

BOMBAY BLACK’s 5th studio album “Bullets And Booze” is right around the corner with a May 2012 release on Triage Records. Read more

Bombay Black Love You to Death

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

Sooner or later, the listening world is going to have to realize that Bombay Black is simply one of the best bands on the planet making Hard Rock today. Their prior releases—Mercy, Anger Management and Psycho Magnet—all reveled in the band’s ability to write snarky, funny, heavy and extremely melodic anthems. None of that has changed on the new studio album, Love You to Death; it’s just all better than anything they’ve recorded or written thus far.

One of Bombay Black’s biggest draws is the biting lyrics from singer/guitarist Erik Johnson, and the way he delivers his vocals. On the opening track, “Reign Over Me,” it’s all there to wallow in. Drummer Rob McCauley also firmly plants his brand on this track, pummeling along at a fevered and deft pace. Musically, it’s one of the most Modern Rock sounding Bombay Black has recorded, but they take it even further later in the album.

“It’s hard to be good with a demon on your shoulder, when the night is young and we’re only getting older,” sings Johnson on “The Angel and the Devil.” If you want to hear exactly how to write a hooky chorus, this is how you do it. “It’s bad to be good when it’s good to be evil” is another one of those lyrics that get carved into your noggin after one listen and you will be forced to sing along next time around. Guitarist Jim Perry rips into a searing solo but like the band itself, he is here to make the song the best it can be, not to show off. The song crescendos to a fierce close, and you wonder if or how they’ll top this track. And they do …

“Demons Down” is perhaps the best track on Love You to Death. If you haven’t heard Bombay Black yet, it’s all about attitude. Their songs tell stories, typically funny as hell stories. They are also fond of booze, and ladies, and having a good time—gee, who can relate to that? Oh yeah, everyone. “You can get so goddamned lucky tonight but you couldn’t tell if it’s a fuck or a fight!” is just another one of those relationships Bombay Black nails down to perfection. The human condition never felt so damn good, except when you are listening to Bombay Black.

One knock on the band in the past, perhaps like AC/DC, is that their songs were somewhat similar and they didn’t try anything new or go outside their comfort zone. Well, “Black Widow” makes you rethink everything you thought about Bombay Black. “Black Widow” begins with an almost Industrial Metal groove; it’s sleazy, dirty and extremely sexual. Suddenly, synthesizer hit you, which is a first for the band. The song picks up speed, with two-part harmony vocals on the bridge, and spins you into this massive chorus. If this can somehow make it to mainstream radio, and it should, it will be a hit.

They get back to what they do best on “Smother,” and if you thought “Black Widow” had a catchy chorus, this one takes it to a new level. Hearing “Choke me smother me! It’s all that you do to me … I like it in the bed but not in my head, when you choke me smother me!” is just perfect. The band had best make some t-shirts that say “Choke Me Smother Me!” because who wouldn’t wear that to church?

The drumming on “Give Yourself to Me” is more intricate than anything you’ve heard from Bombay Black before. It’s almost tribal in its rhythms, and bassist Ty Sims flaunts a stylistic bass line as well. Again, this is one of those songs that Bombay Black took a chance on and exceeded whatever expectations they set before themselves. It’s a mid-paced composition, much like “Black Widow,” and one of the coolest tracks they’ve ever written.

As much as you embrace the experimental Bombay Black, you are still going to glom on to their songs like “New Psycho.” This one has that Puddle of Mudd “She Hates Me” vibe, and the band actually wrote this song via e-mail, basically because Johnson seemed to have lost his artfully hateful attitude towards life, and the band pointed it out to him. After a few e-mails, the lyrics were written and the song soon followed. This lyric tells it all: “I’ve got a nice house and a really cool girl, been playing to people all around the world. I’ve got my fireball and I’ve got my guitars, but I know I’m losing sight of what it means to be a star. I need a new PSYCHO!”

Love You to Death is everything you expect from Bombay Black, but it also has a few new tricks to let you know the band is still evolving. Considering they are one of the best live bands you will see hit the stage, it’s almost immeasurable how big these guys could become if given the chance.

Band:
Erik Johnson (vocals, guitar)
Ty Sims (bass, vocals)
“Devil” Jim Perry (guitar, vocals)
Rob McCauley (drums, vocals)

Online: www.myspace.com/bombayblack

Track listing:
1. Reign Over Me
2. The Angel and the Devil
3. Love You to Death
4. Demons Down
5. Let the Right One In
6. Black Widow
7. Smother
8. Give Yourself to Me
9. Shackles and Chains
10. Down on the Floor
11. Mojo
12. New Psycho

Genre: Hard Rock

Label: Triage Music

Hardrock Haven rating: 8.4/10

Dakota Rockfest Weathers the Storm: Bret Michaels and Vince Neil Host Three Day Festival

July 21 – 23, 2010 at Sioux Empire Fairgrounds, Sioux Falls, SD.

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

The third annual Dakota Rock Fest took place in Sioux Falls, S.D. July 22-24 at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds. Like Rocklahoma a couple years back, Dakota Rock Fest 2010 unfortunately had to battle with Mother Nature, and it ended up shortening the Friday night event to just two bands—Lita Ford and Bret Michaels. While the weather didn’t turn tornadic, it still put a bit of a damper on the event, considering one of the best new bands on the planet, Mama Kin, traveled from Sweden and didn’t get to show the crowd exactly why you need to be their biggest fan.

On Thursday night (which Hardrock Haven was unable to attend), promoters Leisinger Entertainment opened up the gates free of charge for past and current military personnel and their families. All you had to do have some sort of military ID, and you could have seen bands like Asphalt Valentine, Rock N’ Roll Damnation and one of the most talked about bands at festival, Hairball. The word on the street is that Hairball pulled out all the stops, went through extensive and believable costume changes, featured two lead singers who pulled off covers of Twisted Sister, KISS … and even Prince.

While the anticipation for Friday was sheerly about Lita and Bret, the bands Mama Kin, Attention and Far Cry planned on having their say as well. But the weather reports forced the promoters to put Lita on at 5:45 p.m., and Michaels at 7 p.m. While the promoters and all of the local radio stations made every effort (and then some) to get the word out, the venue was not as full as anyone would have expected when Lita tore things up. While Lita’s new album has taken some head for going in an industrial direction, you cannot deny her musical talent or refute that songs like “Close Your Eyes Forever” and “Kiss Me Deadly” have stood the test of time. Lita, who isn’t used to being the opening act for anyone, made it known she wasn’t thrilled playing so early, but that didn’t stop her from being a true professional. She had the crowd eating out of her hand, and her husband Jim Gillette even sang backing vocals the entire set. Gracious yet still full of snarky fire, Lita lived up to her name.

Bret Michaels, who is a nonstop touring machine and by now could do this in his sleep, unleashed his arsenal of Poison hits and some solo work to a crowd that seemingly can’t get enough of his music. He was the main headliner in 2009 and Dakota Rock Fest was fortunate to get him back considering the health woes Michaels has struggled with over the past year. The ultimate professional, Michaels closed the concert by making a few carpe diem comments—sometimes it’s just good to be alive, especially if you are Bret Michaels.

While the other bands were still holding out hope of playing after Bret Michaels, the minute Michaels left stage the venue announcement lightning, heavy winds and rainstorms are on the way, so everyone got the “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here” send off. You couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Mama Kin, who were living the dream right up until the promoter told them of the lineup time change. Lead singer Ward said it best: “He’s Bret Michaels. I can’t tell him when he can or can’t play.” Far Cry, the talented band with powerhouse vocalist Mark Giovi, found a slot on Saturday so their trip to Sioux Falls was not for naught. Mama Kin had a show in Omaha the next day, though, so maybe next year …

Saturday rolled around, and the promoters switched around playing times again, trying to accommodate as much music as possible. By noon, the music started, and local Sioux Falls favorites Jukebox Zeroes were on by 12:45 p.m. In the past, Jukebox Zeroes offered mainly covers, but every single person in that band has been a staple of the Sioux Falls’ music scene for a couple decades, and they featured mainly originals for their set. Singer/keyboardist Amy Ellsworth is one of the best singers you have yet to hear (unless you have), and covers be damned … their original music rocked. Of course, the band is known for their Heart covers, so they ended it all with “Crazy on You.” Even when you come to expect greatness from them, they exceed expectations anyway.

Hardrock Haven’s own Derric Miller took the stage to announce Paisty Jenny. This was Paisty Jenny’s third time playing Dakota Rock Fest, and first time with new guitarist Stan Liberty, who adds a bit more Metal to the overall sound. Since the band has opened the event the past two years, this was their first chance to play before a larger afternoon crowd (and not hungover morning crowd). Paisty Jenny is now a well-oiled machine, driven by songwriter/singer/guitarist Gregg Lee’s snarling yet fiercely melodic anthems. Along with drummer Tye Lovette and bassist Gabe Matthews, Paisty Jenny once again proved they belong on stage with every single band before AND after them.

Tango Down and Far Cry, both Kivel Records recording acts, had their time in the increasingly blistering sun as well. Far Cry, who fortunately found a slot Saturday after the Friday bounce, opened with “We Rock” from Dio and never let up. If you haven’t seen or heard them yet, you are doing yourself a disservice. Tango Down had 50 percent different people than last year, and the big addition is David Reece (Bangalore Choir). Tango Down’s music becomes more serious and Classic sounding with Reece behind the mic. Former singers Phil Naro and Alex Barbieri both fronted the band at one time, but neither have the weight of Reece’s legacy behind him. In fact, two songs played weren’t even Tango Down songs—they played a Bangalore Choir and an Accept song instead, making Reece the focal point of the band.

Bombay Black, who has a new album out called Love You to Death on Triage Music, are simply one of the best sounding live acts around. What they create in the studio they can recreate perfectly on stage. Their aggression, their sense of humor, their huge vocal melodies and their limitless attitude come to sonic life when you see them live. Each member is an original personality in his own right, and together, Bombay Black just keeps getting better.

Ted Poley of Danger Danger (www.tedpoley.com) was one of the most anticipated musicians of the whole event. He hasn’t played anywhere around the Dakota Territories in far too long, and to finally hear the voice of Danger Danger live was more than worth the wait. To put it bluntly, Poley is the ultimate frontman. He works the crowd, he draws you in, he makes you smile and laugh while you are trying to sing along with hit after hit, and vocally, Poley tied for the best vocals of the entire festival. Unfortunately for Poley, he was so dedicated to giving the crowd everything he had, he forgot that it was now in the high ‘80s, the sun was blasting a black stage, he had holes in his jeans … and he kept sliding to his knees on this searing surface. After the show, once the adrenaline wore off, Poley realized he was the proud owner of some nasty second degree burns; he even pulled off a silver dollar sized fried piece of himself and flung it at one his prior label heads. He was even nice enough to send a picture of his fricasseed knees for your viewing pleasure. It was a coup for Dakota Rock Fest to get Poley to play in Sioux Falls. Poley’s band featured Vic Rivera (Adriangale, Poley Rivera) and some players from Far Cry, including guitarist Pete Fry who dexterously nailed his Andy Timmons solos.

Last year, Dakota Rock Fest dipped into the vault and brought April Wine to Sioux Falls. This year, their retrospective look included Axe and Molly Hatchet. Axe fared the better of the two, with their hit “Rock And Roll Party in the Streets.” Molly Hatchet even played a Skynyrd cover, for some reason.

Warrant — who has undergone singer changes from Jani Lane to Jaime St. James back to Jani Lane now to Robert Mason (Lynch Mob, Big C**k) — played right before closer Vince Neil. Warrant finally has a singer who can hit all the notes, recreate the past and help forge the band’s future. If you haven’t heard Mason live before, his immeasurable vocal talent and limitless energy has to be daunting for other singers to follow. You don’t want to be the person to follow Robert Mason, period. From “Cherry Pie” to “I Saw Red” to “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” they played all their multi-platinum hits and everyone witnessed a rejuvenated and recharged Warrant steal the show.

With the “evolution” of Rocklahoma, who completely sold out to the Corporate Rock Gods, it seemed that Dakota Rock Fest had the opportunity to steal some of their thunder by featuring these still-relevant ‘80s acts. Would it have been a bigger draw for the promoters had Motley Crue, Poison and Danger Danger played? Yes, certainly. Dakota Rock Fest is extremely affordable compared to other festivals, but they may have to bite the bullet and pull in a band like Whitesnake next year if they want to keep making the festival bigger and more relevant (and make bank for their efforts). The promoters have updated and rearranged the festival every year and have proven they can adapt, so it should make next year’s Dakota Rock Fest even more interesting.

Online: www.dakotarockfest.com

Dakota Rock Fest 2010 Photo Gallery

Photos provided by John Kindred

Ty Sims of Bombay Black

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

Bombay Black bassist Ty Sims checked in with Hardrock Haven to talk about the release of their brand new studio effort Love You to Death; why they went the “do it yourself” route this time around; how the band has managed to keep all original band members together since the group’s debut; how the songwriting is evolving in the band; upcoming tour plans, including Dakota Rock Fest; and a whole lot more.

Tune in now to hear Sims catch you up on everything Bombay Black, and pick up Love You to Death immediately.

(If the embedded player doesn’t populate, click here to stream the interview in a stand alone player.)

Dakota Rock Fest 2009 Live!

July 24 & 25, 2009 W.H. Lyon Fairgorunds, Sioux Falls, SD.

by Derric Miller
Staff Writer

Friday’s Lineup
4:00 pm JUKEBOX ZEROES
5:00 pm GOODBYE THRILL
6:00 pm TALON
7:00 pm ESCAPE
8:00 pm FAR CRY
9:00 pm DRAW THE LINE
10:00 pm HEAD EAST
11:15 pm APRIL WINE

Saturday’s Lineup
10:00 am PAISTY JENNY
11:00 am APPETITE FOR DECEPTION
12:00 pm ESCAPE
1:00 pm TANGO DOWN
2:00 pm ENUFF Z’ NUFF
3:05 pm BOMBAY BLACK
4:10 pm L.A. GUNS
5:25 pm DRAW THE LINE
6:30 pm FIREHOUSE
7:45 pm DOKKEN
9:00 pm SKID ROW
10:15 pm BRET MICHAELS

The second annual Dakota Rock Fest—aka Eastern South Dakota’s Biggest Rock Formation—stepped up its draw this year by bringing one of the hottest musicians/TV stars on the planet to Sioux Falls, S.D. Bret Michaels closed the festival on Saturday night, and his star power brought tens of thousands of spectators—those who love him for his numerous hits as Poison’s frontman, and then, those who want to do more than love him for his cable TV smash hit “Rock of Love.”

Like last year, Dakota Rock Fest 2009 featured area acts (Jukebox Zeroes and Nebraska’s Paisty Jenny), new Hard Rock bands carrying on in the tradition of Poison, Motley Crue, Ratt, etc. (like Tango Down, Bombay Black, Far Cry) and then multi-platinum ‘80s giants like Dokken, Firehouse, Skid Row, and Bret Michaels.

The promoters also signed on tribute bands for Aerosmith, Journey, and Guns and Roses. By far, the GNR tribute band Appetite for Deception lived up to their namesake, with the other two struggling to mirror their heroes.

Dakota Rock Fest went even farther back than the ‘80s, closing out Friday night with Head East and April Wine. It was obvious that Saturday’s/Bret Michaels’ crowd was a bit more spritely than those who stayed to see April Wine on Friday.

The organizers (Leisinger Entertainment) welcome feedback and actually listen to their customers, so this year’s VIP access was even better than last year. For $150, it’s all you can drink and eat, while having access to mingle with the bands in the VIP area. It’s by far one of the better priced festivals in the nation.

For some reason, the bands that truly seemed hungry and happy to be playing this year were the lesser-knowns, like Far Cry, who blew the crowd away with their songwriting, musicianship and live energy. Tango Down did the same, offering up a mix of Firehouse and Ratt-like compositions that pulled the crowd in even if they didn’t know the songs. As always, Bombay Black owned the masses with their blend of infectious, snarky, heavy and fun Hard Rock.  Paisty Jenny one-upped them all, bringing on three gorgeous bikini-clad women (see pictures below) to dance around and wake up the crowd as they sang “Jack/Coke a little bit of Bud Light!” on the track “Take It Like a Shot,” while their somber “Better Man” showed another facet to this talented foursome.  

Unfortunately, maybe because of a tech glitch at the start of their set, the band who seemed the most uninterested was Dokken. They opened with “Breaking the Chains,” and lead singer Don Dokken stopped the set and said, “Trust me, this song sounds a lot better when you can hear the guitar.” While he tried to slough it off, professionals have short fuses, and by the time the guitar was back in the mix, Dokken was forced to nix a song or two from their set. After that, Dokken seemed comfortable singing an entire octave below the original melody line on some of the songs, making them sound droning. Without Jeff Pilson in the band to match the harmonies and backing vocals the great Dokken hits mesmerized with, and with Don himself comfortable sleepwalking through the harder vocals spots, Dokken as a band struggled mightily, and the crowd echoed the lack of energy accordingly.

The biggest surprise was L.A. Guns, who now have Jizzy Pearl on lead vocals. Just thinking about it, Pearl makes sense. Forget his hired-gun status in Ratt; Pearl sang the best drinking song of all time, “Black Out in the Red Room” with his band Love/Hate, and he’s the perfect mix of sleaze, grit and melody to replace Phil Lewis. They played a new original song, and it may have been the highlight of the set, although “Ballad of Jane,” “Sex Action,” “Show No Mercy,” etc. were all highlights. Traci Guns is a talent, and with Pearl able to once again record new music, look out for the newly invigorated L.A. Guns.

Bands like Skid Row and Firehouse are incapable of playing a bad live set, no matter the circumstances, and the crowd ate up their stage time. Enuff Z’Nuff, while excessively talented and armed with some of the most melodic Hard Rock you’ll ever hear, followed the combustible Bombay Black, so their set lacked a bit of energy in comparison.

By Saturday eve, the crowd seemingly doubled in size from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., and a large number of those attendees were female. If you needed proof that Michaels’ name alone can fill up a festival, well, should have been there. Regardless of how you feel about Michaels, he is a performer first and foremost. He mixed his set with hits from his new solo album and of course the Poison mainstays. He always lays it out for the crowd, he’s a consummate showman, and his set capped off Dakota Rock Fest to perfection.

Dakota Rock Fest 2009 Photo Gallery

Photos by John Kindred/Derric Miller.

Dakota Rock Fest 2009 Video Gallery

(Congratulations to Leisinger Entertainment for another successful Dakota Rock Fest and thanks for bringing quality Hard Rock outdoor entertainment to Sioux Falls.)