After sitting through two sets of this veteran rock 'n' roll band, I saw what could be a monster rock group, at least at the regional level. Could be. While they put together great music for 10-12 minutes at a time, they would then goof off for 2-3 minutes. Every time they did this, I wanted to strangle them.
On Coast to Coast AM, a radio program (KTSM, 11 PM nightly) about ghosts, UFOs, etc., I have heard people call in and say they can drain batteries just by touching them. Section 8 seems to be that way about keeping their instruments in tune. I can't remember seeing anybody tune their instruments so much, at least not in front of the crowd.
Still, they are a pretty good rock 'n' roll party band. They have a pretty clean sound, and they are good showmen, in most respects. They mix in funk and punk (alternative, at least) into their mainstay rock (a mistake, IMHO), and they are very good with the crowd.
Part of the interruptions were due to members of the audience buying them shots. Ah, the rigors of being rock stars. In between sets, they sat at a table, right in the middle of the crowd. Their lack of pretention was incredibly refreshing.
The set list included Grand Funk Railroad's "Some kind of wonderful," CCR's "Born on the Bayou," Ted Nugent's "Cat scratch fever," and AC/DC's "Whole Lotta Rosie." They also played some Lenny Kravitz, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Rage Against the Machine. They played "Play that Funky Music," but I think this is due to somebody losing a bet.
Technically, I heard a number of cool drum fills by Eddie, and the lead guitar player, Adrian, has a wonderful vibrato, if mostly with his first finger (a purist criticism only). Overall, he plays excellent rock lead. The singing was a little out of tune, but that might have been remedied by putting a monitor in front of Adrian, who sings backup vocals. Rudy (bass), had a mike in front of him, but I don't know why. Jeff, the lead singer, has a cool voice for rock 'n' roll. Again, when they want to, these guys seriously rock.
Something I would like to see is some kind of dual lead between Adrian and Jeff. Not really necessary, but it would be a nice addition.
As for the venue, Bulldog English Pub: the toughest thing they have to overcome is location. They are located at 1201 Bob Hope, just south of Pellicano and Joe Battle. It is a cozy place to see a show, and for this purpose, almost posh. And hey! $2 beers! You don't usually get such cheap suds and live music, too.
After the second set that I saw (which might have been their third), I talked to Jeff. He told me that some of them were a little under the weather, and that they didn't bring all their equipment, due to the travel from Northeast El Paso, and the size of the club.
"Tonight is not a good night to review us," he told me.
One thing is certain: I definitely would like to see these guys play up to their potential. That would rock.
- Charles Hurley