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This was the first time I'd seen a surf band live, and what an introduction Slacktone provided me. Will's Pub is the type of place where you would more commonly find punk and metal bands performing. Decorated with various band stickers and graffiti all over the place, you normally wouldn't expect to find one of the world's best surf bands performing there. Although, one wall of the venue showcases 30 or more framed posters of varying size of beautiful pin-up girls, suggesting a nostalgia of things past. The perfect blend of old world meeting new.

The show was amazing, the sound amazing, the musicians amazing, AMAZING! The turn out was rather smallish (it was a Sunday night), but the upside was this led to a party feel, with everyone hanging out, talking and drinking before and after the show. It was a very friendly atmosphere. I found the musicians to be easily approachable, and really nice guys. I spoke with Dave and Sam, separately and together for extended periods of time, before the show started. Sam and I spoke of DD among other things. I told Dave about the new SG101 website, I didn't know he posted at the Yahoo group until he told me. I said he should stop by the new site, as I'm sure everyone here would be thrilled to hear from him again.

The Thrusters hit the stage strong, sans Tom on vocals. After a couple of great songs, (both bands pretty much played the same songs as Butch has already listed so I won't list them all again.) Jeff, the bass/guitar player announced Tom, as a boxer would be called into the ring. Tom's stage presence is great, as is the rest of the band, and they did some great tunes, especially the SMOASP covers, and Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline (which Tom nailed on vocals). That's when Jeff and James switched instruments, and Jeff tore the roof off the place with some amazing Chuck Berry tunes, the man can really shred on guitar. Also, their keyboardist was great, I didn't catch her name, but she was really powerful on keys and fit in perfectly with the band. It was over too soon, and they announced that Slacktone would soon take the stage. I went over to Dave, Dusty, and Sam, and wished them a good show. I went and got another beer and waited patiently.

Slacktone opened up loud and fast and barely let up on ferociousness for the remainder of the show, playing only two slower songs that night. For a moment I thought the building was gonna' come down as they played, and metaphorically speaking, it did. Slacktone is a force to be reckoned with live, like chewing on a hot lead! Dave played his custom Jag (I heard he works at the Fender Custom shop), and this axe is a high-tuned performance machine with perfect single-coil sound! I spent a lot of time watching Dave's hands, trying to decipher how the songs are played. With some guitarists, this is easy, with Dave it was not. His hands are so fast, and flawless, it's like he's not even playing the instrument, though there is no doubt that only he could be making those sounds. His mastery of the tremolo arm, coupled with smooth hand movements make it all look so easy, yet as a guitarist myself, I know just how immense Dave's skill is.

Dusty, is by far the best drummer I have ever seen, and I've seen some great ones. His energy is frightening, his rhythm flawless. He is a true master. Dusty did some extended drum solos, his stick-work spot on, extremely technical, yet never losing emotion or rhythm. To watch him perform is a privilege. One I will never forget as long as I live. Sam, too, is a master on bass, filling in all the gaps with spot on bass thumps and solid grooves, never in the background, never upfront, he stands his ground between Dave and Dusty, and fills out the sound perfectly.

The overall stage presence of the band as a whole is powerful, yet modest, letting the music speak for itself. Theatrics are mostly cast aside in the wake of the sound. The music is just so powerful.

I could have gone on watching them perform for the next week, but alas, the band had finished their set and left the stage, only to come back up with Jeff from The Thrusters on guitar (a black Dillon semi-hollow). Dave, Dusty, Sam, Jeff, and the keyboardist then went on to play Link Wray's Rumble, and let me tell you it was loud, in your face, and full of emotion. Dave used his Tube Echoplex, and I'll never forget the way it sounded with Rumble. I now have to own one of these. Pure ecstasy!

Then, just when you thought it was over Rich and Cait of the Defiant Ones join the stage and play two more songs, with Cait playing her black and white Danelectro Baritone, and then taking the bass from Sam for a last tune. The whole show was like a group of friends taking turns in the spotlight, while still showcasing the amazing talents of the headlining band. After the show, I congratulated, and thoroughly thanked Dave, Dusty, Sam, Jeff, James, and Tom for their great performances. I bought a copy of Slacktone's, Into the Blue Sparkle, and a Slacktone t-shirt, to which Dave informed me that the shirts would only be offered at the Florida shows.

Overall, everyone had a great time, and I won't soon forget the experience. And to think I almost didn't make it...I was very lucky indeed. Slacktone, my friends, are a true spectacle to witness, much more than I could ever put into words.

~Ace~