Music Review Archives - Nashville Rocks

Kelsey Blackstone Plays Punk Wok in West Nashville

November 13, 2024

I went to see a show and discovered a cool Asian cuisine restaurant! At first, I couldn’t find the venue because it is tucked away in the corner of an historic area in West Nashville. It was a dark and stormy night and I happened to see one person walk across the parking lot and go into the corner of the shops area. I followed, thinking that’s got to be the only place doing anything at 10:30 at night in this storm.

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As I entered, shook off the rain and made sure the door guy knew I was on the list, I was welcomed by a cozy little restaurant that has been “after-hours-modified” into a cool, alternative venue. Is it small? Yes, indeed it is, but couldn’t be a better place to see an intimate show with your favorite artist.

The place? PUNK WOK. Yes, you read that right and it’s kind of a play on words, but is actually referring to their ability to cook whatever they want. During the restaurant hours, they cook fantastic Asian cuisine and after the dinner crowd is gone, they move some tables and carve out a corner for a band! I spoke to the owner, Clay, and he told me it was one of his manager’s idea to do this. According to the owner, it’s been a success! So if you are a foodie and love some good independent music, make sure to check out Punk Wok to see if you can find an artist that suits your tastes and go see a show!

After having Kelsey on The Nashville Rocks Show for independent musicians, I thought it was only natural to go see her perform live in front of an audience. Well, this adventure turned out to be a pleasant one. The first thing I noticed was the audience, full of youth and excitement as the night actually presented three artists of which Kelsey was the second artist to play that night. I had missed the first artist because I was coming over from the Music City Cares Veterans Benefit Concert at Wedge Pizza. It took a bit for the bands to swap places, but during that time, more people showed up for the show.

As Kelsey began to play, I also noticed the band was full of true musicians. The talent and skill displayed was that of a skilled band of many years, but coming out of much younger artists. Kelsey was vibrant and energetic and the crowd reacted to her with the same energy.

Much dancing was had and bubbles seems to activate a fever of energy as the night rocked on. Keeping the energy up, Kelsey shared her cover of “505” by Arctic Monkeys. Seeming to be a fan favorite, everyone was moving and grooving to that song.

As Kelsey moved and grooved herself as she performed in her shining blue sequined mini-dress, the crowd responded every time as the energy in the room seemed to be contagious. With great fervor, Kelsey ensured her band was introduced and shared in the limelight that was the Punk Wok stage.

To close of her set, Kelsey showed her release of her new music video for her song “Sway.” Everyone seemed to really enjoy it and give her much support for her music video efforts. If you haven’t seen it, head on over to the Nashville Rocks channel and check it out HERE!

Overall it was a great show and my only regret was not staying for the third artist of the night, Natasha Blaine. Hey, more music to research right? Check out both of these artists at their links below.

Kelsey Blackstone | SPOTIFY | Instagram | WEBSITE | APPLE MUSIC

Natasha Blaine | SPOTIFY | Instagram | WEBSITE | APPLE MUSIC

Rock City Machine Company Plays The Eighth Room

November 20, 2023 Leave a comment

Rock City Machine Company at The Eighth Room

Heavy Metal Elite at The Eighth Room

Written By: Tommy Gilbert

The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, and as I scanned the room, I couldn’t help but notice the presence of some of Nashville’s Heavy Metal rock elite. The venue, known as the Eighth Room, was a hidden gem that I had yet to experience. From the moment I stepped inside, I could sense that tonight was going to be something Read more →

Wreking Crue Destroys Music City – Live At Bowie’s in Downtown Nashville

September 9, 2023 Leave a comment

How It Started

It all started as any other Friday. Finish work and be free by 5 p.m. But this Friday night would be way different than any other night. I knew I’d be headed downtown Nashville to see the often-accoladed Wreking Crue from Detroit Michigan. Not knowing really what to expect, because it was recommended by my buddy, I really didn’t have any expectations of the band I was about to see.

We headed down to Assembly Food Hall to confuse ourselves over what we actually wanted to eat before the show, but ended up getting some barbecue and Tacos. No, not together. I got barbecue and my buddy got tacos. Of course that had to go with a couple beers. I’m a Lager guy so I started off with some Yuengling.

There was some entertainment there at the Assembly Food Hall, but I didn’t catch the name of the talent, but if you want some dinner and entertainment, it’s a good place to start.

Garden Of Eden

Bowie’s On 3rd

Then, on to Bowie’s on 3rd Avenue. Surrounded by rhinestone cowboy clubs and bro-country music lies a rock-n-roll gem in Nashville. A veritable refuge for rock-n-roll fans and an escape from the country onslaught that is downtown Nashville. Bowie’s is a self-described downtown rock ‘n’ roll bar that doesn’t just live for the weekends, but for every night. As we entered the venue early for the Wreking Crue show, we were greeted with the sounds of a fantastic cover band names Garden of Eden that was reviving tunes from the late 70s and early 80s. Garden of Eden plays regularly at Bowie’s so you have the chance to catch them. While enjoying the band and having a brew or two, the room began to fill up for what was to come from Wreking Crue.

Wreking Crue

Finally, the time came for Wreking Crue to hit the stage and at first it was a little jarring as they lit the place up with the lights and sounds of a small, but effective Motley Crue experience. To complete all members of the tribute band to represent the actual members of Motley Crue we had Vinnie Roxx playing the part of Vince Neil, Nikki Sikks as Nikki Sixx, Crash Mars as Mick Mars and Stixx as Tommy Lee. Each of these members could really hold their own with the Motley Crue sounds and excelled at portraying their characters. To top it off there were Crue Girls in attendance for backup vocals. Once the experience began, it became clear that these guys were serious about putting out the best most accurate Motley Crue experience they could muster. Having seen Motley Crue multiple times back in the hey day, I feel I’m uniquely qualified to say that.

Their first set was focused primarily on Motley Crue’s earliest works including Live Wire, Take Me to The Top, Come on And Dance, Too Fast For Love and Merry Go Round. The introduction to Wreking Crue was a welcome one. You could tell they were there for fun and to make the crowd happy. With banter back and forth with the crowd, random sips of whiskey (just like Motley Crue would do) and the Crue Girls singing backup, it was a completely well rounded experience of a Motley Crue tribute band.

The second set was even more of an onslaught of the Wreking Crue experience with a return to Motley Crue’s more recent work and an outfit change for the backup singers. With a humble cry from lead singer Vinnie Roxx, “Are you guys sick of our shit yet?! The truth is we do this because we love it. We love the music and we love bringing it to you and having fun.” On to newer tracks from Motley Crue including Shout At The Devil, Red Hot, Looks That Kill, Knock Em Dead Kid, Home Sweet Home, Girls Girls Girls and Dr. Feelgood.

With Vinnie Roxx hitting vocals that Vince Neil can’t these days, it made me think of a replacement, but that’ll never happen. Nikki Sikks banged on the bass and you could really feel it in your chest. Crash Mars power over the guitar was evident in his finger work for the solos and even in the rhythm. Seemingly the youngest member of the band, Stixx, even did an impression of a one-handed drummer to highlight his skills over a set all while holding a bottle of whisky. The backup singers (likely the wives), were having a blast on stage and reliving their Motley Crue Experiences as well.

All in all, it was a great show including pick and stick tossing to the audience and trips to the merch counter. If you have a chance to see this great tribute band, do yourself a favor. Grab a couple of friends and do it. Take it from an old Motley Crue fan, it’s a worthwhile experience.

For more on Wreking Crue, visit their website

WREKING CRUEWebsite
More Motley Crue and Music Downloads here:

https://www.motley.com/

MOTLEY CRUEMusic Downloads

ROCKIN’ NIGHT IN NASHVILLE: Emily Wolfe Set the Stage at The Blue Room Ablaze!

August 14, 2023 Leave a comment

Hotter than a Texan summer and wilder than a roadhouse brawl, last Friday night was etched in the annals of rock history as the electrifying Emily Wolfe stormed into town all the way from the Lone Star State. The legendary Blue Room in Nashville, TN became ground zero for a sonic showdown that left the crowd of die-hard music aficionados awe-struck and thirsty for more.

Opening Act : Brandy Zdan

But hold onto your leather jackets, because before the blazing inferno that was Emily Wolfe took over, a lone warrior stepped onto the battlefield. Brandy Zdan, the Canadian dynamo who’d traded her maple leaves for Nashville’s neon lights, emerged center stage with nothing but her guitar and a spirit that reeked of old-school punk rebellion and the untamed essence of western blues. In a world drowning in mediocrity, Brandy was a beacon of authenticity, armed with songs that told tales of life’s gritty challenges and her very own brand of unapologetic activism.

As the room shook with the resonance of her gritty, muddy guitar riffs, Brandy seized the stage with the ferocity of a thunderstorm tearing through the night. Her voice, a mixture of raw power and smoky allure, traversed the spectrum from velvety softness to spine-tingling, rock-your-socks-off belting. Each note she unleashed was a testament to her prowess, a siren’s call that ensnared every soul in the room. With her storytelling prowess, she spun tales that resonated deep within, captivating the crowd and birthing a horde of newfound devotees.

You ain’t seen nothin’ yet, folks! If Brandy Zdan’s primal energy left you craving for more, then brace yourselves for the unstoppable force that is Emily Wolfe. But remember, rock is not just about the music; it’s a way of life. So, dive into the world of Brandy and let her fierce melodies be the soundtrack to your rebellion. Your journey through the raw, unfiltered essence of rock has only just begun.

Stay tuned for more from Brandy and the rock revolution!

DOWNLOAD BRANDY ZDAN MUSIC

Instagram | Link Tree | WEBSITE | Spotify

Images from the show:

Headliner : Emily Wolfe

DOWNLOAD Emily Wolfe – Walk In My Shoes

In a world pulsating with anticipation, the stage awaited the arrival of a true rock sensation. As the lights dimmed and the air grew electric, a hushed awe settled over the crowd, hanging in suspended animation. Then, as if conjured by the very spirit of rock itself, Emily Wolfe stepped onto the stage. The silence was brief, a heartbeat’s pause before a thunderous eruption of applause shook the very foundations of the venue.

Opening the Portal to Sound

With the stage now her canvas, Emily launched into her set with the raw power of a sonic sorceress. “Violent Veins” kicked off the spectacle, the haunting notes piercing the air like a bolt of lightning. And just as the crowd was catching its breath, “Hazy Days” unfurled, enveloping the space in an intoxicating sonic embrace. It was as if the audience had stepped into a vortex where rhythm and blues entwined with the unyielding spirit of Texas groove metal.

Vocals of Crystal and Fire

Emily’s voice, a hybrid of ethereal clarity and rock ‘n’ roll grit, painted the night with shades of emotion. A sweetness that could melt hearts seamlessly blended with a potent, rock-fueled power. Her vocal dexterity was a testament to her artistry, shifting effortlessly from delicate verses to earth-shaking choruses. Each lyric she belted out was a spell woven with conviction, carrying the audience on an emotional journey through soundscapes both tender and turbulent.

Guitar Sorcery and Rhythmic Alchemy

Ah, but it was her guitar work that truly cast the spell. From the very first chord, Emily demonstrated a prowess that sent shockwaves through the crowd. Groovy riffs slithered like serpents, intertwining with distorted tones that carried the weight of a thousand emotions. The rhythm section, a fortress of thick and funky beats, laid the foundation for her sonic tapestry. And in moments of sheer exhilaration, beat drops reverberated like the heartbeat of the night itself.

A Symphony of Transformation

As the show surged forward, the guitar tones shape-shifted, each change heralding a new chapter in the sonic saga. It was as if Emily’s instrument was the brush, and each song was a vivid stroke on the canvas of sound. Her music embraced a spectrum of emotions, a testament to her songwriting prowess. The highs and lows of her compositions mirrored the ebb and flow of life, a journey etched into the very fabric of the melodies.

My favorite thing about Emily Wolfe is her passion. You can see it.Melissa Burchette

A Glimpse into the Soul

Amidst the flurry of chords and the whirlwind of sound, Emily’s emotion was palpable. With every note she played, every lyric she sang, her face became a mirror reflecting the passion burning within. It was a connection that transcended the stage, bridging the gap between artist and audience. In every beat, in every strum, the audience felt the heartbeat of a musician who lives and breathes her craft, a devotion that radiated from the stage like an incandescent aura.

Carving Her Name in Rock’s Legacy

In a musical landscape echoing of legends from eras gone by, Emily Wolfe shines as a modern beacon of female rock power. Echoes of 90s luminaries like L7, The Breeders, and Melissa Etheridge are present, but Emily adds her own signature stamp to this potent legacy. She’s not merely performing; she’s rewriting the narrative, carving out a niche that’s undeniably hers.

So, my fellow devotees of the sonic arts, take heed of this message: Do not miss the chance to witness Emily Wolfe in her electrifying glory when she graces your city on tour. For in the midst of the stage’s blaze, she doesn’t just play music – she conjures a transcendent experience. It’s a journey through sound, an immersion in passion, and a testament to the undeniable truth that, in Emily Wolfe’s world, it’s ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC.

DOWNLOAD EMILY WOLFE MUSIC

TOUR DATES | Instagram | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | Spotify

Images from the show:

Sleepwave Releases Broken Compass – AP Review

September 16, 2014 Leave a comment

Much of Broken Compass is a Direct Adrenaline Rush

Last year, Spencer Chamberlain promised that Sleepwave, his new musical vehicle with multi-instrumentalist/programmer Stephen Bowman, was going to snatch rock music away from the codified auspices of businessmen and bring back the unvarnished honesty he felt the first time he heard bands like Nirvana and Alice In Chains. To that end, the duo (along with producer David Bendeth) have made an album that transcends the radio-rock wasteland, as well as the furious menace Chamberlain was a part of during his stint in Underoath. There’s a certain kind of chrome-plated nostalgia at play on Broken Compass, one that hearkens back to the glory days of Alternative Nation, where bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails and Filter held court and garnered mass acclaim, but not at the expense of extracting their personalities from their art.

Download Broken Compass on Amazon Read more →