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Alan Smithee : Rusty's Surf Ranch
It's my first time at Rusty's Surf Ranch on the Santa Monica pier. The parking charges are reminiscent of the strip at $7 per car, and the boards rattling beneath your tires welcome you with the thought of falling through to swim with the fish. The parking attendants were a real blast too, and would rather hold onto a cell phone than $100 bill to wait until you get change. Make sure you're carrying less than a $20.
Once inside, Rusty's is a feel good environment with smiling door people and a warm crowd. Alan Smithee started out their set with some nice grooves, poppy and definitely all American. Fluid keys from Frank Haggerty jump out at you conveying a sound that's upbeat and cheerful. I feel a little Huey Lewis and the News going on here. The band has first-rate dynamics, simple and tasteful background vocals and nice changes throughout the songs. Their transitions are smooth; I can tell that's something they focus on during rehearsals. The bass player, Paul Brantley, dominates the stage with some of the best presence I've seen in LA-and he can even sing backup.
"So Far Away" is a sing-along with nice guitar lines from Matt Emmer. The catchy melody moves the band a little more on stage and it livens up the visual aspect of the performance. David Jonelis' vocals are solid and confident. "There's A Girl" has an almost Emo vibe but without being annoying and the vocals are actually in key! David doesn't always choose the most obvious notes which is refreshing to hear.
"Sand and Water" had me only a few notes in with enlightening chord choices from Matt on guitar. Unfortunately, the band thought playing a slow song meant standing still. With a little more movement they'd up their show quality ten-fold. Well, all except Paul of course, who refused to stop moving no matter what. He had great energy. "Wonderful" showcases David's vocal range and ability. He knows how to use his instrument and manipulate different tones to convey the meaning of the lyrics. This would be a great song for licensing to television and film.
"California Calling" has a Goo Goo Dolls meets The Wallflowers vibe. In "Who the Hell" Ryan really shows off his drumming skills. He's a lively percussionist and is varied in his playing with excellent dynamics and a metronome-like rhythm. During his solo I felt like I was in a scene from Drumline and was expecting him to throw his sticks at me in a challenge.
The band started to bring their show to a close with a cover of "She Drives Me Crazy". It's a fun cover and the band changed it enough to make it their own.
Alan Smithee is an upbeat, fun band with real potential to rock a crowd.
Article by: Jennifer Vega
Submitted: May, 2004
Artist Website: www.whoisalansmithee.com
Email: jenvega@tlams.com
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