|
Outlett @ The House Of Blues
Live, music alone is only half of the formal, it's the show, the excitement, the way the band interacts with the audience that takes a good band and makes them great. Outlett, a local, 4-piece LA hard rock/metal band has what it takes to ignite the audience, bringing the shy listener from the back of the club and forcing their curiosity to the front of the stage.
Leaded singer and percussionist Chastity Completo brings together the presence of lead singers like Sonny from POD crossed with some subtle mannerisms that might get her some unfortunate comparisons to Gwen Staffani. Vocally, Chastity has a very interesting range, deep, which is great for the aggressive hard rock style, but she's also able to belt out those high parts and give it that good aggressive scream! For a little flavor, Chastity breaks out the djembe, and she's quite the djembe player! It should be pointed out that for Outlett, the djembe is not a novelty instrument, but rather an instrument that they have fused into their sound.
As a four-piece band, they really hold it together. Bassist, Justin "JJ" Jones, and drummer, David Lee, let lose in a full frontal assault on the rhythm section. They're aggressive, fast, and drive home rhythms worthy of bands like Sepletura, Slayer and Pantera. The odd man out in this band might just be Guitarist Hos Miller, who adds a little spin to Outlett's sound! It's easy to compare his rhythm style to bands like Korn, when he's adding false harmonics to his rhythms, but it's the grooves, similar to the feel of bands like Pearl Jam, that make him shine. His playing is remarkably full for a hard rock band with only 1 guitarist, his parts are interesting and he brings a certain charisma to the guitar that is a great compliment to the band.
The band started out their set with an instrumental piece, featuring the djembe, moving into "Walk Away," a tune that you can find on their 4-song self released EP. The song is a great example of the bands writing style, incorporating the heavier hard rock sound, with slightly poppy choruses. Walk Away is one of their catchier chorus's, which leaves you walking away with "Walk Away" stuck in your head.
Followed up by a song called "Infected," also on their EP, featuring a great rhythmic verse with an ethereal vocal line, it's one of the bands more catchy melodic pieces, and some of their more interesting rhythm choices, with a great tension release into the chorus. Infected is reticent of some of the feel of early Papa Roach feel. Outlett really got their crowd moving with "Stand Up," where noticeably people moved closer, moved more, while Chastity belted out "I'm a woman standing up for what it is I am," and bring back the djembe!
A live show's not a live show without cover tunes! Outlett covered Damage Plan's "Pride," which was right up their alley and Eddie Breckell's "What I Am," with a different twist. Pride really works for Outlett, which I enjoyed more as a cover. "What I Am" took on a different perspective with a heavier more sporadic approach, which was bordering on a bit of a cross over metal/punk version approach, reminiscent of early Suicidal Tendencies.
Outlett closed out with "Nag Champa," an energetic instrumental featuring the djembe again and permanently affixing the djembe into their sound. If you're into bands like Pantera, Sepletura, Slayer (the ligher side (like Dead Skin Mask), and enjoy the pop influences on newer hard rock of bands like Godsmack & the Disturbed, you'll enjoy what Outlett brings to the table. If you're looking for a live show that's going to move you, look no further.
Recommended tracks, check out Infected, followed up by Reach On. You can find out more about Outlett by visiting their website (www.outlett.net) or their myspace.com/outlett presence.
Article by: TLAMS
Submitted: Jan, 2004
Artist Website: www.outlett.net
|
|
