The city of Pomona, named after the Roman goddess of fruit trees, was home to the debut of a potentially annual, concert event: Epicenter ’09, subtitled “So Cal’s Rock Explosion.” Two stages and concessions were set up at inside the racetrack at Fairplex Park.
Being inland 27 miles east of Los Angeles, Pomona is expected to be hot in August, but the day started of unusually humid as well, with claims of a 20% chance of rain and thunderstorms. To combat the heat, my friend Ted and I made sure to load up on “fluids” in the parking lot.
As we made our way in, Street Sweeper Social Club got the main stage started a little after one, playing a short set of songs from their debut album. Their music was rockin’, as expected with the talented Tom Morello on guitar leading the way with his trademark pyrotechnics that make you wonder how he makes some of those sounds. The lyrics were filled with messages that likely work better for the have-nots.
A lot of attendees wore black, but the commitment to their lifestyle should have given way to comfort, considering how hot the day was getting. We sought shade in the two-story Monster VIP booth, which was placed behind the soundboards, and drank their energy drinks and ate their appetizers.
Hollywood Undead came out wearing masks and sounded like a heavier version of Linkin Park, which in part means they seem inorganically manufactured by a producer or music label. I was surprised a good portion of the crowd was into them. After a couple of songs they took off their masks, so I didn’t get the point of having them in the first place nor why five guys were running around on the mic. I found them very boring and was concerned that in combination with the heat I was going to pass out regardless of their volume.
Atreyu also created forgettable, loud noise. When they first hit the stage, it didn’t sound like their guitar and mic levels were set right, and a background vocal track could be heard, but we couldn’t tell who was singing. Maybe a recorded track? Later, the bass levels were off as well. Near the stage a nice size mosh pit broke out, so some people must have either enjoyed the music or having hot, sweaty, dirty, man flesh banging into them in a homoerotic manner
Article comments
1 - Josh Hathaway
I have a very special place in my heart for Alice in Chains and I've been very mixed about them continuing under that name. I was curious how they were sounding and I have a sense of it. I understand the three surviving guys wanting to make music together and Jerry was 66% of that band's sound, but for me Alice means Layne and it's been tough for me to really decide how I feel. They have the right to continue but should they still use the name? It's an emotional thing for me and I'm not sure. I haven't had the nerve to listen yet but your description was good and curioisity will end up getting the best of me.
2 - El Bicho
Josh, I totally get your apprehension because it's a fine line to walk for those who continue on when a band loses a major member.
I had trouble when Gilmour and gang went on as Pink Floyd after Waters left, even though they had a good point that the rest of them hadn't agreed to quit the band and had contributed to its history as well.
While it may seem selfish and disrespectful for Cantrell and the gang to continue, Staley's behavior, which led to his death, was more so. Sure, there's a crass, commercial angle to the decision, but it is show business.
I am curious to hear your reaction to the mp3's I linked to.
3 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
I, too, am torn about the new AIC. But, unfortunately, Layne put them on hiatus for far too long even when he was still alive,so,I'm glad Jerry & Co. have had this opportunity to move forward. Yet, my only complaint about their new material is that DuVall doesn't really shine with any of the passion & soul that Layne did. I think he's got a decent voice for this band but it doesn't get showcased properly and ends up sounding more like Jerry doing layered vocal tracks. Personally, I think it's because DuVall was great at covering their classic material but he doesn't have that brilliant mind & voice to produce new AIC songs like Layne did,BUT, that's my opinion. No offense to Jerry or William. Unfortunately, I don't see another album like Dirt on the horizon and that is a little depressing.