9 March 2012: The Pain’s Not Forgotten With Well Of Souls

“Skim MILF.” ~ Unknown

In seven days there was: 12 hours on the road, five bands, 2 venues, 2 hotels, and countless memories, hugs, and ultimately experiences to last a lifetime.

Two bands, one venue and hotel was already discussed in a previous blog post. But within a week’s time there was another.

It is fruitless to add that I was at the same Motel 6 where I had fallen into the pool last November. This time I was only there long enough to get a few hours of sleep. And being that there was evil thing called Daylight Savings Time, I would be up for  a full 24 hour period. Yippeeee!!

This show was compelling. It called out to me. Not to mention the encouragement of a few people in my ear. I HAD to go, if I found that I was able to. And obviously I was.

I did however get plenty of face time inside the House Of Froth, learning a new video game called Skyrim for much of the afternoon until it was time to go to the venue.

This show had appealed to me on two separate but equal fronts. WELL OF SOULS and BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE.

It had been nearly a full year since I had seen either band play live. And with that, I packed my luggage for an overnight stay and got up nice and early and left town.

I hadn’t heard of the other two bands before. I just had received a pep talk about what I could possibly expect from these groups. But both of them surprised me. 

Come to find out that there would never be enough counseling in the world to explain what I saw.

THE SCOURGE started things off with a bang from the moment they played their first note. After a very hard hitting musical interlude they played “Fuck With Fire” which was to be their first song.

Honestly, starting a show like that? Hang on to your leather pants, people!!!

These guys went out on stage like they had nothing to lose, everything to gain. And they ended up grabbing my attention to make me a new fan! For the love of anything good and pure… find me the merchandise table for these guys and buy in bulk!

They were put together nicely and I would not mind seeing them again. It turns out that they will be playing at BFE in April for the next show with SIX MINUTE CENTURY. The term “excited” doesn’t do it or them justice. My only hope is that I can make it there at that time. Even though it is part of the plan at this point.

After blasting some really awesome music and ripping apart people’s faces with excellent performances of a few cover songs, I could have just withered onto the floor. My only regret was being so far back that I never took any photographs of them while on stage. OR at all.

But I had to pace myself. BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE was next!

I hadn’t seen this band out of Waco, Texas since going to The Domain last year. And there was about to be some very obvious differences in performance as The Domain was more of an acoustic set compared to Acadia’s plugged in and full throttle event.

Not to mention that I didn’t have a camera then, but I did now!

I wasn’t sure if I should have called it “BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE: Plugged In” or something of that nature.

But there’s something more to it than that.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE has an energy about them when they are on stage. I saw that their music was pulsing through their veins and fire in their soul. Because of it, I moved up to the front of the stage.

Each of the band members greeted me with awesome hugs and smiles when they walked in the door. Even lead singer, Brenda Flores, complimented me on the leather jacket that I was wearing. I thought that was really cool. Find one thing about the person that you like and then start a conversation from there.

I could have never expected the electric atmosphere that BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE brings with them on stage!!

There was nothing to compare it to. And there still isn’t. BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE is a band that is on top of their A game and they remain standing on the top of that hill. They were lost in their passion for music and it showed. The performance overall was top notch in my opinion.

Brenda Flores did mention me by name after playing “Nearly Forgotten” and I was surprised by it. A dedication came out to me and appreciation was expressed that I had come that long way to get to the show. Although I’m still a bit hazy and confused as to which song was dedicated. Was it “Nearly Forgotten” or the song that they played after it? It remains a mystery. Meanwhile, Mrs. Froth screamed to her hearts content when I was mentioned. I felt all bubbles and goo inside as the goosebumps shot up my spine. I am so loved and that’s no doubt!

By the time BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE reached their final song of the night, I noticed that their bass player, Maribel was motioning for me to get even closer to the stage. The last part of the song, both her and Auggie Del Ray came off of the stage and rocked it to the end. Maribel being right in front of me only a few short inches away. I didn’t know if Auggie was going to encapsulate me to the other side or not but he just let it all out to what he had and they finished their set on stage.

Holy Crap!!! More that I did not expect or see coming. Was she gonna climb up on my lap and hammer out the rest of the song while standing on my knees? And would she find it funny if I started throwing dollar bills on the floor? No, I remained still until the end then she hugged me.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE took the time after their set to talk to the people who were the most animated during their performance. Photographs were taken as a sign of the band’s heartfelt appreciation.

And as they were finishing up loading their gear, the entire band came back inside and ALL of them were total smiles as they came in my direction. They took pictures with me. And I even handed out my own camera to have pictures done. I suspect that most of the fan photographs will be either posted on Facebook or their own website, or both.

As I looked over their merchandise table, the only thing that really didn’t have was a keychain. Ultimately that was simply given to me by the band, and now I am the one full of appreciation. I wanted one of their new t-shirts but they didn’t have my size. I hope to try again and get one in the future.

They all hugged me before leaving. I’m still working on NOT fearing Auggie Del Ray and his muscles galore as he can break me in half. But I still appreciate and love their music. Proud to be a part of The Pride.

After that it got DARK. It got GLOOMY. It was the headliner WELL OF SOULS of doom metal fame.

The time they spent on stage just gripped on to me like a horny vampire and wouldn’t let go until it consumed every ounce of my soul. John Calvin’s stage performance and appearance still creeps me the hell out. But he’s awesome in what he does!

But where does that accent come from when he is singing? Anyone know??

Combined with O.J. Morris and Tim Wayne on guitar and of course Dr. Froth on bass, and Chris Kotlarz as their hired hand on drums, this band also had their shit together and made for a powerful and memorable performance.

To be honest, I wasn’t a doom metal fan at all before I heard them. And I’m slowly starting to warm up to them. But it is clear that WELL OF SOULS welcomes me into their fold with open arms. Both by the band and by their circle of family and friends.

Then there was We, The Enemy.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over???

Just a few songs played and then they were done. What happened? What was going on?

The urban legend was later told by Dr. Froth that he had stepped outside and that band was pissed off because one of the guitarist kept screwing up and couldn’t efficiently play because he was extremely drunk.

But nobody noticed. Nobody knew what was going on. They could have played the rest of their set with their guitarist screwing up left and right and never had been exposed to it. So many people were confused. A lot speculated that the band was upset because after WELL OF SOULS had played, Acadia cleared out. But they did have a fan or two left. One that was actually in military uniform. But no. It was over. They packed up their gear and split.

Maybe we’ll see them again soon somewhere down the road. But for now it appears that they are sorely butthurt about their guitarist.

After that was the usual out to eat experience. Which was crazy insane in and of itself.

Then crashing at the Motel 6 at 4 AM. Did I mention the stupid time change? There was no time to fall into the pool. There was no time to mess with their stupid television or be annoyed by the fact that they are STILL remodeling.

I was glad that I had Dr. & Mrs. Froth hang out with me during those last few minutes that I was there before getting on the bus and headed home. Its a lot easier to wait when there is someone to talk to. Someone you click with. And it also makes it difficult. But I’m getting better at it.

No crazy women cussing me out, no strangers handing out money as it was last week.

It will be a few weeks before the show by SIX MINUTE CENTURY featuring the birthday of Chuck Williams. Now I am on my knees, praying that it happens. But I have no regrets showing up for this show.

Going Back From Where I Came

“We all want progress, but if you’re on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn and walking back to the right road; in that case, the man who turns back soonest is the most progressive.”~C. S. Lewis

I feel like a country song. More specifically a Willie Nelson song.

With the memories of ECHO TEMPLE and The House Of Blues still on my mind, I am returning to the Houston area for another show.

This weekend’s entertainment will be provided for by:

Beautiful Disturbance and WELL OF SOULS. And a couple more bands I’m not 100% familiar with.

Yep, I’m on the road again.

No such sweet deals from the performing bands however with really good financial planning and savings, this trip will be about $30-40 less than what I am used to spending.

I’m totally amped up from the fact that I will get to see Beautiful Disturbance play again. The first time I saw them “unplugged” so to speak. But now they will be large and in charge!

And of course, WELL OF SOULS… with Dr. Froth being their bass guitar player, I know that I will be kept in really awesome company. More face time with Dr. & Mrs. Froth.

I need some kind of rewards program or something. All this traveling. I’m just really glad that its going to be a lot less expensive than previous endeavors. And the fact that its those two bands specifically really gets me going. But I will have to wait until this weekend for it to happen.

Ugh!!!

ARE WE THERE YET?

Well Of Souls: Sorrow My Name

WELL OF SOULS 

ALBUM: SORROW MY NAME

YEAR: 2012

BRAINTICKET RECORDS

John Calvin-Vocals

John (O.J.) Morris-  Lead & Rythym Guitar

Tim Wayne- Lead & Rythym Guitar

Michael “Dr. Froth” Millsap-Bass Guitar

 

Doom is here!

Yesterday I received the pre-order of the brand new album from Well Of Souls.

I was really excited about it. I didn’t waste any time to put the CD in and play it.

Although I must say that this is a new genre for me. I don’t recall listening to a lot of what is considered “doom metal”. Or it could be that I just never thought about calling it that.

I was really impressed with their show back in August. I really believed in John Calvin’s stage presence. So convincing and it gripped at me. So listening to the new album, I knew that his pure vocal style would reach out again and twist at the strings of my soul to bend.

There are some really awesome pieces to this album. I think that so far, that I’m really into songs like The Pain’s Not Forgotten, Forsaken, and Sorrow My Name.

I believe that this album actually got me to open my eyes to the wide variety of music that is out in the world. Not everything that I do listen to requires a lot of hair spray, shredded jeans, and screaming vocals. As most people tend to believe.

Well Of Souls has a sound on their new album that convinces me that their shit is together. I got to hang out with these guys and just by the way they talked, I could tell that they were all serious about the band and their music. And I find that to be one of the greatest things that many bands are missing today. To other bands, its just something that they do. They have no passion, and only look forward to the paycheck at the end of the night when they play a live show.

But I cannot get enough of The Pain’s Not Forgotten. Even within the privacy and comforts of my own home, I feel like throwing the horns into the air and swaying the Bic lighter back and forth. And then switch into wanting to jump off of my own furniture. However, I do not need to miss a future show because I broke my neck or something.

Throughout the first time that I listened to the album, I had several people calling me on the telephone, wondering what in the world was going on. I did honestly have the volume up so high that probably parts of northern Mexico could hear it.

Probably the most common question I got from people either knocking on my door or calling me was “Who Died?” and I cannot help but find that funny.

Like I said, its not something that I commonly have a lot of knowledge with. But I am so very glad that I got to see them play live so I could see just what kind of an effect their music has on people, including the effect that they would have on me.

I’m totally impressed!!!

And what makes it a whole lot better is that when I opened the CD case, I found it autographed by the entire band. To which I am humbled and thankful that they did that for me.

I am glad that I was able to expand inside my own mind. The album is officially release date is on the 9th of October.

 http://www.wellofsoulsband.com

11 August 2012: Six Minute Century Presents Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganza

“Come butter the sandal.”~ Dr. Froth

Gather around children. It is time for a Frothy tale.

I find it difficult to believe that I’ve been down to Houston and back again in such a short time.

Not only that but in the span of two short months, I have gone to see SIX MINUTE CENTURY play two shows.

This time, it was for Dr. Froth’s Birthday Extravaganza. The second one that I have been able to attend.

This was my THIRD show this year alone, my fifth in total. And it just gets better and better.

I had hoped that I would not have to write several blog posts concerning the weekend trip to Houston. Thankfully, I feel that there will be no need for it. The only foul up was the trip to Houston when I arrived and the bus that I was supposed to get on, was said to have no wheelchair lift.

That foul up actually turned around and totally worked in my favor.  It would cause me to get on a different bus and arrive just under an hour earlier than originally scheduled.  Perhaps the fault is within the bus line that I have been using all of this time. Perhaps I need to change since the buses that are here all go to the same place anyways.

But it took me on a different route. I would be able to see parts of this great state that I had never seen before. And a few things that I have. The most impressionable view that I had seen was the devastation that was left behind from the fires in Bastrop from last summer. The trees are standing but they are nothing but unified and uniformed pieces of sticks. It stuck in my mind because the night before, I was watching a show called “Day Tripper” and that show was in Bastrop. I would end up seeing the very same thing as was on television. But with my own eyes as we went down the road. So surreal!

However with this entirely different route, the ride wasn’t as “boring” as it has been in times past. Before I knew it, the bus was infiltrating Katy from the west and coming through right into downtown. I had to laugh and just wave as I saw Memorial City Mall where I have played sledge hockey before. And of course we remember the Mystery Woman who works there too!

As I got into town, I would have one more slip up. One that was more significant.

A man came up to me and was asking if I needed help with my bags. I declined.

But then he grabbed the strap and began to pull it. And that wasn’t cool. The strap was around my neck and the bag was on my lap. And had he actually pulled a lot harder, he probably would have strangled me.

So I popped him in the nuts with my elbow and down he went. Then he ran off. Probably scared and confused and totally apologetic as he ran the other direction.

Minutes later, Dr. Froth and his wife came and picked me up. I told him, “Get me outta here before I land in jail.” So we took off. I was so happy to see both of them, I probably could have dragged them into a group hug or something.

I checked into my hotel room and then I was all set. I was close enough for Dr. Froth and wife to grab me from the hotel and take me to the show on Saturday evening.

I’m so glad that I don’t have to waste my energy and time writing a negative blog about the hotel!! Last June was a complete nightmare. This time, it was wonderfully peaceful and accommodating.

Right before I settled in, Dr. Froth told me that if I needed anything to just let them know. Almost immediately I announced to him that I hadn’t eaten.

This was a very smart move as MRS. Froth had previously read my blog about the Super 8 hotel experience and when I mentioned I hadn’t eaten that day and never told her about it so that they could get me something…. well, I was grounded!!

I wasn’t going to go through that again, so I mentioned that I was a little hungry and whatever they decided to get me was just fine with me. My stomach was at their mercy. And needless to say, they pulled through with an excellent choice.

So I watched some television, turned up the air conditioning, and simply chilled. Ironically, I would find myself watching the movie, “Rock Star”. How fitting that was! I would find myself watching it again Saturday morning. It was a good thing to do to kill time.

Later on in the evening, I would settle in to watch some more television and then go to bed. But that would not happen as my cell phone rang while I was in the middle of a texting conversation with one of my friends.

I’m not going to go into detail about the telephone conversation, but I will say this: One should NEVER play with fire because you may get burned!

What was supposed to be a 10:30 PM bedtime, ending up being 2:15 AM the following morning.

And that would play into the fact that since I was awake at 8:15 AM that same morning? Yeah, six hours of sleep. And evidently, I slept totally wrong in that hotel bed as I woke up all contorted and twisted. It was weird.

It was time to get ready for the show. Watch “Rock Star” on television for a second time in 12 hours, and then the energy just came over me as I was told that I was going to be picked up in the afternoon to hang out with Dr. Froth and family as they got themselves ready for the show. And that included actually playing with their two month old Alaskan Malamute. Yep, Dambreaker was mixing it up with the puppy! And the dog won.

After that, we took off for BFE Rock Club. Fourth time there for a SIX MINUTE CENTURY show. I was not entirely enthusiastic about the restroom situation, but I made the best of it.

I was hoping that a particular person would be working there and tending bar. I’d get my wish. She was working outside on the back patio. The entry way though, has a very huge step down. It was very shaky because I had seen it before at night and never thought that I could navigate it. It would be like jumping off of a curb. But when there is a will, there is a way.

So I had a drink, talked to the waitress, got to know her a little bit better instead of relying on Facebook. And the gold medal action of it all, was that I got a photograph with her! And that was something that I had hoped could happen.

And due to some unfortunate circumstances there was a change of the venue. One band couldn’t make it. Another stepped in at the 9:00 PM slot.

ECHO TEMPLE. I had heard about them, but never any of their music. They blew me away!

After the first song, I had trouble finding my brain. All I could do was sit there and say, “WOW!”. And it was pretty loud when I said that. Many people admitting that they heard it, but were unsure where it was coming from. I’m sure the band heard it as well. I sat there wondering if I could get my hands on anything that they may have released. I totally enjoyed their set. It would be cool to see them play again.

The true test of the night would be the next band. WELL OF SOULS.

I know that Mrs. Froth has always waved the banner for them, just as much as she does for SIX MINUTE CENTURY. And keep in mind, it is she that is responsible for introducing me to SIX MINUTE CENTURY, and I love them! So most certainly, she can do no wrong… wouldn’t you think?

WELL OF SOULS is a different genre of music. Doom metal. It isn’t something that I could honestly say that I have gotten into. But I decided to jump on the fence and see where I landed at the end of their set.

Their front man has such showmanship, that I became nervous for him to look at me from the stage. Almost as if I was afraid that his eyes was going to consume my eternal soul and claim it. I was impressed by that. Again, this was a band that I knew of, but knew nothing of their music.

Dr. Froth

Dr. Froth, I should mention also plays bass guitar with WELL OF SOULS. So the poor guy was about to pull double duty for two bands, and play them back to back. I don’t know how these musicians do it but they do it because they love it!

After one particular song from WELL OF SOULS, I was up against the stage and I threw the Devil’s Horns into the air. The front man caught it, and he threw them right back. His eyes filled with dark passion for the music. It was totally incredible to see that vision with his fingers in the air. I wished I had taken the opportunity to take a photograph of it.

I was sold. And now the VoM has created a monster. Her response? “I told you!”.

Yes you did. You did indeed.

All I could think about at that point was I was totally impressed by the two bands and I want in on everything there is to have. Where’s the merchandise table????

Sadly, there was none. At least nothing there that I didn’t have already! But by the end of the night, I wouldn’t leave empty-handed.

As I turned away from the tables, I was accosted by another waitress who was selling off Jell-O shots. I at first declined, but then she started to shake her groove thing, and I couldn’t resist that.

As Larry Miller said: Women are the most powerful magnet in the universe. And men are cheap metal. And they all know where “north” is.

So what the hell, I bought one. She gave me change back and she wasn’t quite sure if she gave me the correct amount. I was to receive $4.00 back. So I counted off the singles and took the last bill and shook it in her face.

The waitress stepped closer to me and stuck her chest out.

She allowed me to stuff this dollar bill down her top across her left breast. With what she was wearing, there was no room for it in her cleavage.

I made nice and sure that it was tucked down in there. Ohhhhh yes I did. I made sure that it wasn’t going to fall out easily at all. Nice and cozy.

But the adult games would have to come to an abrupt end as I saw members of the gothic metal band SILENCED WITHIN heading for the door. I’ve made good friends with them, and I wasn’t going to let them leave without taking some more photographs with them. They’ve become so nice and adapting when it has come to that. What was so cool about it was that bands were coming out to support other bands. That’s gotta be one of the coolest feelings in the world for bands who are performing.

Bands, bands, everywhere.

After that, I had to take my place by the stage and prepare for the moment that I had been waiting two months for. I was going to send a text message out to a few select friends, but noticed that my battery was as dead as door nail. All because of the night before using the phone for so long just killed it. And I didn’t know what I was going to do because how was I to communicate? I simply forgot to bring the charger. Will NOT make that mistake again.

Since we were there to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Froth, it was particularly special for me to have been there. I mean… I HAD to go, right?!?

The set for SIX MINUTE CENTURY was a bit longer, but that was perfectly fine with me! The band actually debuted a few new songs that are off of their new album that they are working on. I felt extra honored and extra special that I was there to witness that.

“Baptized In Flames” was one of their new songs. The song moved me so much that I cried. Yes, I actually cried REAL tears. I freaked out the guy standing to the right of me.

But I stuck it out and I let loose. I knew that there were eyes on the back of my head, and I just didn’t care. I was there to rock and have a good time, and that is exactly what I did.

Especially after bugging VoM to death for the past seven weeks by my constant badgering of “Are we there yet?”. I actually asked her one more time. But it was up close and personal. I took one more shot at her and paid the consequences for it. I sat there and said aloud, “Yeah, I deserved that shit.”

After all, we WERE there. No clue as to why I should drag it out other than to tease her about it. Oh well. I’ll perhaps learn one day. For my OWN sake.

The three band just impressed me so much Saturday night. It was the greatest show ever. And I was there to be a part of it all.

I was able to bring my own custom made SIX MINUTE CENTURY t-shirt. I hope the guys in the band liked it.

After the show, I got to hang out at Denny’s (again for the third time in 24 hours) with WELL OF SOULS and have breakfast. When that was finished, the front man provided me with some of the band’s merchandise that he had in his vehicle. I was very appreciative of that. They too, have a new album coming soon. I’m gonna run like a child hyper from eating chocolate when I hear that the album has been released.

Saturday night was so short. Whenever we are leaving the late night breakfast, my brain goes into this mode of preparation for my departure which is always soon around the corner from that point.

I told VoM on more than on occasion that I never like getting to that point because I know that I have to go home. But I have also mentioned to her that I know deep down that it is not the last time.

And now I am home. It is kind of freaky to think that just several hours ago I was there hanging out with everyone and having the time of my life!