CONCERT REVIEW

THE DISTILLERS
APRIL 16, 2004
THE RAVE
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Text by Hilda Zalduendo / Photos by Niva Bringas


    This is a controversial time, an era of unusual creative trends, and social discomfort predominates. Yet it is inevitable that somethings remain positive motivating forces. Music is one of those forces, shall we say  it  is a language which may express social attitudes and conditions. The Distillers are well versed in this language.

    On April 16th 2004, The Distillers appeared at The RAVE, in Milwaukee Wisconsin.  The band consists of guitarist/vocalist Brody Armstrong, drummer Andy Granelli, bassist Ryan Sinn, and guitarist/vocalist Tony Bradley.

    Eagerly fans paced and placed themselves in position,(as close to the stage as possible) to receive the band.  Needless to  say the music hall was filled shoulder to shoulder with Distillers enthusiasts. As the band members stepped on stage the crowd began to howl with approval. The music began with the popular sound of "The Hunger".  It was very loud but rhythmic yet energetic and precise.

    The active audience continued dancing with decidedly rigid movements to the  sound of "Drain the Blood". This tune demonstrates a mastery of syncopated rhythm united with a raging shriek vocal style.  The macabre atmosphere of
this tune implies a Gothic flavor.  The following selection, "City of Angels," produced a lighter spirited effect yet it was extremely intense.  It is a clever treatment of juxtaposed musical concepts.

    The music put forth by this unusual band falls in the category of hard core punk rock while lurking in the gothic realm.

    The crowd replied with movement focused by the energy emitted by the band. It is evident this style of music is well received by Distillers fans as well as punk rock revivalists.  The Distillers third CD,  Coral Fang, is currently available and delivers high energy hard core punk rock with an inventive flair.


    Despite the recurrant replacement of band members in the past, Brody's devotion to music has pulled together what appears to be a natural match.  Keep it coming, Distillers your fans are there and growing in numbers!