Haloshifter, The Hillary Step, Reflector, and Lushbox
El Torreon
March 4, 2000

Review by Mark Cuthbertson

El Torreon has really taken off as a successful all-ages venue lately. Most encouraging was the number of 21+ fans who showed up to support this show at an all-ages venue despite the competition at certain 21+ establishments with certain live bands on the same Saturday night.

Haloshifter opened the show with their fresh mix of intense rock. Keanon Liggatt and John Ferguson alternated vocal duties, but had trouble singing into the microphones directly enough to be heard consistently. Drummer Jason Hall pounded out the beats and accented all the right moments without excessive flash or showiness, and Keanon’s and John’s guitars complemented each other well. Both have come a long way since the Grovel days. Keanon’s approach is less noisy; John’s is less polite. The combination is extremely musical, and this band is definitely one to watch. The realization that they will certainly improve to an unknown potential is really exciting.

The Hillary Step performed four songs from their recent debut release on Urinine Records, the Second Time Means Nothing and four not featured on that album. One of the selections not featured on the album has always introduced by Brad as “their heavy metal song” each time I’ve heard them play it, and it actually has more characteristics of seventies progressive rock than heavy metal. One of the Hillary Step’s strengths is covering a ton of emotional and musical territory in a small amount of time, but the “heavy metal song” is one of one or two of theirs which pushes the envelope this way and almost seems random at times. Still, the use of sharp contrasts shines in this song and even more so in others such as “Damn the Luck,” “Refined, Regrouped, and Reassured,” and my personal favorite, “No Good Reason.” Many bands, here or anywhere, could probably learn something from the Hillary Step’s tasteful songwriting.

Reflector followed with their best performance of the many I’d ever witnessed. From their ballad-like first song to their finale, Reflector was obviously the most experienced band of the night, and they clearly enjoyed playing more than anyone else, too. Many of their newer songs featured slightly quicker tempos than their older songs, and they unleashed a disproportionate rush of energy as a result. Only “On the Table,” “In On Roanoke,” and “Blue Skies” were featured from previous releases, and I preferred the live performances of each to their recorded counterparts. Jared’s vocals were the clearest, loudest, and most consistent of all other vocalists featured tonight. Jake Cardwell pounded his drums with an even more psychotic-than-usual grin. Clearly, this still-very-young band has a tremendously bright future ahead of them.

Unfortunately, a disappointing number of people had already left by the time Lushbox had begun (perhaps due to a general lack of seating to rest their legs between bands?). Last year’s Best New Band Klammie winners may have even won my vote as most improved band this year had such a category existed. The recent additions of Rob O’Toole (guitar/voice) and Brit (bass/vocals) and a noticeable boost in Brianne Grimmer’s (voice/guitar) confidence in her singing, guitar playing, and stage presence has taken the band to a new level. Their newer songs (such as “Raspberry”) are just as melodic, but more dynamic, energetic and full-bodied. Vocal and instrumental harmonies are used even more in their most recent additions to their set, and all changes have proven to be positive. Wil is still the most (over-?) theatrical drummer in town and is all the more activated by the band’s new material.

--Mark Cuthbertson