Verrat & Madjul
(Not a Simon and Garfunkel cover act)

I managed to catch two enticing bands at Hooligans on April 14.
The first act I witnessed unleashing its talent was Verrat, a power trio that draws its influences from grundge, space-rock, and funk.

The band is incredibly tight.  With Issacs on guitar and vocal, the direct message of the song becomes more apparent.  Weasal is on drums and provides unusual rhythms for for bassist Jake to comp with.

The songs deal with the usual baggage of young adult angst, such as the reflective "Community." They can, however, take all that anger and pump it up with wry humor.  Titles like "Mulefish" and "Owl Shit from Putty without Map" keep the band lyrically interesting while never losing the hard-edgedness of their sound, which is self-described by them to be "technical garbage rock."

The second act was a real ear-opener.  It's Asbury's own Madjul and they truly know how to engage a crowd. Starting with enthralling "Fly for Never," they firmly set the stage for the rest of their set. They toned it down a little (and that's a stretch) with the poppy but heavy "Get Coated Girl Capsul" which was then followed by "Hand Glider," a real stunner that showed  (continued on page 7)

A Word from the World Beyond:
"NEW BROADWAY DOINS'!"

Wayne is at it again.  He's attracting some of the best local talent around in May.

On Saturday, May 5 it's chick-rock with Me Jane. Conversely on Friday, May 11, the Broadway will feature Barry and the Penetrators, a band excommunicated from the Stone Pony for being degrading to women.  They will have special guests (I don't think NOW is one of them!)

On Friday, May 18th, it's time to Raise the Pop Bar with Cinema Star, who will be playing tunes from their new CD.  Along for the ride will be The Commons and a surprise band.

Flat Morrison's long-overdue CD Release Party is slated for Saturday, May 19.  Their special guests will include Postal Syndrome, Guest MC and others. (continued on page 5)