Of course we try to see our old friend, Kepi, any time he comes to town and this time out he was playing fully electric with B-Face on bass and Adam Bomb on drums, and on top of that, our LV pals the Femaliens and Suburban Resistance were on the bill AND it started at a reasonable time, so we knew we had to make it out.
Although they have been out'n'about for a while now, this was the first time we were able to check out the Femaliens, a co-ed, kinda sister outfit to SR, sharing guitarist Tom, along with a couple of SR's beaus. They are silly fun punk rock'n'roll with a vaguely outer space theme and plenty of "fuck you" lyrics! Everyone sings, although the women in the group trade off lead vocals - even Geri, the drumming novice who propels the rest of them! I feel like they're still getting their footing, but good times and good people - check 'em out!
I have ranted'n'raved about Suburban Resistance many a'times already and besides being cool cats, they are a tight punk'n'roll band with real songs, hooks galore and plenty of singalong "whoas" and "heys" and such. Singer Kevin is a sight to behold as he paces, dances and literally bends over backwards to perform for the crowd. The band, as I said, is tight and melodic while rockin' with catchy punk rock tunes. Truly a Las Vegas fave and highly recommended!
Kepi and I were briefly discussing how we have known each other longer than most (not all, of course) other friends, since our bands have been playing together since the early/mid-80's when he started in the Berrypickers (although he clarified that he had a studio-only version of the Ghoulies before that, which now actually sounds familiar - wonder if I have those recordings somewhere?!). We are still on good terms decades later - mostly due to the fact that he is a super friendly, fun'n'outgoing person!
In any case, this version of Kepi Ghoulie/Groovie Ghoulies is yet another solid line-up - although I don't know that I've seen a bad one yet! Kepi on guitar for this tour (he has played every instrument as well as "just" singing in various incarnations) and everyone is tight'n'solid'n'minimalistic, keeping to just what the songs need. This was basically a GG's greatest hits set, with so many faves that everyone in the crowd was singing along and dancin'n'partin' throughout. Kepi can't sit still and is always writing more and learning more covers, but everyone here was smiling throughout as he went thru his set of catchy-as-hell, but simple'n'funny tunes about beasts with five hands and brain scramblin' devices and much more!
All I gotta say is if you're looking for a good time - whether you're in a grumpy mood or just wanna have fun - check out Kepi and his gang!
Big thanks to Red Dwarf for hosting the night - they certainly had a great Monday! - and for Kevin Wilcox from SR for helping set this up! Every once in a while you have to get a reminder of what fun is all about and all three bands provided that lesson!
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