Battle of the Bands, Ottawa, Ks June 24, 2017
What's up Mayhem, It's your friendly neighborhood Raven here bringing you a new live show review from the small town of Ottawa, Ks. This Battle of the Bands benefit was organized as a fundraiser for the new Ottawa Teen Park, complete with a skate park, basketball courts and an American Ninja Warrior obstacle course. What's not to love about that idea? A special Mayhem Music Network promotion was set up after this show, partnering with Memories By Dotty there are photos that can be purchased from the show. Half the proceeds will be donated to the bands for touring, equipment, recording costs and more. Visit Memories by Dotty on Facebook for more info.
It is not often that I go to small local shows and leave enjoying every band who had played that night but I did just that. Excusing the technical difficulties that occured through the night as can be found at local shows like this the entire event was phenominal and the staff handled each problem swiftly and calmly. I could never have judged the event because each band played a fantastic live show, going the full nine yards as if they were playing a show for thousands instead of a local show for a small crowd of about 100.
Mild Case- Stunningly energetic Mild Case of Overland Park, Ks had a very infectious vibe through the night . Singer and bassist Archie Cherkashyn had me upright in my seat with his intense energy and incredible vocals going as far as to impress me with their cover of Coheed and Cambria's "Delirium Trigger". Don't count out guitarist and singer Austin Slobodzian though, this kid had some serious energy. Getting so into his playing he snapped a string and had to change guitars midway through the set. And setting that smooth beat on the skins was the talented Miss Maddie McBratney. By far one of the coolest and most relaxed groups I've had the pleasure of seeing at a local show. Their vibe and energy was simply fantastic.
Orion Falls- It is hard for me to find a place to start with these guys. The first of the two bands heading for the studio this year I am incerdibly excited to see what they come out with. The whole group was very active on stage and with the crowd through the night taking time out to hang out with the crowd before and after their set. Lead Singer and Rhythm Guitarist, Michael McNabb did not fail to surprise and awe us with his multitalented singing and playing and had us entranced from start to finish. Smoothly complimenting him on bass was Jeremy Allred who stayed very active and headbanging throught the entire set even mouthing the words along. Behind the skins laying out some very sick beats was Dayton Pitts, who took some time after the show to talk with us about Orion Falls and their upcoming album. And by far one of the most skilled guitarists I've ever seen in Kansas, Lead Guitarist, Aaron "Zeus" Lawrence had an intensity about him that kept drawing my attention throughout the show. Rockin' an old school Iron Maiden shirt and an attitude to match we will definitely be keeping an eye on him.
Black Onyx- Yet another hard one for me to describe and the second of the two bands heading into the studio soon, Black Onyx, was a show stealer for us here at Mayhem. With her incredible vocals, rhythm guitar skills and amazing energy Tori Ponce is the full package. Bearing a heavy resemblence visual wise to a young Joan Jett and a vocal style to match stars like Lzzy Hale and Taylor Momsen we were more than pleased with her performance. Equally matching her energy with his own lead guitarist, William "Lightning" Keen, absolutely blew us away midway through the show when he placed his guitar behind his head and continued to play. This is the first time our Midwest crew has ever seen that at a local show. And kicking in to help set that sick ass beat bassist James (Jimmy Fate) Fisher was absolutely slammin it keeping us all pumped and ready for more. Last but not least drummer Garrett Kleitz won the whole crowd over when at the urging of the crowd he broke it down and delivered a spontaneous and incredible drum solo. For being unscheduled it was quite a surprising sight to see. This young drummer can easily stand up to many of his older peers.
Look for new updates and possibly albums from Orion Falls and Black Onyx this year. Kansas City Fans can catch Black Onyx on July 14 at the Aftershock in Merriam, Kansas for the Kilroy Battle of The Bands with Joyride, Interstate Run, Quasar and Spitfire Sarcasm. Be sure to follow us over at Mayhem for our live review of that event.
Mild Case- https://www.facebook.com/MildCaseBand/ Orion Falls- https://www.facebook.com/orionfalls/ Black Onyx- https://www.facebook.com/blackonyxofficial/ Memories by Dotty - https://www.facebook.com/MemoriesbyDotty/