Last week I was in Cleveland for a speaking gig at Content Marketing World. Every city I speak in I try to go see a show and photograph it for Rock N Roll Cocktail. I was thrilled to see that Man or Astro-man would be playing a show at The Grog Shop the night before the conference started. I had no idea that I would witness a not-of-this-earthy mind-blowing experience that is Man or Astro-man performing live.
To be quite honest, I wasn’t too familiar with Man or Astro-Man before going to see the band’s critically acclaimed live show. I had heard the name several times over the years, but never really dug deep into their story as I initially assumed it was some early hipster rock sort of stuff. Boy was I wrong.
These guys have mastered the art of marrying 60’s surf rock with a sonic boom of apocalyptic post grunge. They’ve essentially created their own genre; think Dick Dale crossed with the Dead Kennedy’s minus one snarling Jello Biafra. Adding to the fun is the band’s signature use of science fiction themes, audio samples, obscure electronic devices (such as theremins and tesla coils), and high-energy live performances.
Another bonus is that the band seamlessly incorporates a very cool projection system which turns the show into much more of an experience, as you will see from the photos, and even adds sound bites from forgotten science fiction films and TV shows.
The band’s latest effort Defcon 5…4…3…2…1 was released last year, it’s the band’s eighth full-length album and is comes highly recommended from this new fan.
Another highlight of the evening was Canadian garage rock duo The Pack A.D. They were absolutely fantastic. Even though it’s only drums and guitar, these two created one hell of a wall of sound complemented with memorable melodies. Their new record is fantastic as well and the song “The Water” has been stuck in my head all week. Great stuff.
The Pack A.D.
Two awesome bands, one killer show.
