Random Damage

Random Damage

CD Release Party


The Viper Room


West Hollywood, CA


March 26, 2005


By Victoria Joyce

(Photos courtesy of bands web site and are not from this show.)

Sugarbuzz Magazine


Random Damage invited their fans and friends to a CD release party on the same stage they started on, The Viper Room, “the coolest club on the strip, let‘s face it.”
It's midnight and the club is packed. The first thing you notice about these guys is they are as big as their sound. Very imposing. No skinny little rockers, they look more like defensive linemen from the Raiders, all black and silver. Teeth bared and long legs hiked on on the monitors, you get the impression they could sack the the opposition at any minute. The next thing is - snap. You’ve been hit and hit hard. Random Damage is driving towards home and going for the goal.

Wearing an AC/DC muscle tee, pumped up lead singer, Ron Adams, is all smiles and ringlets, having fun with the audience while his band mates are all business. Ron and guitar player (and our favorite bouncer), Luke Lamott, write these amazing songs. Random Damage delivers hard rocking, Metal and Punk, old school riffs and hooks, sweet melodies that stick, real pretty solos, short song titles and strong heroric lyrics. Obviously, inspired by the greats and running with it. First down.

Opening the set with “To Be” a syncopated swinging song reflecting on simplicity and self assessment they slam banged into “Pressing On” reminiscent of an old Kinks rocker about leaving home with a echo-y guitar solo - slightly Latin in a Zepplin kinda way. End of the first quarter.

Stopping between songs only long enough to hand out some of the new CD‘s these guys were as happy as kids on Christmas morning, ‘it‘s all about the love, come and get ‘em” and then third song, “Walking Tall,” reminded us of Leslie West and “Mississippi Queen.” Ron Adams’ powerful and clear voice filled the club like he was singing at the Staples Center. With a whole lotta ‘thank you’s’ - these are Metal Men with manners. A class act.

More songs from the new CD, of course, they continued with “Fearless” laced with more soaring, swirling Spanish guitar work. Ron called for a shot and toasted the audience. There was going to be a crazy after-party and every one was invited. Halftime.

Slowing things down, “Just What I See” with impossibly romantic lyrics against more power chords and right into “Out There,” an in-you-face attack with a teasing hit and miss chorus and verse. End of the third.


“Are we drunk yet?” A rhetorical question at the Viper on a Saturday night. “Day Break” was next with an Ozzy-Gothic feel to it, very theatrical, with lyrics about faith, shadows and illusions. Next song, “Step Up” was filled with self-battling imagery, swagger and strength. “Give It” was a choppy poppy rocker with head banging rhythm. Two minute warning.

Ron introduced the last song, “The Road,” the CD’s title cut and a great choice to close the show. “Remember your dreams!” Bringing together all their best stuff; dreamy idealistic lyrics, swirling solos, pile driving rhythm and slamming simplicity. Game.

www.randomdamage.org

Return To SugarBuzz Main Page


- SUGARBUZZ