The Reckoning

The Reckoning

"Darrell Masingale, lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the band, with his rough-hewn vocals, gave a biting treatment to "Tomorrow's Gone," that won't make one soon forget this more than likable song.
With driving and insistent hooks, the number pretty much wedges itself into your head and stays there. Even the dramatic intro where the band stood still as if frozen in time while an audio snippet from the movie, "Tombstone," played in the background mentioning their moniker did create some anticipation and suspense – ..."

"Fortunately for this Houston-Texas based rock/Stax/funk-based group, one of their greatest strengths rests in giving a dynamic, energetic performance. The fun, synchronized moves kept your eyes glued to see what they would do next. These staged theatrics, not often seen among contemporary groups, was a throwback to when artists offered a more stylized, thought-out approach. Yet, the band maintained a constant sense of humor while doing it.
Rico Schenck was the ringmaster leading the "choreography" using his bass like a conductor waves and points his baton to toward an orchestra to guide it. Another notable feature was rock-solid musicianship provided by lead guitarist/backing vocalist Corey Schenck, bassist Rico Schenck and drummer Andi Schenck. The horn section of trumpeter Jason Browne and trombonists Mark Nguyen and Matt Tomaselli added another dimension to the arrangements, brightly punctuating each number.
Based on this set, The Reckoning will be remembered as a great live act..."
- All Access Magazine

Music Connection Magazine

THE RECKONING

Material: Though The Reckoning’s music is upbeat, their subject matter is stricken with the tragedy of unrequited love. Vocalist, Darrell Masingale summons pity as a chronic, albeit good-natured, loser intent on proving his resilience. Most songs conjure the image of a protagonist sadly sifting through old photos while his ex-girlfriend laughs in the arms of a witty Adonis. The accompanying music, although inflated by two trombones and a trumpet, is fairly straightforward and tame.

Musicianship: Masingale delivers flat, off-key vocals and uninspired lyrics entirely without melody; however, he does offer some interesting guitar work on songs like “Happy Ending.” Unfortunately, the horn section of Browne, Nguyen, and Tomaselli are denied the opportunity to celebrate the choruses the way only horns can; in fact, they are musically restrained.

Performance: The curtains opened - a recording of Val Kilmer in the role of Doc Holiday spoke about a reckoning through the PA while the band stood in tableau. Suddenly, they came alive... and appeared to be none other than Quentin Tarantino and the Math Club. Masingale shared the same furrowed brow and pained smirk of the director, but fell short on charisma. Heart, on the other hand, was abundant and the band displayed a bright energy...

Summary: Hailing from Texas, The Reckoning were clearly happy to be playing Hollywood... Their most endearing quality was the genuine sense of joy they seemed to have in their music. And, while they may possess the potential to be more than they revealed at this gig, these players would have to dredge up a sense of adventure, let the horns loose, and develop a different vocal approach if they hope to reach that potential. It’s hard to say, but if nothing else, their hearts could push them in the right direction.

- Music Connection Magazine, Vol. XXX, No. 18, 2006