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Wicked Soul @ Clearwater Theatre in Dundee, IL Saturday September 6
This past May thanks to the band "Slick", I was introduced to a kick ass female fronted original metal band called "Wicked Soul." Since then I have had the opportunity to hang out, get to know & see them perform a couple times. But due to circumstances beyond my control I was not able to previously "uncover" them. Last night was the opportunity we had waited for when they performed at The Clearwater Theatre in Dundee IL with Slam Bang and Hollow Rain.
It is a nice large all ages venue with a large stage. I had difficulty when it came to the lighting. They have a nice lighting system. But the problem is the stage is set very high – about 3 feet off the main floor. There is an elevated area around the outside perimeter of the stage. But the distance was too great between the stage & the elevated are to get well-lit shots.
Wicked Soul is comprised of Linda Lars - vocals, Paul Armin - Guitar, Eddie Gunz - Drums & Ronnie Vanders - Bass. This combo delivers a knockout metal punch! Linda has a powerful magnetic stage presence & delivers soaring sultry vocals. Paul is a wild guitar wizard. He just lets lose on stage, tearing into searing guitar licks. Playing behind his head, and whatever other positions he can maneuver. Eddie & Ronnie round out the package bringing in the depths below. They hold & round out the rhythm, while Eddie's high hats & cymbal work brings in the high end.
Their set of original material consisted of Devil Within, Free Ride, Steel Heart, Show Me How to Live, Remember Me, and Live Forever to name a few. This band divulges the same vibe on that stage as they do off. They all have energetic, out going, friendly personalities. They are out hanging with everybody having a good time before & after the show. An original band like Wicked Soul is a rare in this day & age. It takes a lot of talent, and the right personalities to deliver the sensation they emit. Their sound will rock your soul!
Just as a side note to explain the pictures of the cops outside the venue - typical rock concert & the cops show up! Right? Nope! Some chick decided to go flying thru downtown Dundee in a 25mph speed zone & got pulled over in front of the venue! So sorry no drama to report!
Be sure to check out their myspace & website for show dates!
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/xwickedsoulx
Website: http://www.wickedsoul.net
Review By: Shannon Cole. Website www.myspace.com/therockgodezzgossip
- Shannon Cole of Rock Godezz's Gossip Page
Discography
Self titled EP "Wicked Soul" can be heard at www.myspace.com/xwickedsoulx
Photos
Bio
Linda Lars is best known as the lead vocalist and bass player for Juss Noyes, an up-tempo melodic pop rock band featured in Strutter’Zine. This high energy foursome rocked Chicago's northwest suburbs for 10 years and had a habit of hanging out back stage at Cheap Trick shows. Linda & Ronnie Vanders are the founding members of Wicked Soul and the duo had brief stints in both 555 and Jan London. Her versatile vocal styles have evolved due to her studio vocal work and sitting in with a variety of other groups. Check out her range from pop rock to cutting edge hard rock featured on Wicked Soul's newly released E.P.
Paul Armin hails from MST, a highly acclaimed UFO/Michael Schenker tribute where he did lead guitar duties and background vocals. Paul has shared the stage with Pete Way (Bassist for UFO) several times playing classic UFO songs. He was also featured in a local paper, the Daily Herald. He also teaches guitar full time.
Ronnie Vanders, as Dutch as you can possibly be started a Lindenhurst, IL band Hit & Run in 1981. Ronnie spent time with other groups until an audition for Heavens Fate proved successful. Heavens Fate was featured in Chicago Rocker magazine and crowned artist of the month on WVVX. Ronnie also contributed to a compilation of bands album, Chicago Metal works. Ronnie competed in band competitions breaking records (by order of the fire marshal). Ronnie also worked with Oasis Productions who provided equipment and public relations for his band Screwed Loose. In 2003 he teamed up with Linda Larson for a project to be a sizable task searching for the right members which eventually paid off with Wicked Soul's current line-up. "Smack it" Ronnie V.
Eddie Gunz, a veteran of the Chicago rock music circuit. came from a line of bands including Crystal Axe, featured in Chicago Rocker magazine and artist of the month on WVVX and a nationally syndicated radio station "Z-Rock". Crystal Axe was also on the Metal Works album. Eddie has studied and competed in many percussion schools. He was also featured in the musical artist section of the Chicago Tribune. Eddie has played a variety of musical styles including heavy metal, southern rock, blues, pop rock and country. He then moved on to other groups: Serenity, Crush Proof Box, Low Down and Son's of Thunder. Eddie also attributes to some solo artist studio recording sessions. He joined the rhythm section of Wicked Soul in April of 2007.
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