A Moments Loss, Porkchop Express & The Mishaps

It seems that there are numerous local bands who I have yet to see perform live. Perhaps this is due to said bands and their reluctance to play the bar circuit, coupled with my reluctance to attend house parties without a personalized invite. Whatever the reason, Tuesday night's Riff Raff show featured entirely local bands that I had never heard before, so naturally I was excited. Could these young misfits be tomorrow's rock 'n' roll heroes? We shall see.
The Mishaps were the opening band and started late due to equipment problems, but soon began their set of punk rock 'n' roll tunes. The band seemed to harken to the good ol' days of late '90s punk with their ranting / screaming vocal dynamic and four-on-the-floor drum beats. What the group lacked in cohesiveness, they made up for with intensity and cynical lyrical styling. The group displayed their affinity for snotty punk with a cover of Guttermouth's "No. 9" and soon after left the stage in favor of what was supposed to be The Takers, but due to a cancellation, became Porkchop Express.
The same drummer from The Mishaps occupied the kit for Porkchop Express and continued to supply steady beats, but in a completely contrasting style. The band opened with a tune reminiscent of various noteworthy alt-country groups and featured some impressive vocals from the band's singer. The diversity which the band used to guide their set was intriguing, and ranged from Tool-esque instrumental tunes to surf-punk. Whatever the direction this group decides upon, they will remain a talented trio and are sure to turn a few heads before they are through.
A Moments Loss was due up next, and I was surprised to learn that local open-mic stalwart and former Redding rocker, Sean Cass, assumed the role of guitarist and vocalist in this new band. The tiny Riff Raff stage could barely contain this five-piece band, which also included a keyboard player nestled up behind the bass player's imposing Trace Elliot stack. A Moments Loss overpowered the now near-capacity audience and shredded through a unique blend of hard rock, punk and pop. The lead guitarist stood atop the bar and proceeded to blaze through complex solos, using his assortment of effects pedals to add a sonic element to the show. The group's original songs were very well written, though I have to say that the group's Bracket cover reigned supreme, simply due to the fact that I love that song, though I cannot for the life of me remember what it is called! No matter, this night proved to me that local bands can still bring the rock with just as much fury and attitude as any touring band.

- Ryan Prado
- Photo by Alyssa Starkey

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