Ring, Cicada, The Americas & Botchii

This being the first time seeing Botchii, I had no clue what to expect. Immediately it was apparent that this duo is not only talented, but extremely funny. The drummer occupies a drum set that is most likely reserved for beginners — as in 5-year-old beginners. The set had to have been no bigger than a monkey bike, but the drummer adapted nicely. Consisting of a guitar and drums, Botchii blurted out song fragments and on-the-spot lyrics, mostly regarding their show-mates The Americas, and provided a swift kick in the ass for anyone in the bar trying to act too serious. Maniacal riffs and simple, yet hilariously complex drumming, given the size of the drum set, elevated this group to a status incomparable to other local bands. Be sure to check these guys out.
Up next were the current purveyors of all things rock, The Americas. Before this powerhouse duo began, they announced that they were in the process of recording some new material, which should thrill anyone in Chico to the core. The group began what was to be a short set and hammered out their unique approach to conventional rock with intricate changes, and ridiculous drumming skills on the part of Casey Deitz. The quick set, it seems, was due to equipment problems, but nevertheless, The Americas always prove that they are the most original band since, well, ever.
Finishing up the evening was the mysteriously titled Ring, Cicada. Of course, no one knew what to expect from this St. Louis quartet, other than the fact that since one of the guitarists had a Motley Crüe T-shirt on and had curly locks past his shoulders, we may be in store for some vintage metal. However, the group conquered these fleeting fears and brought to the table something incredibly simple, yet very interesting. What would happen if Black Sabbath and Sunny Day Real Estate got together to jam and kicked out their singers? Ring, Cicada answered this question with their provocative take on traditional rock music. The drummer’s intuitive beats propelled the guitarist’s virtuosity into an almost iconoclastic realm of rock. With their latest CD being recorded by none other than Steve Albini (Nirvana, Korn), this band is sure to have nothing but good fortune in their future. Seriously Chico, you missed out on a brilliant band.

– Ryan Prado
– Photo by Chris Schreiber

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