Android Hero :: All Photos by Nik Christofferson
November 20th, 2009 - Android Hero (CD Release), Madraso, Dog Shredder, Lozen @ Sunset Tavern
Wolfmother’s performance at the Paramount was so utterly unimpressive two Friday’s ago that I had to seek out another show that night to fulfill my hunger for rock. I ended up at the Sunset Tavern for the excellent local lineup that included Lozen featuring Helms Alee drummer Hoz, Bellingham’s Dog Shredder, Madraso, and of course the kick ass punk trio Android Hero who were celebrating their recent CD release with a second show/party in as many nights.
I was bummed on arrival to see that I missed Lozen again, but was stoked that I had made it in time for Dog Shredder. Josh Holland on guitar was very impressive, as was the rest of the band who relentlessly tore through stony thrasher after stony thrasher. Vocals were an afterthought to the technical barrage guitars and caveman drum and bass which was fine by me. I can’t wait to hear more from this new local discovery, but for now I have the 3 song demo to hold me over until their next Seattle show on December 3rd at the Comet with Heiress and The Abodox.
Next up was Madraso, another local heavy on the rise. I caught Madraso for the first time at the Brothers of the Sonic Cloth LP release and was certainly impressed by their hardcore infused stoner metal. Madraso’s singer and guitarist Jeremy Curles who was healthy again after a bout of swine flu played with chaotic fury, while drummer Chris Jager and bassist Doug Owen laid down a massive foundation in front of the smallish audience of familiar Seattle heavy music fans. This particular show was great for a couple reasons, not only the quality local rock but actually due to the low attendance. I usually never like to see shows undersold but it was like having some of Seattle’s best bands play in my living room, which happened to fit my mood perfectly on this particular evening. In a merch binge, I finally picked up Madraso’s full length “Van Horne” and have quickly put it into heavy rotation.
Android Hero have just released a killer new record on local label Algerbay Records entitled “Broken Hearted Love Songs for Sensitive Tough Guys”, and this show marked their second CD release party in a row. Android Hero is probably my favorite new local discovery of 2009. All three members are veterans of the local punk scene and the band has been around since 2006, but now it seems like they are making a push by finally releasing a record which actually contains older songs newly recorded. In my humble opinion, Android Hero possess the right combination of scathing and technical punk rock, energetic humor infused stage show, and awesome band artwork to hopefully build a descent cult following. Bassist Eric Carnell jumped around the stage like a man who just drank 5 red bulls, drummer Matt McGillivray feverishly pounded the skins, and guitarist/singer Jeff McNulty shredded his vocal chords and the tip off his pick. Android Hero’s high octane break neck approach capped a kick ass evening of local music. I also picked up Android’s new disc as well as a 7” split with The Steel Tigers of Death. What can I say get a few beers in me and that merch table starts looking like Thanksgiving dinner.Expect that this won’t be the last time you read about Dog Shredder, Madraso, and Android Hero on this blog as I intend on shoving these great local bands down each and every one of your throats starting NOW!
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