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Live Review & Photos: Manitoba, Platinum Load, Frankenstein 3000, The F-Bombers, Ingrid & The Defectors @ Brighton Bar 8-10-12


At every gig, Manitoba presents us, the music loving public, with an interesting quandary: Who will save rock and roll? Well, I don't know exactly who will save it, but I most certainly do know who is keeping it alive. That being Manitoba themselves.

The Brighton Bar (in Long Branch, NJ) hosted what can discreetly be described as a testimonial to the very basics of rock and roll: rebellion, ever-lasting youth, and spiritual satisfaction. Let me digress... What is more rebellious, youthful, and spiritual than seeing a group of beyond middle-aged men (Manitoba) play with such exuberance, such fierceness, and with a knowing smile that there's is not to conquer, but to have a great time, and invite you along with them. Much like their song states, "THE PARTY STARTS NOW!". Handsome Dick Manitoba, Ross The Boss, Thunderbolt, Daniel Rey, And Dean The Dream were in spectacular form, performing songs that in a perfect world would be heard blaring out of every radio in America. They stuck mostly the HDM sung records Bloodbrothers, ...And You?, and DFFD (which makes sense), reaching back to the earlier records for "Two Tub Man", "California Sun", and "Search & Destroy" (on a personal note, I'm always happy to hear something from the criminally overlooked Manifest Destiny, even if it is a cover tune). People, let me tell you, this is band that will restore your faith in rock and roll, and leave you wondering where the hell America went wrong with it Billboard-esque taste buds.

Now, a little bit about the opening bands: Platinum Load were a garage rock band that does the whole wrestling heel gimmick. Robes and classic stick work to match. Things ran late (more on that in a second), and their set was cut short, but the fact that they ended their set with a Roky Erickson cover ("Don't Slander Me") scored them some points, although I found myself wanting to hear more of the vocalist cut wrestling promos towards the crowd than rock...

Frankenstein 3000 played rock and roll in the New York Dolls sort of vein. I will say this: when the sound guy tells you that you have time enough for two more songs, please don't play four. It's not cool to the other bands to take liberties like that.

The F-Bombers performed some very catchy up-tempo punk rock, with some tight melodies to their songs. I may have not previously have known their material, but it did not stop me from bobbing my head along to their set. The singer has a real Joan Jett vibe to her voice. It added the right amount of grit to the tunes. Tight set. I'd see 'em again. Also, points for the G.G. Allin cover ("Don't Talk To Me").

Ingrid & The Defectors tread that Lower East Side gritty rock and roll territory. You know when there was such a thing as gritty rock and roll on the Lower East Side of NY. Have you seen St. Mark's Place, nowadays? It's all karaoke bars and noodle houses. Not the same place I remember. They did their craft well and performed enthusiastically. A very rock and roll band, for a very rock and roll show. Seemed an ideal fit with the headliners.

There was another band, Jigs & The Pigs, whom I did not catch. My apologies to them.

Once again, the Brighton Bar has managed to dispute the idea that rock and roll is dead. It is quite alive and well, and appearing in Long Branch on a weekly basis. Now go out and support some rock and roll, people.

- Jason Ingstrup


www.manitobaband.com

www.reverbnation.com/platinumload

www.frankenstein3000.com

www.thefbombers.com

www.reverbnation.com/ingridandthedefectors



Photos
(click on photo to see full size)


The F-Bombers

Frankenstein 3000

Platinum Load

Manitoba