Live shows are bedrock of band's allure
This originally appeared int he Redding Record Searchlight in December 2001
Mark Barry and Adam Rich were waiting in the parking lot of Red Bluff's Wal-Mart. It was a familiar environment for the two Mercy High School graduates, but a new scenario. They were waiting for a deluxe tour bus that would be their home until Christmas.
Barry and Rich are two-fifths of Pressure 4-5, a band that was recently signed to the DreamWorks Records label. They are establishing themselves in the music world.
They spent their summer performing on Ozzy Ozborne's annual Ozzfest tour. They are currently touring in support of their debut album "Burning the process."
"Burning the Process" is a musically rich album. I'm hesitant to call it "heavy metal" because there is a symphonic quality to the band's arrangements that's coupled with a lack of stereotypical wild heavy metal guitar solos.
The band's two guitarists Mark Barry and Joe Schmidt play in a melodically rich style that is perfectly complemented by the band's solid rhythmic foundation as provided by Lyle McKeanny (bass guitar) and Tom Schmidt (drums). Adam Rich provides the vocals and the resultant ensemble music is a powerful blend of genres that is neither lacking in power nor inventiveness.
After seeing the band perform live on Dec. 1 at the Brickworks in Chico, I realized that they secured their recording contract largely on the strength of their high-energy, uncompromising live performances.
Barry estimates the number of shows that they have played as being "in the hundreds." This is readily apparent in the fact that the band's live show compares favorably to their recorded work. In fact, seeing Pressure 4-5 live will give you a better appreciation for their album. This is indeed a rare trait in today's music business.
There were several moments during the show where I simply forgot that I was standing shoulder to shoulder with a few hundred other people in a crowded club. I was carried away by their music. They possess that indefinable ability to hit unexpected changes.
It was this jazz-like trait that is exhibited on the songs "Pieces" and "Dehydration" from "Burning the Process" that blew me out of my shoes. Pressure 4-5 understands the beauty of dissonance and the power of dynamics. They are a well-practiced band with a stellar live show and they're making fans everywhere they play.
"Burning the Process" has found itself in my CD player often since Saturday's show. I am not sure how to describe exactly what it is about Pressure 4-5 that has caught my attention but I am glad for it.
The world needs good live bands right now. Popular music is currently in a prefabricated rut. Boy Bands still rule the roost. However, there are still new bands writing interesting music and playing powerful live shows. There are still great bands "making it."
Sometimes they meet their tour buses in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Red Bluff.
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posted by Brian J. Kenny @ 12:27 AM
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