Crash Kings – Tony’s hand

In Los Angeles, most audiences at live music clubs are comprised of people standing 10 feet back from the stage with their arms crossed, as if to say “I dare you to entertain me.” Last night at The Viper Room, in West Hollywood, that dare was taken on by Crash Kings. Playing to a packed room, the Crash Kings unleashed their powerful sound on Hollywood, which had everyone screaming and cheering. In a town that is extremely critical of bands, Crash Kings killed it.

Comprised of brothers Tony (lead vocals / keyboards) and Michael Beliveau (bass guitar), along with Jason Morris (drums), Crash Kings are a rock trio without a guitarist, with the energy of a band with multiple guitarists. Their extremely big sound is accomplished by Jason’s hard hitting style on a kit with a massive kick, Mike’s blazing talent on bass, and Tony’s secret weapon, a rare Hohner Clavinet customized with a whammy bar that can pitchbend the 60 guitar strings inside simultaneously. The Clavinet is one of less than 100 that were modified by a company called “Castlebar” back in the 70’s.

My favorite songs of the night:

“You Got Me” – This song started with some nasty distorted bass combined with Tony’s powerful voice rumbling the entire room, which was filled with bodies bobbing up and down with hands in the air.

“2nd Rate Citizen” – You won’t find this song on the band’s recently released album, but it is my favorite for showing Tony going off on his unique custom Clavinet.

“14 Arms” – I love this song live. This song unleashes an aural assault that defines the Crash Kings sound for me… and it contains the lyrics “let’s give them what they least expect,” which is exactly how the band responds to “I dare you to entertain me.”

Cheers,
Lance
Resident Reviewer

P.S. The tattoo on Tony’s hand was done by artist Jeremy Swan at Broken Art Tattoo.