Ogre + Sun Gods in Exile + Ruler of the Raging Main + Cropduster at Bubba's Sulky Lounge, January 9
By DAN CLARK | January 21, 2009
Bubba's is without question a venue bound to attract eclectic bands. Allston, Massachusetts's Cropduster kicked things off early with a set of what they call "cough syrup rock," a potent blend of atmospheric keyboards and thick guitars, and a good soundtrack for a lost weekend. Portland's own Ruler of the Raging Main brought lively, hook-laden garage-rock in one of their rare live shows. Fast-risers Sun Gods in Exile (née Burnt Orange) laid down some southern-fried hard rock. Already catching on quickly, the Sun Gods have an album in the works, due later this year from Small Stone Records. Only those who like their rock hard-edged and of a classic vintage need apply.
Speaking of vintage, local favorites Ogre sound like the best parts of the '70s in one band. The fact that bassist/frontman Ed Cunningham's voice resembles the late Bon Scott's paint-peeling tenor is only part of it. As a live act, Ogre are almost unnaturally focused, the byproduct of nearly a year playing together, with Cunningham and drummer Will Broadbent creating molten grooves under Ross Markonish's mile-wide guitar tone and epic solos. From the ominous, slowed-down-Sabbath doom of "End-Days" to the straight-ahead stomp of "Drive" (both from 2008's one-track concept album Plague of the Planet), Ogre have something to offer even the most jaded headbanger.
Related:
Music Seen: Ogre's farewell show, Portland music news: December 19, 2008, Music Seen: All over, More 
- Music Seen: Ogre's farewell show
It's never easy saying goodbye to a friend.
- Portland music news: December 19, 2008
TONY VEGAS checked in this week.
- Music Seen: All over
Last week we spent five of six nights out on the town. If anyone ever complains that we don't have enough venues or shows to attend we beg to differ.
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More albums continue to be scheduled for May release. A day before the ISOBELL release show, PUTNAM SMITH will drop his second full-length, Goldrush, on May 29. Americana and roots fans, take note.
- Portland Music News: June 19, 2009
Yeah, this makes us feel a little old: The June 27 show at the Port City Music Hall will be a 20th anniversary show for TWISTED ROOTS . SUN GODS IN EXILE (fresh off a release show for their debut album) and SIDECAR RADIO open, and there's word that original TR bassist NEIL COLLINS will sit in for a few songs.
- Gods of rock
SPACE Gallery will be awfully loud Thursday, with the CD release of Sun Gods in Exile's Black Light, White Lines, supported by Ogre and the debut of Murcielago. Last Friday's L'Animaux Tryst showcase and this show are sonic polar opposites on the SPACE spectrum, but good for them for giving some boot-stomping guitar-rock a chance.
- Ogre Ferreus
This is the album Ogre have been meaning to make all along.
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Topics:
Live Reviews
, Entertainment, Music, Pop and Rock Music, More
, Entertainment, Music, Pop and Rock Music, Bon Scott, Ed Cunningham, Ross Markonish, Ross Markonish, Will Broadbent, SUN GODS IN EXILE, Bubba's sulky lounge, Less
