ION INDIE MAGAZINE May 2016, Volume 24 | Page 35

penthouse in Atlantic Beach owned and provided for our use by MITCH MCCUE. I’m sure our motley-looking crew didn’t appear like we belonged, yet there we were-overlooking the Atlantic Ocean shooting one awesome band in an incredible setting. The night kicked off with a band from the Orlando area, F.I.L.T.H.--who brought a very energetic and magnetic presence to the stage, leaving nothing but the crowd wanting more. The best way to describe what was delivered on stage by the members of F.I.L.T.H., was a relentless barrage of driving, heart-pumping, fast and furious Metal. HANGMAN’S CROWN brought a great blend of music that I found interesting, compelling and riveting, with-in my opinion-- fantastic musicianship. They could be a headliner in their own right in almost any scene in which they would play. Bruce Lenzi of Twisters Music LOWRCASE G, led by veteran front man RYAN SMITH, about floored me. The talent, the Blues feel, the mixing of the fast- paced music and ballads; pulled right at what I love to hear in music. It sounded genuine--from the head-banging anthems to the lighter waving ballads that kept the crowd engrossed in their music and showmanship. Lowrcase g, to me, represents all that makes music great--and I can assure you they will receive a well-deserved follow up story in a future edition. DAMNEDGED took things to a whole new, strangely wonderful area that your parents warned you to stay away from. “The Munstir in Me”, not only a fast paced in-your-face tune, provided theatrics that you don’t often see in local music. It included a faux doctor and nurse who proceeded to strap vocalist JOE DE LUCA in a straight jacket as he sang about the voices he hears in his head. I thought this was an absolutely epic moment in a monumental night. I would, beyond the shadow of a doubt, pay to see Damnedged play a show by themselves. Make no mistake, musically the night of music belonged to Bleeding in Stereo--comprised of vocalist KEITH ALLEN, guitarist BRIAN WOODWARD, bassist JEREMY DESTIN and drummer EDDIE LEO FLOYD. As they will be a featured artist in next month’s edition of ION Indie Magazine, I will hold most of my accolades for them for next month’s edition, but it is safe to say that Bleeding in Stereo definitely belonged on the stage as a headliner this night. Their performance was tight, on point and high energy. If you are a fan of straight ahead, no frills Rock and Roll--with a band that feels like they are destined to perform together—Bleeding in Stereo is a band for you to check out. Bruce “Twister” Lenzi put together a memorable lineup for “Twisters Birthday Bash”--and it made my first trip into the north Florida scene one that was exceptional. If you live in the north Florida area, you have a lot of talented bands in your market that you can be proud of. If you find yourself passing through the area, you would do yourself a huge favor by taking in a show featuring any of the bands I saw this night. If you wish to listen to the best of what north Florida has to offer, tune in at www.twistersmusic.com and you will get a steady array of exceptional music. I will also say that Harmonious Monks was a very welcoming establishment that accommodated the media quite well. If you can’t find ole JP, it could be ‘cause he just might be rockin’ out in Jacksonville…where they are sounding the alarm that live music is alive and well!