John Monopoly
with Chucklehead, Rippopotamus at Local 186
by Joe Hacking
Plain and simply, John Monopoly should have headlined. Possessing one of the tightest drummer/bass combinations I’ve yet seen in a local band, John Monopoly completely blew my mind. Along with the aforementioned drummer/bass combo (Steve Thomas on drums, Rick Hiller on bass), guitarist Thom Hiller was equally talented. Like Larry Lalonde of Primus, Monopoly’s guitarist enhances the band’s funky, Mr. Bungle-ish sound and gives them some teeth. Lead singer Johnathan Comey raps and sings over the band’s audio feat and bring a high degree of energy to the act. The coolest surprise was a mean and kooky version of Thomas Dolby’s “She Blinded Me with Science.” This band is HOT. To anyone who appreciates top-notch musicianship and a kickin’ groove, GO SEE JOHN MONOPOLY! BUY THEIR Octagon Soap DISC!! Jump on the bandwagon before they end up on MTV.
Rippopotamus: This band has a cool name. The seven band members (there may have been more, it was crowded up there) crushed onto the stage to bring their Motown/funk sound to the roomful of returning college students. Again, we have outstanding drummer/bass low end, but the four-piece horn section is the true heart of this band. These guys were very tight and very funky, a grade A act. My only problem with this band lies in the tight leash they keep on the horn section. Let those horns loose! Toward the end of the set, the ‘Potamus got crazier, and the crowd responded, but by then, the set was almost over. Too little too late.
Chucklehead: I’d heard much about this band, and was eager to finally see them live. This band has no leash on their horn section. They rip. The drum/bass connection was earthy and solid. The gorilla costumes they came out in were a nice touch, but I imagine, very hot. Chuck’s vocalist has an outstanding voice and he’s perfect for their very rocking, funky sound. Chucklehead know how to command an audience, and for the first part of the set, they did so, getting the crowd to move enthusiastically to the funky sound. However, as the set progressed, their performance became lazy and much of the crowd strayed from the dance floor. As the headliner, they should have charged the room up and left them wanting more. Especially when people are paying eight bucks to get in the door.
John Monopoly should have headlined.