Published on Feb 4, 2003
Finally, you have the chance to hear what I’ve heard twice: a
kick ass live show from Supafuzz. This crazy quartet, now based out
of Atlanta, GA, recently released
Down for the Underground, a collection of 12 live
tracks.
After both concerts, my voice was hoarse from screaming the
lyrics along with vocalist/guitarist Dave Angstrom and my arms were
exhausted from air drumming with the intricate grooves of drummer
Chris Leathers. In between my throat and arms being whipped into
submission, my head was throbbing from the low frequency thrashings
from bassist Jason Groves. Eric Belt’s talent on the guitar, both
during his lead on the mellow “Tonic and Cigarettes” and through
the groove of “Mr. Policeman,” married to his contagious smile,
have made both shows ones I am unlikely to forget.
Down for the Underground was recorded live at A1A in the
band’s former home base of Lexington, KY, on May 25, 2002, and
showcases a group with an idea of what it takes to be a successful
live band. While these are songs that can be found on the band’s
previous two releases (a self-titled debut and the follow-up
All About the Rock), it would be safe to say the songs on
this live CD have the kick of energy you’d expect at a live
show.
Leading off with five of the strongest tracks on
All About the Rock, Supafuzz doesn’t lose focus. When they
launch into the crowd favorite “Mr. Policeman,” it’s obvious the
band has the audience where they want them. The CD ends with the
band’s single, “I Am the King,” which made a splash on radio
stations like Rock 108 and KRNA when Rock was released in 2000.
The band routinely makes the trek from the South up to Iowa.
It’s a tradition for me and my co-workers to check out the Supafuzz
show after they have driven up. My kids know the lyrics to “I Am
the King.” I’ve had supper with the band prior to a gig.
That all said, I have three, perhaps superficial, complaints
about this CD. First, the band’s live shows end with covers. That’s
a fact, based on the shows I’ve seen. At the first show I was at,
they included Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” and at the last show, they
covered AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie” to end their show. I wish the
band would have put a cover, maybe as a hidden track, to give you,
perhaps someone that has not seen the band live, a taste of this
band at their best. It is a tradition that, when describing
Supafuzz live, has to be mentioned to be accurate.
Second, Angstrom’s stage presence at a show is admirable. He
talks to the crowd about having a good time and makes a connection
with the crowd. That element, a distinct part of the Supafuzz live
experience, doesn’t come across as there is little to no ‘between
song’ dialogue.
Third, I’ve heard this band during a sound check, playing songs
that haven’t been released, but that they have written. They have
some outstanding new songs that they didn’t include here. I wish
they would have included at least one new song, if not for the fans
then for the virgin Supafuzz live show attendee.
What the band has released is tremendous and I wholly recommend
seeking it out and seeking out this quartet when they play your
town. It is a representation of their live shows. It’s just that
since I’ve seen the band live, I’m aware of three elements that are
not included. Maybe the band is planning an exclusive “fan’s
version” of this release that I haven’t heard about (hint, hint).
Or, probably, the band doesn’t want to tip its hand too much.