Something wild was happening at Fast Lane near Exit 7 last weekend in Bristol, VA.
This local sports bar is one of Bristol’s most popular rock venues and for the first time – in a long time – I was surprised to see a local band with a standing-room-only crowd.
There were screams on the outside and a thick cloud of smoke and beer on the inside, but the music was monstrous as Citizen Kane punched their way through a well-rehearsed set of progressive metal covers and distinctive originals.
Besides the fact that I’m always fortunate to see one of the best performers to ever grace a stage on bass guitar (Bettini with a BC Rich?), this band has a holy trinity of talented hard-rock artisans.
Donnie Alexander is a veteran on the music scene and like a true hero, he never exploits his medals, but when it comes to playing rock and roll, he has a energy and 20/20 precision that earns him a doctorate. He’s a demented surgeon with any rock and roll riff and comes to the stage with legacy of the best regional bands behind him.
Together with James Salyers, you will look long and hard to find two kindred spirits that know how to take a six-string and conquer the world with such a parallel mission of perfection.
Salyers really stood out tonight as the front man for the band on guitar and vocals. He’s a wild-eyed ring-leader and the wearer of the Citizen Kane derby as he works up a fury of gritty voices that front the band.
On drums, Myron Steffey is unquestionably one of the most talented all-around players in the area. He’s the guy who kicks ass on drums, drives the rest of the band blind over the rocky crags and is fearless – reaching for notes few people ever approach – all the while keeping a pulse that is nothing less than wild abandonment.
Tom Bettini was dressed in his purple suit with a white tie and straddled the stage with his south-paw stance like an assassin. Anyone who knows the legends know what I’m talking about. I know why he’s in the band too – all the other guys are laced up by their souls – kindred spirits who share a genetic passion that is ignited by Tom’s storm-trooper consecration to the craft.
We were locked into a table in the middle of Fast Lane watching the show and as the music rocked harder into the night it was obvious that some folks just couldn’t handle the heat. I saw a crowd escort a wild-eyed victim out the door another bouncer rush past me as a fan in front started a fight with someone who was standing in front of his view.
That’s rock and roll folks and if you plan on a show with Citizen Kane, you better not expect to hear a gram of doubt, hesitancy or tepid songs that are meant to please anyone other than the zombies that call themselves the “Kane Crew.”
Their upcoming schedule includes a set at Capone’s in Johnson City on April 11th and I’d recommend that you put that on your busy itinerary as this band clears the schedule for a regional tour this summer.
Don’t take my word – seriously. Give it a listen.
http://www.myspace.com/kanecrew