Vinyl Cats, Saint Rocke, Hermosa Beach

Saturday night has always been the best night to see a rock show and I was lucky enough this past Saturday to not only see a show but relive memories. I’ve seen hundreds of shows ranging from Motörhead to Morrissey and, yes, Cher. But my favorite memories of rock shows are the metal shows I saw in the 80’s and 90’s. I saw Guns n Roses in Toledo, Metallica in Chicago and Aerosmith in Boston. Vinyl Cats, opening for Metalachi at Saint Rocke, reminded me of the greatness of heavy metal and thrilled those lucky enough to attend.

Heavy metal has always been more than just a genre- it’s a lifestyle, an attitude and a culture. Vinyl Cats with their clean technical playing and strong energy were more than up to the task. Covering a wide array of Metal, Vinyl Cats did credit to keeping the Heavy Metal legacy alive. Starting with a sharp Night Train and delving into classic bands such as Dio and Iron Maiden, the show rocked until the final strains Of Highway Star. 

It is strange to see crowd reactions to Heavy Metal these days. The days of head banging and long locks of hair splashing back and forth might be over, but it could be because of the age group and the long-haired peeps are now bald or balding. Recently in a boot for torn tendons in my ankle, my days of crowd surfing and mosh pitting are finished, and the rest of the crowd was similar. Still, there was great energy in the room.

I’m appreciative of the reminder of a past era but neither a lost nor forgotten genre. Vinyl Cats should be playing more in the South Bay; take the time to go see them and sing out the lyrics as they play.

Kevin R. Andrade

I will be harkening back to my roots and attending more shows and doing reviews. I will be also reviewing new albums or EP’s or whatever the kids are doing these days. Contact me and I’ll listen to your music and give a few words.