Gimme Shelter Again

The Green Room's Altamont 2 takes rock back into the bowels of hell

A A A Comments (0) By Gilbert Garcia Thursday, Jul 1 1999

Known for his intensely personal solo performances, Oldham's quiet songs of sin and redemption are best enjoyed in a small, uncluttered atmosphere. That opportunity comes about on Friday, July 2, when he's scheduled to perform at downtown's Modified.

Korn Fed: As if we didn't already know it, last week's third annual Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands contest at Boston's drove home the point that the Korn/Limp Bizkit school of rock is the sound of the moment for disaffected white kids.

With the exception of the garage-punk Balls (whose set-opening cover of Tom Petty's "I Need to Know" felt like Petty as reinterpreted by Gwen Stefani), every band in the contest milked the rap/scream vocals and grinding, repetitious guitar riffs that put Jonathan Davis and Co. on the map. Musically, there was little to choose from between Projex, Animals of Evolution and Five on One. Nary a melody, interesting chord change, rhythmic groove nor discernible lyric was heard from any of these bands, but Five on One's black-leather fashion sense and higher degree of stage hyperactivity were enough to carry them to victory. The victory enabled the group to play the "Locals Only Stage" of the Vans Warped Tour show at Celebrity Theatre on June 29.

Bring On the Phunk: The Phunk Junkeez are busy at work on a follow-up to last year's Fear of a Wack Planet, but they'll take a break from recording to play two Independence-weekend gigs at Bash on Ash. On Friday, July 2, the band will play a 21-and-over show with Chet (a Phunk Junkeez spin-off band that includes Jesus Chrysler singer Mitch Steele), Surf Ballistics and Five on One. The following night will feature an all-ages show, including such support acts as Orange County band Dial Seven, Ph.D. and Lik Shotz. Showtime is 8 p.m. for both shows.

--Gilbert Garcia

Contact Gilbert Garcia at his online address: ggarcia@newtimes.com