Reviews

May 2008
The Echo Online

American Gangster

American Gangster is a true story that has been turned into a great movie, that is looking forward to getting major awards. It is about a 1970’s drug lord. Frank Lucas, played by Denzel Washington, takes over the streets of New York, selling his imported heroin from Bangkok . With Frank Lucas taking over the streets making millions of dollars, honest cop Ritchie Roberts, played by Russell Crowe, takes the case in which he does everything he possible can to stop Frank Lucas in his drug trade. This is a very entertaining movie that may not be suitable for younger children. Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe put in outstanding performances worthy of many awards. A must see movie for people of the appropriate ages

--Anthony Shamblin

Jack Johnson: Sleep Through The Static

Jack Johnson scores another hit with his new album Sleep Through The Static. This is Johnson’s 2^nd straight number one album. Jack is a Hawaiian born surfer and the mellowest superstar on the planet. The soft rock acoustic sound that made him a superstar is the sound he used to grab his fourth consecutive top ten album. Jack Johnson’s amazing song writing is very evident in his new album. Jack’s 4 best songs on this album are “Angel” “Sleep Through the Static” “All At Once” and “If I Had Eyes”. Also look for Jack’s other great albums.

--Alex D. Hawley

Prom Night(2008)

I recently went to the movies and watched prom night even though I really didn't want to watch it in the first place. Although it wasn't the worst movie ever it defiantly wasn't the best it was kind of cheesy and it seemed like it was too short and at the end the movie just practically cuts off. What it is about is: Donna's senior prom is supposed to be the best night of her life, one that is full of magic, beauty, and love. She is surrounded by her best friends, so she should be safe from the horrors of her past. But when the night turns from happiness and fun to murder there is only one man who could possibly be responsible...the man that she thought was gone forever. Now, Donna and her friends must find a way to escape the sadistic rampage of an obsessed killer, and try and survive their Prom Night. I would only recommend watching it if your really really bored or if you like watching stupid movies with horrible actors.

--Krysti Hall

Megadeth: Rust In Peace (Remastered)

    Megadeth was one of the very first true Thrash Metal bands. And their album Rust In Peace very quickly became (and still is) a staple of the Metal Community. Now the album is back and has been digitally remastered. In many songs on the album (the ones with less bass-driven rhythms the bass and drums are much clearer. The vocals are also much clearer, and therefore easier to understand.
    There are many people who say that Metallica's Hammett and Hetfield are the best team of Metal guitarists out there. People who say that have not listened to the dual shredding capability of Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman. From the growling rhythms to the lightning solos. They truly are a great duo.
    This is a great addition to the Megadeth library and well worth the money to anyone who likes Megadeth or even Metal in general. The Album also comes with three digitally remastered Demos from the demo tape they made of the Album. It is very interesting to listen to that and then to the real album versions and hear the evolution.

--Andrew J. Hoover

Bobaflex

Bobaflex, as most know, is an Alternative rock metal band, formed in the late 1990’s in Pt. Pleasant, West Virginia. Brother’s Marty and Shaun McCoy established it, around 1998. Their fast paced songs, interesting lyrics, energetic performances, and unrelenting dedication have turned them not only into a local celebrity, but a national one as well. They first gained popularity in the Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky tri state region. As overwhelming demand for more of their music surprised them, they became Columbus’s premier rock club (Al Rosa Villa’s) fist unsigned act. As their popularity soared they became the co-headliners for Ohio’s largest independent rock fest, Woodshock, for three years in a row. They also dominated Huntington West Virginia’s largest rock fest, X-Fest for 3 years in a row. Soon Bobaflex released the album “Primitive Epic” since their tour, and success; captivated New Jersey‘s “Eclipse Records“. They sold all one thousand copies within weeks of the independently booked tour. They went on to sign with “TVT Records” and recorded the album “Apologize for Nothing” in 2005, the record exploded and brought in more support and new fans than ever before. Their latest release “Tales from Dirt Town” October 30, 2007 was also a huge hit and disappeared quickly from store shelves. Bobaflex has been on tour, and will start again in March with Soil, you can find their tour dates (a few near our region) on their Myspace. www.myspace.com/bobaflex

The band members include Shaun McCoy, Vocals and Guitar. Marty McCoy, Vocals and Guitar. Mike Steele, Guitar and back up Vocals. Jerod Mankin, Bass Guitar and back up Vocals. Last but definitely not least, Tommy Johnson on the Drums. A lot of our locals know these boys from childhood, school, family ties, or because of them just hanging around. Sometimes when I talk to people about them I hear things like “Oh, my dad worked with him!” Or “Yeah, he was my neighbor for a few years!” They acknowledge where they are from, and have a hoard of friends here. They recognize the fact that West Virginia is made fun of a lot, and take it in stride and laugh right along with the jokes.

I recently read an interview with Vocalist Marty; he describes some little known struggles the band has had in its years. Just one example that sticks in my mind is on their way to Gigantour their van broke down several times, and most of their equipment got stolen, sentimental guitars, amps, wiring, everything. They were stuck without instruments for the upcoming shows. However, instead of wallowing in their problem, they held a benefit show and raised enough money to buy all new equipment. Marty also admits to the boredom our area contains, he said that when he was a kid, he and his brother turned that boredom into creativity and started learning guitar. He also says when he was a teenager he realized he didn't fit in, that hunting and fishing were not his thing, and he resented them, but grew to accept them as time went on. Tales from dirt town is dedicated to all the teenagers in the small towns of America. It is a ballad of sorts to all the youth in forgotten towns, faced with limited options and the feeling that their life needs to play out a certain way. You can read his full interview, and more on their struggle at the Bobaflex Warrior’s Myspace at www.myspace.com/bobaflexwarriors

Bobaflex’s single off their album ‘Tales From Dirt Town’ is simply called “Home”. It even has a music video, which you can watch on their myspace, or look up on youtube.com. If you call into your local rock playing radio station, you can request to hear it. Its safe to say nothing can keep them down, they keep climbing up the ladder of success, and I personally have no doubts they are getting very close to the top. I have seen them twice live, the first time at the John Holsinger benefit and memorial concert (he was a personal friend to the members of Bobaflex) in Pomeroy Ohio. It was amazing, as the hit song “Home” says “The Crowd was on Fire.” It was incredible to be there with your close friends, and even mere acquaintances. Even pure strangers felt close, it did not make any difference you knew you were all there for the same purpose, just to listen to good music, and have a great time. Its also special because they talked about Meigs County in-between songs, and made you feel as if you could relate to every lyric they sang. It feels good to know that someone from this county never gave up on making themselves into what they dreamed of becoming. I remember really specific details from that night, since I had wanted to see Bobaflex for a very long time before that. Any one who was there (and, there was a very, very large crowd.) could back me up that there are almost no exact words to describe the feelings pulsing through the crowd that night. Young, old, middle aged, everyone was hot, sweaty, but singing their hearts out, and just going insane. Jumping, screaming, cheering on what became multiple encores. When they stopped their set for the night, someone would start a chant for one more song, and so they gladly played it. This repeated three or four more times before they finally ended their performance for. It was nothing short of my expectations of them; in fact, the show exceeded them greatly. Honestly just talking about this has made me go into my music files and play some Bobaflex.

The second time I saw them live was at Court Street Bar and Grill, in Pomeroy Ohio. I got a lot more pictures this time, considering I was in the very front row, directly against the stage, and under the microphone. Let me tell you, that, was an unforgettable experience. I own all three albums, so I know almost all of the words to their songs. Once again endless singing along, jumping, and fists in the air. The Grill was packed to its fullest, and still managing to squeeze more fans in. This is quite a feat, if you have ever been in the Grill you would agree. There were even people standing outside, on the street, watching through the big glass window. The feeling of unity was once more throughout the crowd, and as amazing as the last performance I saw was, this one topped it by a mile. It seems as if every time I see them they get better. This is a quality not a lot of bands have. Shaun and Marty towered over me as they sang their hearts out into the mic. Mike and Jerod played furiously, and Tommy put in his all as well. Again they played multiple encores, being cheered on by the packed in crowd. I even got the privilege of having Shaun sing ‘to me’ a few inches from my face, as he blasted away at the songs. After their energetic and hectic performance, I met Shaun, who was extremely nice and sweet. We got a picture together, and he signed my pants. When it was all over, I felt like I was floating in the air, Bobaflex shows always give me a kind of natural high. The ultimate rush of adrenaline, the supreme ‘In the Moment’ experience. Its hard not to go on and on about that show after I begin thinking about it. I hope that I can make it to a couple of their shows now that they are on tour with Soil, because they never fail to top their last performance, and give it their all each time.

In summation, Bobaflex is a group of friendly down to earth guys, who are relatable as people. They aren't covered over by glitz and glamour, as most new bands tend to be. They are not sellouts, who car nothing for their fans. They are real. It has been proven to me time and time again that they know how to give you exactly what you hoped for, plus more. I am discouraged by our area a lot, and what it has to offer, Bobaflex sort of gives me hope, I feel like there is someone successful I can relate to on the same level. I would recommend that everyone give them a chance, and try to make it out to at least one show. Although if you go to one, you will inevitably find yourself at another, almost thirsty for another. They are nice, and sweet, and will sign anything you want. They are from our area, and know it well. People seem to gravitate to them and their catchy music. So, next time Bobaflex comes back home, come out to see them, you’ll be both surprised and impressed at how good they make you feel. After all, Home is where the heart is, and Bobaflex definitely have mine!

Reviews

Megadeth: Rust In Peace (Remastered)

Bobaflex

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