March 19 2008 Hemlock and Bloodline @ studio 111

So it all started after a great jam session with a couple of my band mates, sitting around enjoying a few drinks, our guitarist Sherwin asks if we’re busy on Wednesday (March 19th). Of course, we weren’t, other than band practice, it was spring break. He then went on to mention something about his friend being in a band that was comin’ to Flagstaff. Hemlock had performed here before, and they were coming to play a show here to celebrate the release of their new album; no time for sorrow. Later on in the evening I went to check out myspace to get details on the concert, when I see that a friend that had added me a couple weeks ago had already posted a bulletin about the show. Excited, I quickly sent a reply asking “see you there?” and he responded with, “of course I’m going to be there, I’m the guitarist.” I was surprised to find out that it was the same guy that Sherwin was talking about and I didn’t even know it. So Wednesday came along and after practicing our own few songs, we headed over to 111 to check out the show. It was $8 at the door. First they had an opening band, which started late and the whole show was delayed by an hour or so, they weren’t that great, so we spent most of our time standing outside, and talking about how bad another band that was there last week was, and how awesome it was going to be to see Hemlock play live, better music, better show, half the price. I didn’t catch the name of the first band that played, but we all went back inside after they were done with their set. Their music was a mess of redundant power chords with a few good riffs here and there. One of the guitarists had pretty cool stage presence and was all over the place, but that can only get you so far. In fact, he was so all over the place that he had broke his guitar strap during the first song, and didn’t have another. You’d think that someone that’s on tour with a bigger named band would come prepared, but I guess he didn’t. oh well. So the next band started to set up as we walked in, we thought that hemlock was playing next, but we were wrong, there was another opening band; Bloodline. I found out that they’re from New Mexico and was excited to hear what some of the music scene from out there sounded like. After they got all set up, they started their set. Instantly I was captivated by music and stage presence. Really hard rock but still had something melodic about it, like some chords that didn’t seem quite right but still sounded really awesome. Not so much flailing around as the last band that had gone on, but there was a lot more head banging (by the band AND audience). They totally rocked. After they were done with their set, while Hemlock was setting up, a couple of the band members went over to the merch table and were signing autographs for people. They were really cool guys. So now it was time for the main event; Hemlock! They got up there and played some of their old music and some stuff off the new album. There were so many people moshing that I had to stand in the back because I didn’t want to get injured, as much as I would love to mosh too, I was wearing heeled boots and that just wasn’t happening. I still had a pretty good view of the band and was still close enough to see all the shredding that was going on. They totally rocked the place. After Hemlock left the stage, the place pretty much cleared out except the bands and a few people that stayed around to meet them. I think that’s something that’s really cool about 111, it’s a small venue and the bands usually stick around to hang out with the fans (at least while their still buying merchandise, lol) After that, the place really did clear out, and we decided to leave cause everyone was pretty much dead after the show. We went back to my place, and played more guitar, drank a few beers, and talked about how much the show rocked and how we can’t wait to get out there and play a live show of our own. After all was said and done, I think that I liked the band Bloodline just a little bit more than Hemlock (not by much though!), they just seemed to rock a little bit harder. Both equally talented, they put on a pretty good show. I know that Hemlock will come here again soon, and I’m looking forward to it. As far as Bloodline goes though, who know, I can only hope.

Bloodline and Hemlock get a: 7/10